Moving to a new state can become a stressful and nerve-wracking experiences. Trying to safely pack everything you own into a moving van and trust that it will survive the trip intact can cause extreme anxiety. This is especially true for people trying to pack treasured — and often expensive — musical instruments. 

Whenever you need to learn how to safely pack and transport musical instruments across state lines, Dan the Mover’s experienced long-distance movers in Bucks County, PA, are here to help! Here are some of our top tips for keeping your instruments safe during your upcoming move.

Use the Right Packing Supplies for Long Distance Moves 

Any respectable long-distance residential mover will tell you not all packing methods are created equal. The logistical differences between local and long-distance moves often come down to what kind of materials you’re using to pack your precious instruments. 

Whether you’re packing a guitar, trombone, or string instruments, using old newspapers or boxes from a previous move isn’t going to cut it. Investing in high-quality packing materials like bubble wrap, kraft paper, and strong packing tape helps create a stress-free moving process. Regular cardboard can develop weak spots that compromise its strength and can potentially cave in and damage the instruments. 

Use Their Travel Case Whenever Possible

Using its designated travel case protects it from the elements and potential impacts whenever you bring your instrument to your friends’ party, family gathering, or gig. The same can hold true for long-distance views. It’s an extra level of protection from any jostling that may happen during the moving experience, but it’s not the only step you should take. 

Wrapping it safely can help further cushion it, but make sure you don’t pack it too tightly — the extra pressure may cause the case to compress and cause damage to the instrument you’re trying to protect. 

Ship It in Pieces When Applicable

If you’re trying to transport something like a drum set in your upcoming interstate move, try to avoid packing everything together or as one standalone setup. With these multi-piece instruments, packing and shipping the pieces individually can help protect them from getting damaged en route. While shipping everything in parts for high-priced items is often an added expense, it’s often a good investment. 

Shipping Stringed Instruments

String instruments are often some of the most delicate ones a person can ship. Pieces like violins, violas, cellos, and the like are often high-value items that you need to take extra care of in packing and shipping to protect their integrity for the long trip. How you decide to pack it can help provide additional levels of protection and keep it in pristine condition. 

Before you ship it off to your new home, the first thing you need to do is loosen the strings. Any bumps or disruptions in transit can damage taut strings and cause irreparable damage to the instrument. Additionally, putting a rolled-up paper towel under the neck and tail of your instrument can help protect the wood from scratching. You can also add soft padding to the case’s interior to provide an additional layer of protection. 

Getting Help From a Seasoned Long Distance Moving Company

Whenever you ship musical instruments in a cross-country move, figuring out how to protect your high-value items during the trip should be one of your highest priorities. Understanding what makes your upcoming move challenging can help you identify how to properly ship your instruments and ensure they get there safely. Dan the Mover has experience shipping these precious and fragile items safely and can help you get the necessary equipment to pack them yourself!

Browse through our inventory for packing supplies and contact our team to get your moving quote and schedule your next service today!