Store your guitar in a hard case or wall mount in a climate-controlled room
A hard case is the safest storage method because it protects against physical damage, dust, and temperature swings. If you play regularly, a wall mount in a bedroom or living room works well — just keep it away from direct sunlight, heating vents, and windows. The real enemy is not storage itself but the environment: guitars warp and crack when humidity swings more than 15 percent in a month, or when temperature shifts more than 20 degrees.
Soft cases and gig bags offer less protection than hard cases and should only be used for guitars you move frequently. If you store a guitar in a soft case for months, moisture can trap against the wood and cause finish damage or mold. Hard cases breathe better and distribute pressure evenly across the body.
Avoid attics, basements, and garages unless you can control humidity and temperature. Attics heat to 130 degrees in summer and freeze in winter. Basements stay damp. Garages swing wildly with the seasons. A bedroom closet, living room wall, or climate-controlled storage unit is far better.
Key Takeaways
- Hard cases protect guitars better than soft cases and should be your first choice for long-term storage.
- Keep your guitar in a room where temperature and humidity stay relatively steady — bedrooms and living rooms work better than attics, basements, or garages.
- Store the guitar upright on a wall mount or in a case standing on its end, never flat on its back for months at a time.
- Loosen the strings slightly if you are storing the guitar for more than a few weeks to reduce neck tension.
- Check on the guitar every month or two and wipe the body and neck with a soft, dry cloth to catch any moisture or dust buildup early.
Control humidity and temperature in your storage space
Guitars are made of wood, and wood moves when humidity changes. A humidity level between 45 and 55 percent is ideal. If your home swings between 30 percent in winter and 70 percent in summer, your guitar will expand and contract, and the finish may crack or the frets may lift.
Buy a cheap digital hygrometer (around $10 to $20) and place it near where you store the guitar. Check it monthly. If humidity climbs above 60 percent, run a dehumidifier in that room. If it drops below 40 percent, use a humidifier or place a small bowl of water near the case. Do not place the bowl inside the case — moisture should be ambient, not trapped.
Temperature matters less than humidity, but avoid rooms that freeze or bake. A room that stays between 60 and 75 degrees is fine. If your storage space is unheated or uncooled, the guitar will survive, but the risk of warping increases.
Position the guitar correctly inside the case or on the mount
If the guitar is in a hard case, it should rest in the foam cutout with the neck supported and the body cradled. The case should close without forcing the lid down. If you have to push hard, the case is too small or the foam is compressed — both create pressure points that can warp the neck or body over time.
If you use a wall mount, the guitar hangs by the headstock or rests in a cradle that supports the body. Make sure the mount is rated for the weight of your guitar and is bolted securely into a stud or heavy-duty wall anchor. A guitar falling from a wall mount will crack or break.
Never store a guitar flat on its back for months. The weight of the body presses down on the back, and if humidity is uneven, the back can warp. Upright storage — either in a case standing on its end or on a wall mount — distributes weight more evenly.
Loosen the strings before long-term storage
If you are storing the guitar for more than four weeks, loosen the tuning pegs so the strings are slack but not completely loose. This reduces the tension pulling on the neck. A neck under constant tension for months can develop a permanent bow or twist, especially if humidity changes.
Do not remove the strings entirely unless the guitar will sit for several months. Removing strings changes the pressure on the neck suddenly, which can also cause warping. Slack strings are the middle ground.
When you take the guitar out of storage, retune it slowly over a few days rather than all at once. Bring the pitch up gradually so the neck adjusts to the tension change without shock.
Clean the guitar before storing it
Wipe down the body, neck, and fretboard with a soft, dry cloth before putting the guitar away. Dust and sweat left on the finish can trap moisture or cause corrosion on metal parts like frets and tuning pegs. A quick wipe takes two minutes and prevents buildup.
If the fretboard is very dry, you can explore a small amount of lemon oil or fretboard conditioner, but do this sparingly — too much oil attracts dust and can darken the wood. Once a year is enough. Wipe off any excess oil with a clean cloth.
Do not use furniture polish or general-purpose cleaners on the guitar. They can damage the finish or leave a sticky residue. Stick to products made for guitars or use a plain microfiber cloth with no product at all.
Check on the guitar monthly during storage
Even in ideal conditions, check the guitar every four to eight weeks. Open the case or take it off the wall mount and look for signs of warping, cracks, or mold. Run your hand along the neck to feel if it has developed a bow. Look at the body from the side to see if the back or top has curved.
If you spot mold or mildew, wipe it away with a dry cloth and increase air circulation in the room. If the neck has bowed or the body has warped, the guitar may need professional repair. Catching these problems early makes them cheaper to fix.
Also check that the case or mount is holding the guitar securely and that no straps or fasteners have loosened. A guitar that shifts inside a case during storage can develop pressure marks or dings.
Choose between a hard case, soft case, and wall mount
A hard case costs $80 to $300 depending on the guitar size and brand. It protects against drops, pressure, and dust, and it seals out some moisture. Hard cases are heavy and take up closet or floor space, but they are the best choice if the guitar sits unused for weeks or months. They are also essential if you move the guitar between locations.
A soft case or gig bag costs $30 to $100 and is lighter and easier to store. It protects against minor bumps and dust but not against drops or pressure. Use a soft case only if you play the guitar regularly and move it in and out of storage often. Do not leave a guitar in a soft case for months.
A wall mount costs $20 to $60 and keeps the guitar visible and accessible. It takes up no floor or closet space. Wall mounts work well for guitars you play several times a week. They do not protect against dust or humidity as well as a case, so the room must be relatively clean and climate-controlled. A wall mount is not suitable for guitars that will sit untouched for months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I store a guitar in a basement or attic?
Basements stay damp and attics swing between hot and cold, both of which cause warping and finish damage. If a basement or attic is your only option, use a hard case with a small dehumidifier or humidifier inside it, and check the guitar every month. A climate-controlled storage unit is better if you have the budget.
Should I remove the strings before storing a guitar for months?
No. Slack strings are better than removed strings because removing them changes neck tension suddenly. Loosen the tuning pegs so the strings are slack but still attached, then retune slowly when you take the guitar out.
What humidity level is best for guitar storage?
Between 45 and 55 percent is ideal. Use a cheap digital hygrometer to monitor the room. If humidity climbs above 60 percent, run a dehumidifier. If it drops below 40 percent, use a humidifier or place a bowl of water in the room — not inside the case.
How often should I check on a stored guitar?
Every four to eight weeks. Open the case or look at the guitar on the wall mount and check for warping, cracks, mold, or loose fasteners. A quick visual inspection takes a few minutes and catches problems early.
Is a wall mount safe for long-term storage?
A wall mount is safe if it is bolted into a stud and rated for your guitar's weight. However, wall mounts do not protect against dust or humidity swings as well as a hard case. Use a wall mount for guitars you play regularly, and a hard case for guitars that will sit untouched for weeks or months.