KEEPING YOUR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS SAFE WHEN MOVING HOUSES

Musical instruments can be quite expensive to own and maintain. Most people also have a lot of emotional value attached to musical instruments, especially if it is a piece that has been passed on in the family or has some special significance. For some others, it is a source of livelihood, and everything depends on how well the instrument functions and is maintained. Are you worried about your musical instruments as you plan to move? 

Packing musical instruments right for moving

• Protect the instrument body: The body of most wood instruments is the most important part of the instruments. Some other parts can be replaced or repaired f required but the body has to remain intact for the instrument to play right. This is also true of instruments that have metal bodies. Therefore, when packing, ensure that the body of your instrument is well cushioned and packed tightly for the move. 
• Beware of soft instrument cases: hard-shell cases provide a high level of protection to musical instruments. However, if you have a soft case for your musical instrument, you might want to consider buying a hard case. If that is not possible, ensure that there is a lot of cushioning using bubble wrap and packing material to endure that the instrument is well protected from shocks and jerks during the move. 
• Pack empty spaces to avoid movement: Empty spaces within instrument cases as well as between various boxes should be packed during the move so that the instruments do not move around when being transported. The less your musical instrument moves, the less chances there are of it getting damaged. Packing all the empty spaces will ensure the instruments reach the destination intact. 
• Retain original boxes for instruments if possible: When you buy new musical instruments, try to retain the original packaging that they come in if you know you will be moving around. Original packing is usually quite sturdy and protects the instruments well. 
• Protects ends and parts that jut out: Many instruments have small knobs and parts that jut out from the body. If these can be removed, it is best to take them out and pack them separately so they do not get lost or damage the body of the instrument. If that is not possible, ensure these parts have extra cushioning to prevent breakage and damage. 

Storing musical instruments safely

If you plan to store your musical instrument sin a storage facility, you will still need to take all the precautions and care discussed for packing the instruments. Along with those pointers, here are a few other things you will need to keep in mind to keep your musical instruments safe: 

• Use weatherproof packing: If the instruments are going to be in storage for a while or if it is rainy weather, it is best to use waterproof packaging. At the same time, remember that many instruments need to breathe when they are stored, so keep that in mind as well. Ensure the instruments are protected against changes in weather while in storage. 
• Check on them regularly: Visit the storage facility every once in a while to check if everything is alright. This will help you spot leaks and other issues early and fix them before they affects your musical instruments. 
• Protect metal parts from rusting: You can special polishes to prevent rusting you can also choose temperature and humidity controlled storage spaces for your musical instruments to prevent rusting and molding-related issues. 
• Use polish to keep wood from cracking: Wooden instruments should be polished regularly even when they are kept in storage. This will keep the wood hydrated and keep it from bulging or cracking. 

Tips to ensure your musical instruments are safe during a move

Here are a few tips that you should keep in mind when moving musical instruments to a new house or studio space to ensure they are transported safely and without any damage: 

• Ensure your instruments are have a lot of cushioning during packing and moving. 
• Unpack them as carefully as you pack them to ensure there is no damage or loose parts falling out. 
• Place smaller musical instruments in their cases and place them next to each other, not on top of each other. 
• For metal instruments, ensure all the parts are cushioned and packed separately so they do not clash against each other and dent the instrument body. 
• Loosen strings when moving to a warmer or colder place as strings could get too tight and snap with changes in climate, damaging the body of the instrument. 

It is best to hire a professional moving company that specializes in packing and moving musical instruments of all kinds. This will ensure that your musical instruments are handled with care and reach your new home or studio without any damage.