Strum Safely – How to Pack a Guitar for Shipping Like a Pro

Real Fast – How to Pack a Guitar for Shipping

To pack a guitar, start by gathering essential supplies like a hardshell or ABS case, bubble wrap, and foam peanuts. Remove loose parts, slightly loosen the strings, and clean the instrument. Wrap it in bubble wrap, paying extra attention to fragile areas, and place it in the case. Secure the case inside a sturdy shipping container with padding, seal it with duct tape, and label it as fragile.

The Instrument Is More Popular Than Ever – But It Can Be a Bit Tricky to Ship

Did you know that the US has the biggest number of guitarists in the world? Just during the coronavirus pandemic, around 16 million Americans have picked up this popular six-string instrument.

But when it’s time to move, or maybe sell it to a collector, figuring out how to pack a guitar for shipment can feel like prepping a diva for a world tour. The neck’s fragile, the strings are temperamental, and let’s not even get started on that headstock!

Without the right relocation hacks under your sleeve, all of a sudden, the instrument you once loved so much can become the public enemy no. 1. But luckily, we’re here to solve that problem and get you strumming at the new home in no time!

Strike the First Chord With the Right Packing Supplies

Shipping musical instruments is definitely not a picnic, and a guitar is no different. To protect it, the first course of action is to gather the right packing materials. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Hardshell or ABS case – This will be the main protection for the instrument against any bumps and jolts on the road,
• Sturdy container – Bigger than the case and even sturdier, this is perfect for adding padded materials around the case,
• Bubble wrap – Ideal for wrapping the more delicate parts, such as the neck and the headstock,
• Soft cloth or towels – Perfect for cushioning the instrument inside the case, especially around the neck and body,
• Foam peanuts – Used to fill any voids in the box and protect the instrument from shocks during transit,
• Silica gel packs – If you’re shipping to a different climate, this is important for controlling the humidity,
• Duct tape – Essential for sealing the container and making sure its interstate move doesn’t end in heartbreak,
• Labels and stickers – Caution labels are crucial to let the handlers know they’re dealing with a fragile musical instrument.

An ABS Case Can Be a Great Option for the Ultimate Protection

There’s nothing wrong with the hardshell case you already have, but an ABS is almost a guarantee for a safe move. Constructed from a thermoplastic material that’s both lightweight and durable, these cases protect one or more instruments very well from any impacts. This makes it a popular choice for musicians on the go.

ABS cases are also molded to fit specific instruments, ensuring a snug fit. Inside, they are usually lined with foam or plush, giving the instrument extra cushioning and protecting it from any potential scratches. Also, silica gel packs are always a useful addition, but ABS cases are weather-proof, offering solid protection against moisture and temperature fluctuations.

I know what you’re thinking – for such a sturdy case, it must be pretty heavy. However, that’s not true. An ABS case is quite lightweight. The only con? It might take more out of the relocation budget than you planned, but trust the globe-trotting musicians – it’s very well worth the price.

Before Packing a Guitar for Shipping, You Need to Prepare It for the Journey Ahead

From car shipping to moving the most fragile items, the road can be unpredictable – full of potholes, sudden stops, and that one delivery driver who thinks he’s in a Fast and Furious movie. While you can’t control the road, you can control how well you prepare for movers, the beloved six-stringed soulmate included. Here’s a quick guide.

Here’s How to Package a Guitar for Shipping – There’s No Such Thing as Too Much Bubble Wrap

Back in 2020, Kurt Cobain’s MTV Unplugged Guitar was sold for $6,010,000 at an auction, which holds the record as the most expensive piece in the world. But you don’t need to have one of these million-dollar six-strings to take extra precautions when it’s time to ship it across the country.

So, once all of the fine-tuning preparations are done, it’s time to get all of the packing materials and kick it off. Give the guitar a bubble wrap hug, covering it completely to protect it from any rock and roll road rash.

Pay extra attention to the delicate bits like the bridge and headstock, giving them a few extra layers of bubble wrap. Secure the wrap with duct tape, making sure it’s snug but not squeezing the instrument like a stress ball. That can cause more trouble than harmony!

Carefully Place the Guitar Into a Hardshell Case

Put the bubble-wrapped instrument inside the case, whether it’s the original hardshell or an ABS one. It’s critical that the six-stringed buddy stays nice and snug inside, as any movement can result in damage. Once you’re sure it’s safely positioned, you can close the case lid. Make sure that all clasps and locks are securely fastened before you put the case in a bigger container.

Place the Case in a Sturdy Container

For a padded base, stuff the crate’s bottom with foam peanuts or other similar material. After that, set the case in the middle of the container and wrap it with extra padding, such as crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap. Make sure the crate doesn’t touch the box’s sides. If you do this with care, the guitar will arrive in perfect shape, exactly as it was before transport.

Seal and Label the Container for a Safe Journey Ahead

Finally, close the shipping crate and use duct tape to further secure it. It’s also a good idea to use moving labels such as “fragile” and “handle with care” so the movers, or anyone else who might be handling the crate, know just how to do it.

Still Feel Like You’re Off-Key With Packing? Professional Movers Can Help

If this task has you feeling more off-key than a karaoke night gone wrong, don’t fret! You don’t have to face this rock-and-roll nightmare alone. Professionals and their moving services are like veteran roadies – they know all the tricks to keep stuff safe. Your guitar and other treasures will arrive at the new place safe, sound, and ready to play their greatest hits!

Need to Ship a Car Too? A Moving and Auto Transport Company Can Handle It All

Got dreams of hitting the road with the guitar, touring the country like a rock star? Well, some moving businesses,such as USA Auto Transport, double as a car shipping company. Whether you need the vehicle to be pampered with enclosed auto transport or you’re okay with it catching a bit of fresh air on an open trailer, they’ve got you covered.

Also, if convenience is your jam, door-to-door auto transport means the four-wheeler gets picked up from the old place and delivered right where you need it to be. For those who like a bit of DIY, terminal-to-terminal car shipping offers a cost-effective option where you drop off and pick up the car at designated terminals. Either way, shipping cars in the USA can be a fine-tuned melody when done with the right team.

Rock On! Wrapping Up the Guitar’s Grand Adventure

This whole ordeal might seem like trying to stuff a rock star into a suitcase, but with these tips, you can make sure it travels like a VIP. Now, instead of worrying about it arriving looking like it went through a mosh pit, you can focus on the fun stuff – like planning the next jam session at the new place!

If packing a guitar (and everything else) still feels like trying to nail a solo on an out-of-tune instrument, don’t sweat it. USA Auto Transport can handle it all. They’ll move the gear, ship your car, and make sure everything arrives in perfect harmony. Contact us today – let our team take the stage so you can kick back and enjoy the show.