How to Pack and Transport Fragile Musical Instruments
Moving with your fragile musical instruments is one of the most challenging tasks ever. Instruments require special care and caution during moving. With some planning and efficient packing techniques, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that your musical instruments are reaching safely at your new destination. Let’s discuss some very important tips on how to pack and transport fragile musical instruments.
1: Importance of Proper Packing
Proper packing is one of the aspects of preventing potential damage to musical instruments while in transit. It is advisable to use quality packing material to pack instruments into well-made cases and custom-made ones. It is prudent to ensure that the cases are free from any forms of damage, especially, cracks and broken handles.
It may be good to fill up spaces inside cases through further cushioning materials such as bubble wrap, foam padding, or packaging peanuts. It would be useful in absorbing shocks and vibrations while in transit. In string instruments, it is always advisable to loosen the strings slightly so that it relieves the strings from tension-driven breakages.
2: Disassemble the instrument
Bigger or more complex instruments, meanwhile, can especially benefit from disassembly beforehand. Contact the manufacturer for the appropriate instructions on how to disassemble and reassemble. It makes handling and transport easier.
Hire professional technicians who can assist you in the appropriate ways to disassemble and reassemble in case you don’t know how to do it yourself to avoid any wreckage.
3: Labeling and Inventory
Clearly label each case with your name, contact information, and the contents, so it can be identified if it gets separated from the rest of your instruments during the move. Make an inventory of all your musical instruments and other equipment to ensure that nothing is left behind.
Be sure to take photos of the instruments before depositing them into the boxes, which are a great reflection of the condition they are in. It will prove to be very useful if there is damage while being sent. Please have a copy of your inventory sheet and a picture of the items sent along with you while it’s being sent.
4: Choosing the Right Moving Company
This goes a long way to make sure that you hire a moving company with the right experience in handling fragile instruments. Look at the moving company that offers special services for handling musical equipment. Look at the type of insurance policy they hold against breakages, damages, or loss, and what type of extra fee is charged for the handling of such delicate items.
Request from them a detailed quotation regarding the cost of the move, along with any other charges concerning packing, handling, and transporting musical instruments. Make sure that the moving company is reputable and has received positive reviews from previous customers.
5: Loading and Unloading
Caution
Load your cargo carefully with your equipment and strap it down. Do not place anything heavy over it—especially the cases that your equipment is in. Use straps or tie-downs tightly and hold the instruments secure from slipping or sliding in the vehicle.
Do not drop or knock the instrument while attempting to unload into a new house. You will have someone help you get the musical instrument to the final destination. Make sure that you check the instrument for any damage before completely unwrapping it.
Large changes in temperature and humidity can be drastic on musical instruments; extreme temperatures can make the wood on the instruments bend or crack and too much humidity will allow mold or mildew to grow.
Ensure that the rental truck has a climate control system to maintain an equal temperature and humidity level. If you can, use or rent a climate-controlled vehicle or location to move your instruments.
7: Insurance Coverage
Have the right insurance in place so that you can find replacements for your valuable musical instruments should anything happen throughout the move. It would be nice to consult with the moving company on which insurance could be able to protect your instruments most effectively. You may want to seek insurance that is additional for these items. Such insurance should be able to cover loss, damages, and theft.
Make a photocopy of the insurance policy together with any relevant documents for record purposes. This shall come in handy in any case of a claim or dispute about your moving.
8: Inspection After the Move
Inspect your instruments for damage as early as possible after having moved. In case you detect some damage, make a record of the damage and inform the moving company or your insurance provider.
Bring your instruments to a qualified technician for an adjustment. If an instrument is damaged, have it repaired or restored.
9: Preventive Maintenance
More care would lengthen your musical instruments’ life. Clean and tune instruments after frequent use, following the recommendations of the manufacturer. Store them in a climatically controlled room to prevent damage.
You may also wish to purchase covers or cases for your instruments to protect them from dust, scratches, or unanticipated bumps. Good care will afford you countless more years of fun and play with your musical instruments.
Transporting sensitive musical instruments is a task that calls for much planning and careful consideration of every step. After reading the tips above, you may be at peace knowing that your treasured instruments will sail through to your new home. Looking for skilled packing and moving services? Reach out to PacknDash right away for a free quotation, and we shall move your musical instruments with care.