How can you enjoy your vinyl records for years to come? You have to store them properly, of course!
The way your vinyl records are stored does have a major impact on how long they will last. It means that you can listen to your favorite music for decades and even pass it on to future generations as long as you store it the right way.
Hardcore vinyl collectors know and understand how important it is to protect such a significant investment. Thankfully, you just have to follow a few simple and easy storage ideas so you can continue enjoying your music year after year.
Take a look at the best ways to store your vinyl records to protect and preserve them:
Always Keep ‘Em Clean
Before anything else, make sure that all your vinyl records are free from dust and clean of any speck of dirt before you even dare put them away.
Getting into this habit will benefit you in the long run as this will ensure that your records are always in mint condition. It also prevents the accumulation of too much dust on the record sleeves.
Don’t worry because you only need a few items to clean your vinyl records. These include a velvet pad or record brush, a record cleaning solution, and a record cloth.
Every time you handle or hold your records, make sure that you only touch the edges. They should also be either inside their sleeves or on the platter. Never, ever leave your records lying around anywhere to gather dust and dirt.
Go Double with Record Sleeves
When you buy a vinyl record, an inner paper sleeve insert is often included to serve as protection for the vinyl. But, depending on the insert’s material and how used the vinyl record was during the purchase, you might want to consider getting a new replacement for it.
The original insert on used vinyl records could have already gathered dust and dirt from all the handling. It could also be ripped because of wear and tear. The paper inserts with new purchases can also leave some scratches on the record. Consider getting acid-free paper sleeves or better yet, opt for polyethylene sleeves.
Most record purchases, especially those that are older, no longer have an outer protective covering. You might want to add on to maintain the album artwork in tip-top shape. Try to look for polypropylene or polyethylene inserts.
Vinyl bags can also serve as protection for the four edges of the vinyl record although this might only be needed if you’re planning to store the records for a long time.
If you have no idea what to buy in the first place, you can always ask for suggestions from a local record shop owner. Who knows? They might even have these sleeves for sale in their shop.
Observe an Upright Shelf Storage
Storing your records upright on the shelf will help prevent warping and ensure that they will continue to spin for many years in the future. Records or other forms of media for that matter are more prone to changing shape if stored flat.
Also, similar to wood furniture, your vinyl records can also warp when exposed to humid temperatures. See to it that you keep them in a setting where the climate and all the elements are under control. But if this is not possible in your case, your next best option is to store your records at room temperature.
Pick the Right Storage Spot
Your chosen location for keeping your collection of vinyl records is critical to maintaining your albums. A lot of people seem to think that they can just store their old records in a shed or an attic but these areas are far from being ideal. Two important elements should be taken into serious consideration here: humidity and temperature.
Humidity level is one critical aspect you should keep in mind when deciding where to store your vinyl records. High moisture or humidity in the air may expose your albums to significant damage after some time.
Experts recommend storing records at a humidity level of 30% to 40%. A finished basement is often ideal for this in a normal house since this part will stay cooler without being humid, unlike a cellar.
If you don’t have a basement, look for a room in the house that often has low humidity and will stay cool no matter what.
The room temperature of the spot where you plan to store your records is the most vital aspect to consider. Your records should be stored in a cool place that isn’t too hot or too cold. Exposing your records to high heat for a long time will result in warping and more damaging consequences.
Try to keep the temperature level at approximately 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. A temperature-controlled storage unit or attic may be a great option if you have one. But many attics tend to get hotter than other parts of the house. You can also turn to the cellar but make sure you check the area’s moisture level first.
Similar Records Should Go Together
Organizing your records either alphabetically or by genre and artist can make it easy for you to find and grab the one that you need. Using record dividers is a no-brainer way of organizing your vinyl records. Proper organization will ensure that you know exactly what is in your collection. For all you know, a rare record you’ve been keeping all these years might be worth more than its original price in the future.
Keep Them Labeled
It’s also a great idea for serious collectors to organize and store their vinyl records in a way that makes perfect sense to them. Don’t forget to label your boxes so that it will be easier to find a certain record without having to dig through several records and disturbing them in their spots.
The Bottom Line
Following the above best ways to store your vinyl records will guarantee you years of enjoyment of listening to your favorite music and passing them on to your children and grandchildren.
Short video with good tips for storing vinyl records: