How to Pack Musical Instruments for Shipping, Moving, or Storage

Musical instruments are fragile and expensive, with prices ranging from $100 to more than $4,500 depending on the make, model, and age. Using a hard case, proper padding, and the right size box is the best way to protect your instrument during shipping, moving, or storage.

With the right packing supplies and specialty moving boxes, you can prevent your musical instrument from sustaining damage and potentially costing you thousands of dollars in repairs.

Key Takeaways Using specialty moving boxes that provide at least two inches of padding for your instrument case will reduce potential damage. Enviro-Bubble® and Mover’s Wrap will keep a solid cushion around your instrument case during transport. If you do not have a hard case, remove any components from your instrument that may get damaged during moving or shipping.

Many instruments are made from delicate woods, metals, and precision components that can’t handle harsh movements or extra pressure. Even minor shifts during transportation can lead to cracks, bent necks, or tuning issues.

The best way to ensure damage-free transit is to have a quality case for your instrument; unfortunately, a gig bag will not cut it. If you do not own a hard case for your instrument, you can use affordable packing supplies for protection.

Before Packing Your Instrument

Before packing, place your instrument in its case without closing it. Gently wiggle it to see if any parts move.

• For instruments that separate (flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, or saxophone), check that each section fits snugly and be careful with the mouthpiece.
• If anything moves, fill empty spaces with packing paper or small sections of Enviro-Bubble. Avoid applying pressure to fragile components.

Pro Tip: For woodwind instruments, place a thin foam sheet under any raised key feet. This helps reduce stress on key rods during transport. U-Haul sells cushion foam for fragile items and glass that are perfect for instruments.

You can also wrap very fragile parts of the instrument in small-bubble Enviro-Bubble, making sure not to cover components where excessive compression force could damage any parts.

Choosing the Right Box for Your Instrument

Avoid boxes that fit your instrument case too tightly. You’ll want at least 2 inches of void space on all sides to fill with packing material. Void space is space in a moving box that is filled with packing materials to absorb contact with hard surfaces.

Some U-Haul box options that work well for musical instruments include:

• Lay-down wardrobe box
• Travel/luggage box
• Dishsaver® Glass Pack® box

For instruments longer than 34 inches, such as acoustic guitars or electric basses, the guitar shipping box, lamp boxes, or sport utility boxes are also good options. These boxes allow room for padding while accommodating a wide range of instrument sizes.

All of these boxes work great because they fit various sizes of instruments while leaving space around the sides for packing materials to fill void space.

Packing Your Musical Instrument

Once you have your instrument case and your moving box, tape the bottom of the box with the H-Tape method with strapping tape. U-Haul strapping tape uses fiberglass strands for maximum strength, whereas competitors will often just use strong plastic strands.

Learn more about why you need to use strapping tape.

Grab a packing supply such as a furniture pad, biodegradable packing peanuts, or packing paper to add extra cushioning. Place a layer of your chosen packing supply at the bottom of your box.

Next, place your musical instrument case on top of a desk or table to give yourself better control and reduce strain while wrapping.

Grab some Enviro-Bubble and some Mover’s Wrap to hold it in place. Use the Enviro-Bubble to completely cover the case in multiple layers.

After covering the case, carefully shift the case so one side is off the table. Take the Mover’s Wrap and wrap several loops around the end of the case. Repeat this step on the other end of the case. Once you have wrapped your case, place it in the box and put more packing material on top and around the sides to reduce shifting. Once everything is covered, and your case is not touching any of the box walls, you can tape the top of your box in the same H-Tape method as before.

Extra Tips to Make Sure Your Instrument Stays Safe

When shipping a musical instrument, make sure to get insurance on your package for the amount that your instrument is worth. If your instrument is worth more than an insurance policy covers, look around for a policy that satisfies your needs. Ask them to place “fragile” stickers and “this side up” stickers on the box.

In case you have to file an insurance claim, document the packing and unpacking of your instrument by taking photos and videos. This will ensure that you can provide proof of the condition of the box, case, and instrument before and after shipping.

 When storing your instrument, always go with climate-controlled storage, as heat and cold can affect metal and wood in negative ways.

Learn more about Musical Instrument Storage: 6 Tips From the Storage Pros.

Final Takeaways

If you need reliable packing supplies and strong moving boxes, U-Haul is the place for you. Moving supplies can be sent right to your door with same-day or next-day delivery! Want to skip the potential shipping costs? You can order everything online and get free in-store pickup. Keep your musical instruments safe with U-Haul, and get your moving supplies today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping or Moving Musical Instruments

Do I need a hard case to ship a musical instrument?
A hard case is strongly recommended. It provides the most reliable protection against impact and movement during shipping or moving.

How much padding should I use when packing an instrument?
You should have at least 2 inches of padding around all sides of the instrument case inside the box.

Can I ship a guitar in a gig bag?
Gig bags are not designed for shipping. A hard guitar case placed inside a properly padded box offers much better protection.

What packing materials work best for musical instruments?
Enviro-Bubble®, Mover’s Wrap, packing paper, packing peanuts, and furniture pads are all effective at absorbing shock and preventing movement.

Should I remove parts of my instrument before packing?
If possible, remove detachable or fragile components, especially if you don’t have a fitted hard case.

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