How to Store Guitar Cases
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Store guitar cases upright on their edge in a dry room, away from heat, damp and direct sun, with the latches or zipper closed. Keep the guitar inside with the neck strap fastened, or close an empty case so it holds its shape. A case stored this way stays ready to carry and protects the guitar inside.
Pick a dry spot away from heat
Choose a room that stays dry and at a steady temperature, away from radiators, heaters, windows and damp walls. Attics, garages and basements swing between hot, cold and damp, and those swings wear on the case fabric, the zippers and the guitar inside. A closet or a corner of a lived-in room suits storage better than a space that sits empty through the seasons.
Stand cases upright or hang them
Stand hard cases upright on their edge, side by side like books, so no case carries the weight of the cases above it. Soft gig bags can stand the same way or hang from a wall hook by the loop handle, which keeps them off the floor and out of the way. Never stack heavy items on top of a soft bag, since the padding flattens and the shape suffers.
Close the case and fasten the straps
Zip the bag closed or fasten the latches on a hard case before you put it away, so dust stays out and the lid cannot fall open. Fasten the neck strap around the guitar neck so the guitar cannot shift inside the case. Leave the accessory pocket closed with small items inside it, so strings, picks and tuners stay with the case instead of scattered around the room.
Keep the case clean and dry
Brush dust off the outside with a soft dry cloth and wipe the inside the same way before you store the case. If the case gets wet, open it and let it dry fully in the open air before you close it again, since damp trapped inside can mark the lining and the guitar. Check the zippers and straps now and then, and ask a repair shop about a zipper or strap that no longer holds.
What you need
CAHAYA Electric Guitar Case 0.35in Padded Soft
A padded soft gig bag with backpack straps, a neck strap and a back loop handle, so it hangs on the wall when not in use.
- Padding: 6 mm
- Backpack straps
- Fits: Electric
Gator Cases Foam Padded Electric Guitar Gig
A nylon gig bag with 10 mm internal padding, backpack straps and an exterior pocket for accessories, with a reinforced interior at the headstock and bridge.
- Padding: 10 mm
- Backpack straps
- Fits: Electric
- 2-year warranty stated
Wayfinder Standard Lightweight Electric Guitar Gig Bag
A lightweight gig bag with a rugged nylon exterior, a soft padded interior, adjustable backpack straps and a large zippered front pocket.
- Backpack straps
- Fits: Electric
CAHAYA Electric Guitar Bag 0.3in Padded Gig
A padded soft gig bag with dual adjustable backpack straps, grip handles and a back hanger loop, so it hangs on the wall when not in use.
- Backpack straps
- Fits: Electric
These come from our ranked list Best Gig Bag, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Should I store a guitar case upright or flat?
Upright on its edge suits most cases, since no case carries the weight of the cases above it. A soft gig bag can also hang from its loop handle, and a flat stack suits a hard case only when nothing heavy sits on top.
Can I store a guitar case in the garage?
A garage swings between hot, cold and damp through the seasons, and those swings wear on the case and the guitar inside. A dry room in the house suits storage better, away from heaters, windows and damp walls.
Should I leave the guitar in the case?
Yes. A guitar stored in its case with the neck strap fastened stays shielded from dust and knocks. An empty case should stay closed too, so it holds its shape and stays ready to carry.
Ranked guitar cases lists
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.