Packing a Drum Set for a Move: Tips You Can Not Beat

Drums are the musical instruments that take the most punishment on the stage. Yet, when not in play, each drum in a set requires special care to keep the shell perfectly circular, the wood crack-free and the hardware unbroken. That is why it is particularly important when moving to a new house that you pack your drum set carefully; following this plan will ensure your drums do not take a beating until your unpack them again.

Start With the Appropriate Boxes

If you own drum cases you may consider using these; however, good boxes will perform a solid barrier you line them appropriately. The key is to get boxes in the right sizes for each drum. Boxes should be several inches wider and taller than the drum so that you can pad every side. Consult with reputable moving companies in Ballwin MO, who will give packing advice before moving you.

Collect Secure Packing Materials

The extra space in your boxes is to allow room so that packing materials can act as necessary padding. Your stuffing should include a combination of stiff material that pads and preserves the integrity of the spaces and soft material that provides added buffers. Choose reinforced cardboard strips for their stiffness; go with bubble wrap, brown packing paper, towels and tee shirts for softer protection.

Start by Nesting

Start by wrapping your largest rack tom drum first in cloth then bubble wrap; the cloth is necessary to prevent scratches to the wrap or the natural wood finish. Remove the beater head on your kick drum, and line the bottom and sides with stiff cardboard that will serve as support; then layer bubble wrap over the cardboard. Wedge the tom inside; the wraps and cardboard should be thick enough to prevent movement. Layer more cardboard and bubble wrap on top of the tom and replace the kick drum beater head.

Continue Nesting

Repeat this procedure with your large floor tom and the smaller rack tom. Every step should be the same, just undertaken on a smaller scale.

Utilize the Boxes

After your nesting, you can pack the drums into boxes. You will follow the same procedure, treating the procedure as you did the kick drum nesting: Pad the interiors with more cardboard, and circle the drums with cloth and bubble wrap; place the drums in the boxe,s and fill the spaces with more padding. Finally, pack your snare drum, cymbals and hardware, well-wrapped, in individual boxes.

Take your time when packing-up a drum set for a move. The effort you put into this task will pay off soundly down the road.