Your instruments are no small investment – and that’s why you want to make sure they are well taken care of! Musical instruments are designed to last you many years, and can even be passed down from generation to generation if they are maintained properly. Get the most enjoyment and use out of your investment by ensuring it is stored and kept in prime condition!
Noah’s Ark Self Storage is the best place to keep your valued belongings until you are ready to use them again. We want you to know all the best tips for storing your instrument with us so that you can safely leave them in our care!
Use Your Instrument’s Case
There’s a reason why your instrument comes in case – they are designed to offer protection and preservation. While boxes or bags are fine for other kinds of belonging, it’s best to use an actual case built for your instrument to ensure optimal condition. This means seeking out a new case before storing your instrument if your original one has been lost or damaged.
Disassemble Your Instrument
Most instruments are made to detach to be able to fit in their case. Make sure that mouth pieces, reeds and straps are all taken apart before being stored for a period of time. Even string instruments can be loosened slightly to avoid bowing the instrument over time – don’t forget to loosen the bow too! Drum heads can be loosened as well. Pianos are designed to withstand pressure, so their strings should be fine.
Clean Your Instrument
Instruments should be cleaned regularly, but you should do an extra through cleaning before you store an instrument for a long time. Use the appropriate cleaning solutions and cloths to get into every nook and cranny of your instrument. You want to prevent moisture and dirt from building up over time. You can also insert tissue paper or key cleaning paper beneath the keys of instruments like flutes, clarinets and saxophones. This will prevent the keys from sticking or wearing down.
Pack With Caution
After the instrument is clean, pack it in the case. Make sure all of the pieces and parts are firmly placed in their designated areas. You can use ultra soft materials like cotton to fill in the extra space and ensure the pieces don’t move and are unaffected over time. Lastly, place a clean cloth over the top and close the case. Make sure the case will remain closed by testing the latches and even tying an extra cord or belt around the case.
Storing Large Instruments
Larger instruments like pianos won’t have a case for protection. You may consider having these professionally moved. Piano legs, pedals and benches need to be wrapped with heavy padding. After using a soft sheet or blanket to cover the entire top of the instrument, secure a tarp over it as well to prevent moisture, mildew or pests from entering uninvited.
Choose The Best Area To Store
Within your storage unit, you want to be smart about the placement of your instrument. Place movable instruments on shelves or on the top of boxes. Do not store other items on top of your instrument – no matter how light they seem! Opt for a climate controlled storage unit for maximum preservation. If you do not have a climate controlled unit, consider taking extra measures to protect your instrument from the heat or cold.
Ready To Store With Noah’s Ark?
With these tips and reminders, you should be ready to add your instrument to your storage unit. If you need to start your storage journey with Noah’s Ark, our team is ready and willing to speak with you about your needs. We care about your belongings and want your storage experience to be fantastic! Contact us today for any storage questions!
