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Musicians and fans alike can’t wait for live performances this summer. If you’re looking forward to getting back to your regular touring schedule, that’s totally understandable. But before you hit the road with the band, you have to make sure your equipment is as ready as you are.
Look, I get it. You’re the talent. You’d rather focus on performing your art than banging your head over the logistics of transporting equipment long-distance. But if you cut corners here, it will only make your job harder day in and day out. So let’s consider some key do’s and don’ts.
Do:
1. Plan and Prepare Properly
Without a proper plan in place, the odds of your equipment getting damaged while on tour increases exponentially, so you never want to rush. Whether you hire professionals to pack your equipment or do it yourself, you will want to take the time to make a thorough checklist.
Eugene Tolk, CEO at Verified Movers, recommends to “write down every important task — no matter how large or small — and to systematically check each item off of your list.” This is the easiest way to be prepared for a long-distance move of sensitive sound equipment and expensive instruments.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you have cases for everything, especially all those expensive instruments?
- Can it all fit into one van or truck without exposure to damage during transport?
- Will you need to hire professionals to help you with packing or transportation?
2. Make a Complete Inventory
You might be confident that you will remember every piece of equipment you pack and transport. But whether you are loading a truck with your bandmates, hiring roadies, or even professionals to move everything, keeping an inventory will save you time and help you cut down on the stress of it all.
“Unless you’re truly only transporting a couple of pieces,” says Eugene, “you will want to write down each item along with its value and the condition of the item.” This will help in the event that you need to make an insurance claim. You’ll know immediately whether something is missing or has been damaged during handling.
3. Pack Musical Instruments Carefully
Instruments are precious cargo. You’ll want to pack them carefully and how to do so depends on the size of the instrument. For those instruments that can be easily carried by one person, their own cases should be sufficient. However, for instruments, amplifiers, or other audio equipment that is bulkier or heavier, you’ll want to pack them so as not to cause any damage in the process.
For example, the piano is one of the most difficult instruments to move. You’ll want to do your best to protect it and hire professionals to handle this one.
When considering which company to hire:
- Make sure they have prior experience in moving instruments like yours;
- Ask them to walk you through how they plan to transport your equipment;
- If moving a piano or large amp, make sure they have a trolley they can use to roll along on flat surfaces.
It may cost more than you anticipate to get the job done right, but just think about the potential costs of a repair or replacement.
Also, make sure you check the reviews for any moving company you consider because the last thing you need is to hire a sketchy company that could break your precious instruments, or worse, steal something from you.
“That’s why I started Verified Movers,” says Eugene. “I encountered too many bad moving companies.” His free app allows you to quickly and easily check the reviews of movers in your area so you are sure to get the best company to haul your precious cargo.
4. Check with your Venues Ahead of Time
It’s also important to know what you’re walking into at each venue. Will you need to carry equipment up flights of stairs? Will there be stagehands available to help once you arrive? Remember, it’s not just about physically moving your equipment. You may also need guitar technicians, drum technicians, lighting technicians, sound technicians, etc. to help get you plugged in and ready to rock.
Don’t:
1. Wait Until the Last Minute
Going on tour is not at all like going on vacation. You can’t throw some clothes into a bag, grab your sunglasses, and catch a flight. Even if you’re a veteran, keep in mind that you haven’t toured in over a year, so you may be out of your element. It pays to think ahead about the logistics of hauling heavy equipment over long distances.
2. Pack Instruments in Among Other Belongings
“Multitasking doesn’t work when it comes to long-distance equipment moves,” says Eugene. Sure, it would be nice of you to toss your aunt’s old couch into your truck and take it to your nephew who just happens to live in the city of your next tour stop, but is that really a good idea?
Everything might look fine in the truck, but remember, your equipment will shift and vibrate on the drive. You don’t want an ugly surprise waiting for you when you open up that truck after several hours on the road.
3. Turn Down An Offer from a Friend
Every band has some friends or die-hard fans who would love to travel with them. If a friend offers to be your roadie, why not press them into service? Even if you’re not making enough to pay them, you have a lot to offer: travel, adventure, free admission to cool shows, and a line for their resume if they’re looking for a way into the music industry.
After you leave everything you’ve got on the stage, consider how much of a relief it will be to have someone there to help you break things down at the end of a show.
Pay attention to these do’s and don’ts and this summer’s touring schedule will be one you’ll never forget!
About Verified Movers:
Verified Movers is a trusted review platform that publishes reviews, customer testimonials and experiences with moving companies. Verified Movers is dedicated to helping people find the best moving services solutions for their needs. Whether people plan to move down the street or across the globe, Verified Movers is here to provide them with the best choice of professional moving companies to get them there. The platform offers the option to both research and share reviews for different professional movers country-wide. In addition to this, it also provides the options for those same moving companies to create their own profiles and promote the services they offer to clients. To learn more, please visit: https://verifiedmovers.com/.
