Instruments are expensive possessions and often need a lot of care and attention. This is especially important when putting instruments into storage as they can get damaged if left alone without the right care. Here is our advice on the ways to safely keep instruments in storage…
1. Clean your instruments before storing
Before leaving your instrument in storage, remove any dust and grime and clean it thoroughly. Don’t use any old household cleaning product as this may damage it. Use cleaning products that are recommended for your instrument. Specialist products for cleaning musical instruments will be gentler on the materials. Forsyth music shop has some helpful guides like this one for cleaning a clarinet.
2. Store your instruments in a hard case
Try and put your instrument into a hard case if possible. This will protect your instrument against physical damage and UV light. It will also limit the damage caused by changing climate conditions, and keep your musical instrument away from pests. This is particularly important if it is made from natural materials such as wood or leather.
Larger instruments, such as drums and pianos, do not need a hard case but can be stored under a cover instead. Place a cotton sheet over them to prevent the build-up of dust.
3. Disassemble your instruments if possible
Taking apart your instrument will save you space in your storage unit and keep it safe. This will mainly apply to woodwind and brass instruments that are assembled in sections. Taking the instrument apart means there will be less pressure placed on the joints and so they will be less likely to break.
4. Release the strings on your instrument
Ease the tension on the strings of your violin, guitar or double bass to prevent them from snapping or warping. Loosen them a little bit, and place the instrument in a safe position where the strings are not likely to snag on something. When you’re ready to return to your instrument, just tighten and tune the strings again.
5. Control the temperature and climate of your storage facility
Temperature and humidity can drastically effect the quality of your instrument as they are made of delicate materials. We highly recommend that you use a storage facility with climate control to protect your instruments from damage. To learn more about the benefits, read our article on why certain items need climate-controlled storage.
6. Protect your instruments with insurance
The most important tip in keeping your instruments safe in storage is insure them against damage and theft. Your instruments may be covered under contents insurance, which includes anything that you would usually have in your house. However, it is best to check the details as some specialist or antique instruments may need separate insurance. You can always outsource your insurance from a different provider. At Store and Insure, we can cover your belongings in storage by the day so you only pay for what you need – get a quote from us today!
Make the music last longer
Keeping your instruments safe in storage means you can play music for much longer.
