How to Store Musical Instruments in a Storage Unit
Sep 2, 2026 / Public Storage
Before placing a musical instrument in storage, confirm that it is permitted under your rental agreement and falls within the applicable stored-value limit. Clean and dry the instrument according to its manufacturer’s instructions, place it in a properly fitted case and arrange it where other belongings will not press against it.
Because care requirements vary by instrument, consult the manufacturer or a qualified instrument technician before adjusting strings, drumheads, reeds, valves or other components. Climate-controlled storage may also be worth considering for eligible instruments that can be affected by changing temperature or humidity.
Musical Instrument Storage at a Glance
| Instrument type | Preparation to consider |
|---|---|
| Guitars and other stringed instruments | Clean as directed, use a fitted case and ask the manufacturer or a qualified technician about string tension |
| Violins, violas and cellos | Clean the instrument, release bow tension and follow the maker’s guidance for strings and humidity |
| Woodwinds | Remove moisture, clean detachable components and place the dry instrument in its fitted case |
| Brass instruments | Empty moisture, clean as directed and use only manufacturer-approved lubricants |
| Drums and percussion | Clean each component and follow manufacturer instructions before disassembly or changing drumhead tension |
| Keyboards and electronic equipment | Dust surfaces, organize cables and follow the manufacturer’s battery and storage instructions |
| Pianos | Confirm eligibility, dimensions and access before renting, then use professional movers and a qualified piano technician |
Can You Store Musical Instruments at Public Storage?
Some musical instruments may be stored at Public Storage when they comply with the rental agreement, facility rules and applicable stored-value limit.
Before moving an instrument into a unit:
- Review the current Public Storage storage policies.
- Confirm the instrument’s replacement cost falls within the permitted stored-value limit.
- Review applicable insurance requirements.
- Check whether the case will fit through the facility entrance, hallway, elevator and unit door.
- Confirm that the unit type and property features meet your needs.
Choose another storage arrangement if an instrument cannot be replaced or exceeds the permitted stored-value limit. Facility features, unit dimensions and storage requirements vary by location.
Is Climate-Controlled Storage Worth Considering for Musical Instruments?
Climate-controlled storage is designed to help maintain more consistent temperature or humidity levels than standard storage. It may be worth considering for eligible instruments made with wood, metal, felt, adhesives or electronic components.
Climate control does not guarantee an instrument’s condition, and conditions can still vary by facility and unit. Inspect the available space, review the manufacturer’s recommendations and consider how long the instrument will remain in storage.
More than 90% of Public Storage properties—more than 4,300 of over 4,600 facilities—offer climate-controlled units. Availability varies by location. Learn more about climate-controlled storage.
How Should You Prepare Stringed Instruments for Storage?
Guitars, violins, violas, cellos and similar instruments should be clean and dry before being placed in their cases.
Use a clean, manufacturer-approved cloth to remove fingerprints, dust and residue from the finish, strings and fingerboard. Avoid household cleaners unless the instrument maker specifically recommends them.
Do not assume every stringed instrument should be detuned in the same way. String-tension recommendations vary according to the instrument, neck construction, bridge and expected storage period. Consult the owner’s manual, manufacturer or a qualified luthier before making an adjustment.
For bowed instruments, release bow tension after playing and pack the bow in its designated case holder.
How Should You Prepare Woodwind and Brass Instruments?
Moisture should be removed from woodwind and brass instruments before storage.
For woodwinds:
- Swab the instrument according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Remove reeds and allow reusable components to dry completely.
- Clean the mouthpiece with supplies approved for the instrument.
- Place small accessories in a labeled pouch or case compartment.
For brass instruments:
- Empty accumulated moisture.
- Wipe the exterior with an appropriate cloth.
- Clean removable components as directed by the manufacturer.
- Use only the recommended valve oil, slide grease or other lubricant.
Allow every component to dry before closing the case. If the instrument has recently been serviced, ask the technician whether any additional preparation is appropriate.
How Should You Prepare Drums and Percussion Instruments?
Start by removing dust from drum shells, hardware, cymbals and stands. If the kit will be disassembled, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep the hardware for each component together.
Do not automatically loosen drumheads for storage. Recommended tension can depend on the drum, head material and expected storage period. Ask the manufacturer or a qualified drum technician before changing the setup.
Use drum cases or padded bags that fit the individual components. Place cymbals in sleeves or a fitted cymbal case, and avoid resting heavy equipment on shells, heads or cymbals.
How Should You Pack Keyboards, Amplifiers and Electronic Music Gear?
Dust electronic equipment and make sure it is dry before packing. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for disconnecting cables and removing user-removable batteries.
