Many causal musicians take breaks from playing every once in a while. If your stringed instrument has been sitting unplayed for a while, you may be considering putting it into storage during a move or to save on space. It is possible to keep a string instrument in good shape during storage, but you need to follow these tips!

Dust it well.

Before you place the instrument in a case, use a dusting cloth to give it a thorough wipe down.  Focus on any grooves in the wood, using your fingernail pressed into the cloth to clean them deeply. Use a vacuum cleaner to suction any dust out of the area beneath the strings. (The wand attachment should fit into this area well.)

Release tension on the strings.

Keeping the instrument tightly strung while in storage puts the strings at risk of snapping, which could leave a ding in the wooden part of your instrument. The tension in the strings can also cause the neck to warp. So, take a minute to release some of the tension in the strings before putting the instrument into its case. You don't have to loosen them completely, but keep going until there's a noticeable lack of tension.

Wrap it in acid-free paper.

You do want to store your instrument in a hard case to prevent it from getting dinged or scratched. The type with velvet lining is a good choice since this adds a little padding. However, when you're storing the instrument for a long time, the velvet can sometimes break down and become a bit sticky. Wrapping your instrument in acid-free paper before putting it in the case will protect against sticky spots and worn finish.

Place it on shelving.

Don't ever place the instrument case straight on the floor in your storage unit. If any water should seep in, your instrument will get wet! Place a simple shelving unit in the storage room and place the instrument on top of it. If you're storing a big instrument like a cello, place a wood pallet underneath it. If you want to be extra vigilant, place a tarp over the pallet to act as a moisture barrier if some water should seep in and be absorbed into the wood pallet.

As long as you follow the tips above and choose a climate-controlled storage unit where the humidity is kept constant, your string instrument should be ready to play again when you pull it out.