Trumpets, like all instruments, take up a large amount of space when they are not being used. If you own a trumpet and wish to free up some storage space within your home, you may want to consider putting it into a self-storage unit until the next time you need it. However, as a trumpet is a finely tuned instrument, care must be taken to properly prepare a trumpet before you put it into storage so that the sound and structural integrity of the instrument are maintained throughout a long period of disuse.

Cleaning

The first thing that you should do before you put your trumpet into a storage unit is to clean it completely. This will remove moisture and other contaminants which may contribute to rust and bacteria growth on and within your trumpet while it is not being used. You will also want to properly lubricate the valves and slides to prevent them from seizing up while in storage, as if this happens you will have to have your trumpet professionally repaired to get it working again, which can be an expensive process.

Pack it in a Case

When putting your trumpet into storage, the most important thing that you can do is keep it in a case. The case acts as a physical barrier against moisture, dust, and other factors that can cause physical damage to your trumpet while it is sitting in storage. Further, the physical barrier around your trumpet can help protect against physical damage which may occur in the event that things fall over or shift within your storage unit. This is extremely important, as any sort of denting to the body of your trumpet will alter the sound it produces considerably, which can be expensive to fix.

Climate Control

If you are going to put your trumpet into self-storage, you should seriously consider investing in a climate controlled unit. These types of storage units will moderate the humidity and temperature levels within them, which will prevent any rust from forming on the body of your trumpet. It will also help reduce the risk of mold, mildew, and bacteria from breeding in the spit valve or on the mouthpiece of your trumpet, and ensure that your instrument is good to go as soon as you take it out of storage. While this does represent an added expense every month, it is well worth it to keep your trumpet in proper working condition.