Musical instruments cost a lot of money and keeping them in the best condition is the key to making them last. Self storage facilities are an excellent option for storing musical instruments when you do not have space at home.
Before packing your instrument for storage, take some necessary steps to prepare. Proper preparation can be the difference between keeping your musical instrument in pristine condition or having a damaged one.
Smaller musical instruments are easily stored in your house or apartment, but what happens when you have larger ones and not enough room to store them? Storage facilities to the rescue!
Here are some helpful storage tips on how to store musical instruments:
1. Use Climate Controlled Storage
2. Clean Your Instrument
3. Wrap And Cover Larger Instruments
4. Store In Original Case
5. Keep Off The Floor
6. Check For Damages Often
7. Opt For Insurance
Climate controlled storage units are the only option for storing instruments. Musical instruments are sensitive to temperature changes and humidity. Amplifiers and other electronic equipment also require the same storage solution. Climate controlled storage units maintain a consistent temperature, which helps instruments from being damaged from moisture or temperature fluctuations.
Before you put your instrument into storage, clean it thoroughly. For flutes that have padded keys, place tissue paper between the pads as this will help prevent the keys from sticking. Place all the pieces of your instrument in the original case.
Using a sheet of acid free paper or cloth will help to keep them safe. Be sure to use the right tools and avoid using household cleaners, which can be very damaging.
Be sure to release the tension on strings before storing stringed instruments. Doing so will prevent them from snapping or causing damage to the neck. Mouthpieces, reeds, or straps need to be detached and packed with care.
Cover larger instruments, such as drums and pianos, with a sheet to protect them from dust. We recommend pianos be kept off the floor, using casters or wooden pallets to avoid any moisture damage. Wrap the legs, peddles and bench of a piano and never stack any other items on top.
For drums, consider loosening the skins, as this will keep them from stretching and the need for replacement.
Musical instruments are expensive items. Storing them in their original case or box will help maintain their value. If you do not have the original box, consider purchasing one from a music store.
Many instrument cases are lined and designed to fit the instrument like a glove. This protects each piece from getting scratched or damaged.
We suggest keeping your instruments off the floor by using shelving or pallets in your storage unit. Organizing and packing your storage unit is also important as it helps you maximize the space in your storage unit.
Wood instruments, particularly, should be checked for damages regularly. Wood instruments are very susceptible to temperature changes and humidity. A climate controlled storage unit is the only storage solution when storing wood instruments!
Keep an eye out for discolouration, mold, and cracked joints. We also suggest that you take out your instrument and even play it occasionally.
As instruments are often an expensive item, you will want to make sure they are insured while in storage. Take photos of your instrument before, during and after storing as this will help with an insurance claim if needed. Cowan Insurance Brokers can provide low cost premiums if your home owners policy does not provide coverage for your stored belongings. Ask one of our Elite Self Storage rental experts about our low cost insurance options.
At Elite Self Storage, we have climate controlled storage units for rent. We offer a variety of storage unit sizes with online reservations and online move ins. Give one of our storage rental experts a call today to discuss your storage needs. We offer storage unit rentals in Edmonton and St. Albert.
Our Elite Storage Facilities offer a range of storage types, unheated storage, climate controlled storage, vehicle storage and RV Storage.
Elite Self Storage South Edmonton | 3230 97 St, Edmonton, AB 780-452-8242
Elite Self Storage Riel Park | 7 Riel Drive, St. Albert, AB 780-459-6435
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