How to Store Musical Instruments

Sep 18, 2025 / Public Storage

A few small steps go a long way toward preserving tone and playability of musical instruments when storing them. Some tips include cleaning each instrument, placing them in a hard case with light padding and desiccants, and choosing climate-controlled storage to help keep wood, strings, and electronics in good condition.

Why Climate Matters

Wood, metal, and electronics react to temperature and humidity swings. Rapid changes can cause wood to swell or shrink and hardware to corrode. A climate-controlled unit helps maintain steadier conditions that instruments handle better over time.

Prep by Instrument Family

Guitars, violins, cellos (stringed & fretted): Wipe fingerprints and oils from strings, fingerboards, and finishes. Loosen strings slightly (a half-step to a step) to reduce tension without slackening hardware completely. For bowed instruments, back off bow tension.

Woodwinds (clarinet, sax, flute, oboe): Swab moisture from bores and pads. Remove reeds and mouthpieces, make sure to clean them before you store them.

Brass (trumpet, trombone, tuba, horn): Empty water keys, wipe the exterior, and apply a thin coat of valve oil/slide grease where appropriate before storing.

Percussion (drums): Dust shells and hardware. Loosen drumheads slightly to relieve tension. Disassemble kits (rims, legs, cymbal stands) to pack tighter and prevent stress on mounts.

Keyboards, amps, pedals, and electronic gear: Dust surfaces and jacks. Coil cables loosely. Remove batteries from tuners, pedals, or keyboards to prevent leaks. (Avoid storing loose or spare batteries inside a storage unit—check your facility’s rules.)

Packing & Cases

Whenever possible, store instruments in hard cases with a soft lining. Add light padding where the body or neck could shift—folded microfiber cloths work well. You can include a silica gel or other desiccant pack (not directly on the finish) and replace it periodically. For drum kits, nest toms with padding between shells; pack cymbals in sleeves or a cymbal bag.

Label exterior case pockets with what’s inside (reeds, straps, capos, cables) so you can grab exactly what you need without rummaging. Keep small parts—endpins, wing nuts, mouthpiece caps—in a labeled pouch tucked into the case.

Setting Up the Storage Unit

Choose climate control for steadier temperature and humidity.
Elevate cases on shelves or pallets to improve airflow and avoid dust on the floor.
Avoid stacking heavy boxes on top of instruments—hard cases aren’t designed to be load-bearing.
Leave a walkway so you can reach cases without unstacking everything.
Cover larger pieces (e.g., drum kits, amp cabs) with breathable cloths to reduce dust.

Special Note on Pianos

Upright pianos need extra care. Hire professionals to move them, keep them upright in a climate-controlled unit, and cover with padded blankets. Don’t store on the side, and avoid stacking anything on the cabinet.

Long-Term Care

Check your unit periodically. Replace desiccants, wipe down exposed metal, and retune instruments after they’re home—tuning drift is normal after time in storage. For electronics, plug in and test cables the next time you practice so issues don’t surprise you before a session.