Preparing instruments for storage in Miami – tips and tricks

A musical instrument can easily be one of the most valuable items that you own. They have a sentimental value, and if you have spent hundreds and thousands of hours playing them, you have a special bond with them. That is why it is important to know every tip and trick when preparing instruments for storage in Miami. We have prepared this useful guide for you, and more than that, we can recommend the excellent Miami storage facilities. Here, your instruments will be protected and safe after you prepare them well.

a musician holding a saxophone, before preparing instruments for storage in Miami
Preparing instruments for storage in Miami means that you need to clean them properly before packing.

Rent a perfect storage unit for your instruments

If you plan to move to Miami, and you have a couple of instruments that need to be stored for a while, choose the best storage unit. For instruments, it is vital that the storage unit is climate-controlled. If not, temperature fluctuations can cause a lot of problems that can affect the way the instruments look and sound. So, call the storage before you rent a unit, and check whether they are suitable for storing instruments. Preparing instruments for storage in Miami is all about organization and making good choices.

Clean the instruments first

Before you store your instruments, they should be thoroughly cleaned. Dust cannot cause any issues in the short-term, but after a while it can be a cause of scratches and overall lower performance of the instruments. Instrument cleanliness is also very important when you want to avoid the germs as well. Go to the music store and get cleaning supplies for your type of instruments. They will inform you what is the most non-invasive way to clean your items thoroughly. This should be done one day before you take your items to storage. Make sure that the instruments are completely dry before you pack them.

Take photos when preparing instruments for storage

Taking photos before storing your instruments is the best thing that you can do. Photographs will help you determine whether the items have any existing damage. Furthermore, after you take them out of storage it will be easy to conclude whether the items are in the same condition or not. Preparing instruments for storage in Miami is not hard, but it may take some time to accomplish everything. Save the photos on your computer, but also make a backup and save them on the cloud as well. If your instruments will be in storage for more than a couple of months it is easy to lose track of the photos.

a close up photo of a quitar leaned against the wall
Never lean your instruments on the wall, or leave them down on the floor in the storage unit.

Find original cases

If you have an original case for your instruments, this is excellent for storing instruments in Miami. Your instruments will be preserved just right in them. If you do not have them, go to the music store and ask if you can rent or buy them. It is important that the instruments have a hard case, instead of a soft case. A hard case will protect your instrument from UV light, temperature changes, and insects. A soft case is only good if you will be storing your instruments for a short while, or if you will regularly be taking them out of storage.

Preparing instruments for storage facilities does not have to be hard

Here we will see what is essential when it comes to preparing instruments for storage.

  • Woodwind instruments – Saxophones, clarinets, and flutes should have a tissue placed between the pads. This will prevent them from getting sticky. Also, make sure to disconnect the reeds and the mouthpieces and keep them separately.
  • Stringed instruments – With stringed instruments it is important that you loosen the strings. Even the climate-control storage units cannot help with the tension building up in them.
  • Piano – When it comes to storing a piano, it is important to protect the pedals and the bench. Wrap them in protective material. You can cover the entire piano with a sheet in order to prevent the dust to form.

In storage

When you bring your instruments to the storage facility, never leave them on the floor. If your storage unit does not have shelves, buy your own shelves. Even for large instruments like a piano, it is not recommended that they are near the floor. Instead, place them on pallets that are suitable for getting the instruments off the floor. Furthermore, do not lean your instruments on the wall, like a guitar. In order for your instruments to feel the benefits of short-term storage rental in Miami, you need to position them correctly.

Make sure that there is no risk of any item falling on your instrument. Never leave anything on the case of the instrument, no matter how hard the case may seem. Preparing instruments for storage in Miami has a lot do to with how you will leave them be in the storage.

a person playing a piano
Visit the storage at least once a month to check for any changes in your instruments, in order to avoid any permanent damage.

Visit the storage frequently

We have already mentioned that your instruments may easily be one of the most important and valuable items that you own. For this reason, it is vital that you check up on them frequently if they will be in storage for a large period of time. It is essential to monitor any changes that your instruments may suffer. Discoloration, mold, dust, corrosion, cracked joints can all affect the instrument. If you notice any of these issues, arrange for a professional to take a look and determine what is the best thing to do. If you visit the storage monthly, this will give you plenty of time to react before any real damage occurs.

Preparing instruments for storage in Miami is the best thing that you can do for your musical friends. Be very careful and consult experts if you notice anything that does not seem right. Good luck!