For musicians, their instrument isn’t just another possession. They’re often more like an extension of the player, but also fragile, often irreplaceable, and very rarely cheap. Whether it’s an old violin, a grand piano, or a well-loved guitar, moving house with expensive musical gear can make the process a lot more stressful, and you must be prepared.
Photo by Enseigner La Musique
If your next move is coming up soon, then here’s how to keep your instruments protected.
Protective cases
No amount of bubble wrap makes up for a badly made case. If your instrument doesn’t already have a hard-shell case designed for transport, this is the time to invest in one.
Soft bags might be fine for short trips or storage in your studio, but they won’t do your instrument any favours in a crowded removals van. For high-value items, go for a flight case with padded interiors. These are built to take knocks, vibrations, and shifting external weights. Even just for the added peace of mind, it will be worth it.
Climate considerations
Most musical instruments react badly to temperature swings. Sudden cold or excessive humidity can warp wood, crack finishes, and even mess with internal components.
Try to maintain a steady environment. If it’s freezing out, don’t leave your instrument sitting in a van for hours, and if you’re moving in summer, don’t trap it in a baking-hot storage unit.
If necessary, consider using a climate-controlled removals vehicle or short-term storage with temperature regulation, or move it yourself and store it at a trusted friend’s house.
Communicate clearly
Even if your removals crew is from a renowned provider like Bright Movers, they’re not mind readers. Mark your instrument cases as fragile, and ideally, let them know what’s inside.
But you should also go a step further – explain how you’d like things carried. Some musicians prefer to move instruments themselves, especially smaller ones. For larger items like upright pianos or harps, ask whether the team has handled that type of gear before. If they haven’t, it might be worth bringing in a specialist.
Check your insurance policy
A lot of standard home insurance policies won’t automatically cover instruments in transit. Some removals firms carry goods-in-transit insurance, but it’s best not just to assume that this is the case.
Double-check whether your instrument is covered under your contents policy during the move. If it isn’t, you may want to take out short-term cover specifically for moving day.
Don’t forget to retune
Even if everything arrives intact, instruments will still need some attention after being moved. Pianos, for example, nearly always go out of tune during transport, especially if they’ve travelled long distances or experienced temperature changes. Give your instruments a few days to adjust to the new space, then book a technician or tuner if needed. It’s a small step, but one that helps restore their full sound and playability.
Moving home is rarely an easy task to undertake. But with the right preparation, your instruments can make the journey intact and be ready to play the moment you’ve settled in.