Moving & Packing Musical Instruments

Musical instruments are both expensive and easily damaged, so the thought of an upcoming move might be stressful for musicians. No matter the distance of the move, it’s important to keep your instruments carefully packaged to prevent damage. In fact, for the pianist out there, Shleppers offers a special piano moving service. However, overall, we’ve outlined how you can pack your instruments for your next move to keep them in playing shape.

Advice That’s Music to Your Ears

Woodwinds and Brass: The easiest way to pack up your instrument is just to disassemble it and pack it in a classic velvet-lined hard case. These types of cases are designed specifically to protect each piece of the instrument by keeping it snugly in place and safeguarded in case of shock. If you don’t have a hard case, the best thing to do is try to replicate the protection that a hard case would give with items you have at home. For example, wrap each part of the disassembled instrument in bubble wrap or other padding and place the pieces in a box that is spacious enough to fit all the pieces but not so big that the pieces will shift in transit. Line the box with a layer of padding like a large blanket or towels. Avoid packing woodwind and brass instruments with packing peanuts that might get into the valves and cause damage.

Drums: The first step to packing a drum set is disassembly. Removing the drumheads allows the smaller drums to be packed inside larger drums during transit while also protecting them from damage to the skins.  Keep all small parts in a separate container so nothing is lost during the move. After carefully disassembling your drums, they’re ready to be packed. Ensure the box is cushioned with bubble wrap, packing paper, or other packing materials. After placing the drums inside, pack the empty space in the box full of cushion to prevent shifting during transport. Seal the box carefully using several layers of tape to reinforce it.

Guitars: Did you know that your local UPS store carries guitar packing boxes? These specialty 50” x 20” x 9” boxes are the perfect size for shipping or transporting a guitar but may need to be ordered ahead of time, so check with your UPS store before your move. To prep, the guitar for transport, loosen the strings and remove the guitar strap. Tight strings are more prone to snapping while the guitar is being handled, so loosening them and removing any extra accessories like the strap can save your guitar any unnecessary stress. When packing the guitar, follow instructions similar to packing drums. Ensure the bag or box is well padded and that any empty space is filled with more packing materials to prevent the instrument from shifting.

Moving with NYC’s Most Trusted Moving Company

When finding a moving company to transport your musical instruments, choose Shleppers. With over 40 years of moving fragile, sentimental, and valuable items, our moves never fall flat.

Contact Shleppers Moving & Storage to get a FREE QUOTE for your move NOW!