Experts agree that humidity and extreme temperatures are enemies of musical instruments in storage, and instrument owners need to take great care when storing them. If they don’t, then they run the risk of their instruments warping, expanding, contracting or becoming otherwise damaged, which can lead to costly repair or replacement.
The ideal place, experts say, is to store them inside a home, music store or school. However, if space is limited, then A.B. Richards suggests storing them inside portable storage containers as an option, as long as certain precautions are taken to ensure longevity and sound, and to prevent damage from extreme temperatures, humidity, and dust.
The Right Way to Store Musical Instruments in Mobile Storage Containers
Whether you are a professional musician, teach music in a school or are learning to play an instrument, here are some tips for properly storing musical instruments in mobile storage units:
- Always clean, polish and condition your musical instruments with the proper cleaning solutions and techniques geared for your wood, brass or stringed instruments before storing.
- Disassemble parts, remove reeds, mouthpieces, and straps, and relax strings and cover them with a clean cloth.
- Store instruments in their original cases, and make sure those cases are in good condition. Consider placing encased instruments inside polyethylene bags for extra protection against humidity.
- Store them off the floor, ideally either on wooden pallets or shelves, with plenty of space in between them.
- Cover larger instruments, such as pianos, with a tarp or sheet to protect against dust. Also consider wrapping larger instruments, such as pianos, in heavy padding. Further consider storing your pianos, especially baby grand pianos, on their side.
- In addition, with regard to pianos, experts recommend using a professional piano mover.
- Keep stored musical instruments away from doors (or vents or direct sunlight).
- Consider using a hygrometer to measure interior humidity levels. If the humidity level gets too high, then consider using a dehumidifier to lower the level.
- Keep an inventory of what musical instruments are stored, and carefully reassemble, tune and clean each instrument as you remove them from storage.
Advantages of Storing Musical Instruments in Mobile Storage Units
Other advantages of storing musical instruments in portable storage containers include:
- The cost-effective option of storing them in a place other than a musty and dusty store room, garage, attic or basement.
- The convenience of having your instruments right on premises, accessible at any time, but still out of the way in order to maximize space in your home, school or music store.
- The security of being able to control access to the instruments you store and to monitor who goes in and out of the mobile storage units.
If you’re seeking secure, cost-effective extra storage space for your musical instruments at your home or business, at (your school or at your music store, then give A.B. Richards a call at (800) 597-5971. Our storage container renting and leasing experts will answer all of your questions and help you choose the exact portable storage containers that fit your needs and your budget.
