For some people, a relocation has a special meaning. Those who love music and have high-quality musical instruments such as pianos, harps or violins have a lot of concerns regarding how to move them while ensuring that nothing is damaged. Despite the extra complexity added to any relocation process, moving such a delicate goods without any damage is possible if one knows the best measures to take for protecting them during the relocation. As it is said, “prevention is the best medicine”.
1) Take enough time to prepare the move
Musical instruments need special handling, due to their particular characteristics. When moving them to another location, try to set time aside for arranging their move… well in advance! Leaving the things for the last minute might increase the risk of taking non-satisfactory choices.
At this point, it can be a good idea to list all the moving details. Consider things such as:
- Where is currently placed the musical instrument (area easy to access with a lorry, building without lift…)?
- Where will be placed your musical instrument (accessible area, last floor of a house…)?
- Which is the approximate weight of the musical instrument (this is relevant to know the number of people required to move it)?
- Is your instrument sensitive to temperature?
- Will you require your instrument in the destination by a particular deadline?
- Do you have a receipt of its purchase to proof its value in case of any problem?
2) Should you take care of the move on your own or should you consider a professional moving company?
This might depend on your resources and the type of instrument. For delicate and big size music instruments, it is worthwhile to contact a specialised provider. They have experience on moving and handling musical instruments, so they can advise you on the best way to move your instrument.
What to look for in a moving specialist for your instrument?
- Experience on moving musical instruments
- Professional handlers
- Easiness to contact them before, during and after your move in order to ask them any question you might have
3) Preparing the move: The packaging
Either if you are packaging your instrument by yourself or the moving company does it, it is worth to know some basic aspects to consider when packing your instrument to ensure the maximum protection:
- Check if you can take some parts apart of your musical instrument. For example, in the case of brass instruments, you can remove the mouthpiece; for drums, you can separate some pieces; for string instruments, you can lose the strings…
- Musical instruments need extra cushioning and protection: using bubble wrap or other special packing materials to add extra coverage will ensure that they do not move in their packaging and that they are protected during the transport.
- Choose packages or boxes that fit the size of the instrument so it doesn’t move.
- Indicate on their package that they are fragile
Here's our packing fragile items checklist if you need to get more reading on it.
4) After your move
Wait some hours before using the instrument is adjusted to the environment, especially if it is sensitive to temperature.