Buying musical instruments involves a serious investment on your part. If you want to maximize your return on investment, then you need to take the necessary steps in order to protect them. A properly maintained musical instrument just like a properly maintained shrub can last an entire lifetime in some cases.
If you wish to store your musical instrument in a storage unit in North York, then it may be vulnerable to damage unless the necessary steps are taken.
The good news is there are a few techniques and tools that you can use in order to store your musical instruments safely in a storage unit in North York.
Things Needed to Keep Your Musical Instruments Safe
The five things you will need in order to keep your musical instruments safe are acid-free paper, furniture pads, plastic storage containers or boxes, cloth covers, and a polish or cleaner that is designed for musical instruments.
How to Keep Your Instruments Safe
Step one involves cleaning. Use your specialized cleaner or polish to remove debris and dust that can damage or scratch your precious instruments.
Step two involves actually taking apart your instruments. For example, bow hairs and strings should be slightly loosened in order to prevent contraction and expansion that can damage the instruments while they are kept in a storage unit in North York. Mutes, mouthpieces, reeds, straps, and other components will also need to be disassembled.
Step three involves packing your musical instruments in their original box or case. Place a piece of acid-free paper over each instrument once it has been stored in its container and so don’t eat berries over the container. You can substitute acid-free paper for a piece of cloth if you wish.
If you do not have the original case handy, then consider buying a replacement case, or use a container or box that will easily accommodate your instrument.
Next, you will need to find a safe storage facility. It should provide climate-controlled units and 24/7 surveillance monitoring. Private keypad codes, controlled access, fencing around the perimeter, and individually alarmed storage units are a must.
Moreover, if you have large instruments that need to be stored, then you may want to consider hiring a professional moving company in order to avoid injuries or damage to your instruments. Make use of pallets or shelving to raise boxes and cases off the ground.
A protective cloth should also be placed over your instruments once stored in order to prevent mildew, pests, and dust-related damage. If you follow the aforementioned steps, then your instruments will be safe in the storage unit.
Preparing an Instrument for Storage
If you wish to store an instrument for an extended period of time, then you cannot simply toss it into a container and call it a day. It should be placed in such a way as to prevent it from falling.
It should be kept in a safe area in order to avoid items from falling on it, and also to prevent people from tripping over it. For woodwind and string instruments, you will need to first take them apart.
Proceed to polish and clean each component before you place some tissue paper between the woodwind instrument pads. In order to avoid neck warping and string snapping, you will need to release the tension on the strings as well.
As for drums and pianos, the steps are a little different. For example, you should loosen your drum skins first. Pedals and piano legs should be wrapped in some heavy padding before you store them.
Dust will begin to set on your drums and pianos over time. Thus, to prevent dust formation, you should cover your instruments with some tarp. Furthermore, if you own a baby grand piano, then it should be moved on its side before you exit the storage unit.
How to Choose the Right Storage Unit for Your Instruments
Location is paramount. It should not be situated near the coast, as salt in the area can penetrate even the sturdiest of instrument cases. Humidity also needs to be considered when storing instruments for a long period of time.
Humidity can cause the brass to discolour and for wood instruments to bend and break over time. As such, you need to find a climate-controlled storage facility that is located in a safe area.
Protect What Matters Most
Finding a good storage unit in North York may take some time. However, it is a must if you want to protect your musical instruments from moisture, salt, dust, pests, fire, dirt, theft, and elemental issues.
By following the aforementioned cleaning and storage techniques and tips, your instruments should remain in immaculate condition for generations to come so that your children and grandchildren can also enjoy them.