Coil cables loosely and secure them with reusable cable ties. Label each cable according to the keyboard, amplifier, pedal or other equipment it belongs with.
Place smaller components in fitted cases when available. For larger equipment, use a cover made from a breathable material and avoid sealing away anything that contains moisture.
Do not store loose batteries, damaged batteries or other items prohibited by the facility. Check the property’s rules before move-in.
What Type of Case Should You Use?
A fitted case is generally preferable to an oversized box because it limits movement around the instrument. Use the instrument’s original case or another case designed for that model whenever possible.
Before closing the case:
- Confirm that the instrument is clean and dry.
- Check the lining for dirt, moisture or loose hardware.
- Place accessories in their designated compartments.
- Make sure nothing presses against the finish, keys, bridge or other delicate components.
- Close each latch and confirm that the case is stable.
Avoid adding desiccants, humidifiers or other moisture-control products unless the instrument manufacturer recommends them. An inappropriate product may make the case too dry or create direct contact with the instrument’s finish.
Label the case without placing adhesive directly on the instrument. Note which accessories are inside so you can find reeds, straps, capos, mouthpieces or cables without opening multiple cases.
How Should You Arrange Instruments in a Storage Unit?
Plan the unit before moving everything inside. The goal is to keep instrument cases stable, visible and accessible.
Consider these organization tips:
- Use freestanding, weight-rated shelving when permitted.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommended storage position for each instrument.
- Do not stack boxes, furniture or equipment on instrument cases.
- Keep heavier cases and equipment on lower shelves.
- Avoid leaning cases where they can slide or fall.
- Leave a walkway to frequently used instruments.
- Keep a simple inventory of instruments, cases and accessories.
- Make sure air can circulate around larger covered equipment.
- Check that all shelves and cases are stable before leaving.
Storage-unit sizes and layouts vary. Use the Public Storage Size Guide to compare common unit sizes, then confirm the actual unit dimensions and features before renting.
Can You Store a Piano in a Storage Unit?
A piano requires more planning than most musical instruments. Before renting a unit, confirm that the piano is eligible under the rental agreement and stored-value limit.
You should also measure:
- The piano
- The facility entrance
- Hallways and turns
- Elevator doors and capacity
- The storage-unit doorway
- The available space inside the unit
Not every property or unit will accommodate a piano. If the piano is eligible and the route is suitable, use professional piano movers and consult the manufacturer or a qualified piano technician about preparation, positioning and follow-up service.
Do not place other belongings on the piano. If the piano cannot be replaced or exceeds the permitted stored-value limit, choose another storage arrangement.
What Should You Do During Long-Term Storage?
Check stored instruments periodically when possible. Look for changes to the case, signs of moisture, displaced padding or pressure from nearby belongings.
During a visit:
- Confirm that each case remains stable.
- Check that nothing has been placed on top of an instrument.
- Inspect manufacturer-approved humidity accessories, if used.
- Review your inventory and labels.
- Reorganize the unit if access has become difficult.
After bringing an instrument home, allow it to adjust gradually to the new environment before opening the case or playing it if the manufacturer recommends doing so. A qualified technician can inspect, tune or service the instrument before its next performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can musical instruments be kept in a storage unit?
Some musical instruments may be stored if they comply with the rental agreement, facility rules and applicable stored-value limit. Confirm eligibility before renting.
Should musical instruments be stored in climate control?
Climate-controlled storage may be worth considering because it is designed to help maintain more consistent temperature or humidity levels than standard storage. It does not guarantee an instrument’s condition.
Should guitar or violin strings be loosened before storage?
There is no universal answer. Follow the instrument manufacturer’s instructions or consult a qualified technician before adjusting string tension.
Can silica gel be placed in an instrument case?
Only use a desiccant or case-humidity product when the manufacturer recommends it. Keep the product from touching the instrument’s finish and follow its replacement instructions.
Can a piano be stored at Public Storage?
A piano may be eligible if it complies with the rental agreement and stored-value limit and can be accommodated by the facility and unit. Confirm all requirements and access measurements before renting.
How should electronic instruments be prepared?
Clean and dry the equipment, organize the cables and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for batteries and long-term storage. Facility restrictions still apply.
What is the best way to pack a musical instrument?
Use a clean, properly fitted case and follow the instrument maker’s packing instructions. Avoid overpacking the case or placing pressure on the instrument.
Find Storage That Fits Your Needs
Public Storage has more than 4,600 facilities serving more than two million customers across 42 states. Climate-controlled storage, indoor units and other features vary by property.
Before renting, review the individual property page, available unit details, rental terms and storage restrictions. When you are ready, find a Public Storage location near you and compare available options.
