Delicate items always need to be packed with care when preparing for a move. Musical instruments are especially sensitive and must be packed with an added level of protection. Whether you're a professional musician or just an occasional music-maker, you want to hand a smartly packed instrument to the movers when the time comes. Below are some professional movers' tips for packing musical instruments.

How to Pack a Musical Instrument for a Move

1. Dismantle & Individually Wrap Pieces of Brass & Woodwind Instruments

Brasses and woodwinds should be taken apart and broken down to the smallest pieces possible. Then, carefully wrap each part in bubble wrap. When putting them in a packing box, make sure the inner perimeter of the box is lined with some type of cushioning, such as additional bubble wrap, sheets or blankets, or packing peanuts.

2. Loosen Stringed Instruments

For any stringed instrument, from guitars and ukuleles to cellos and harps, first loosen the strings so they are not taut. You want there to be a little bit of slack to avoid them snapping during the move. Then, turn the frets so they are all going up and down. If you have a proper carrying case, use that to store the instrument for the move, packing it with some crumpled-up newspaper or packing paper to hold the instrument relatively still. If you don't have a carrying case, wrap the instrument in a garbage bag and seal it with tape before putting it in a box. The box should have ample padding inside to hold the instrument still.

3. Nest Drums in a Well-Padded Box

With drums, movers suggest removing the heads and rims and nesting them inside a slightly larger box. The box should have a few extra inches all around so you can fill it with padding, like packing paper or peanuts. Small removable parts should be kept together in a bag, and larger removable parts should be wrapped in bubble wrap.

With a little extra diligence and mindfulness, your musical instruments will make it through your move unscathed. The movers at Bell Moving & Storage are here to ensure every aspect of your relocation goes off without a hitch. Since 1922, they have been providing residential and commercial moving services, climate control storage, and packing assistance to customers throughout Butler County, OH. To obtain a moving estimate, call (513) 942-7500 or visit them online. For more moving tips, follow them on Facebook or Google+.