There are a few things you need to know when it comes to safely storing sensitive items like your priceless vinyl record collection, precious photographs, and your expensive electronics. We will review the steps you can take to help prevent damage and keep your valuables in tip-top shape while in your storage unit.
Wipe and Clean Vinyl Records Before Storing
Vinyl records are incredibly delicate items. Cleaning your vinyl records before storing them is essential. This is especially true if you’ve used them frequently. Dust can permanently damage the vinyl, especially over an extended period of time.
Hold Vinyl Records by Their Edges
As we mentioned above, even the smallest bit of dust can damage vinyl. The same goes for dirt and debris from handling. That’s why vinyl record aficionados recommend holding them by their edges only. The oil on your fingers can impact their sound quality. Also, human fingernails can cause scratches that also affect the sound quality. In short, never touch anything but the edges.
Always Store Vinyl Records Standing Up
A mistake many folks frequently make is storing vinyl records flat and on top of each other. Even worse is storing them at an angle as that can warp them due to uneven pressure. Whatever container you store them in, make sure they’re vertical.
Use Plastic Sleeves to Store Vinyl Records
Purchasing plastic sleeves is a good investment when storing vinyl records. They not only help protect the record from scratches, but they also protect from dust and debris. Some high-quality plastic sleeves even protect against UV light, which can cause warping.
Use Shelving or Storage Containers Made for Vinyl Records
If there’s one thing universally true about vinyl records, it’s this; they’re heavy. OK, so they’re not that heavy individually. But, if you have hundreds of records (which isn’t unusual), their combined weight is enormous. That’s why, when storing vinyl records, purchasing heavy-duty shelving is a must. You can also buy strong containers meant for vinyl records.
Keep Storage Temperatures Away from the Extremes
If you live in an area of the country with extreme heat, storing your vinyl records is critical. For example, if you keep them in your attic, they could get seriously damaged during the hot summer months. Extreme cold isn’t great for vinyl records either. Finding a temperature-controlled space in your home is necessary. The ideal temperature for vinyl is between 50 F and 70 F.
Store Them in a Temperature Controlled Storage Unit
If you genuinely love your vinyl records, top-quality storage is a must. Temperature-controlled storage units are the best place to store vinyl record collections. It stays at the perfect temperature all year and, as a bonus, has 24/7 security.
Fun, Artsy, and Trendy Ways to Store Your Vinyl
If you want to store your vinyl records but still enjoy them, we’ve got a few ways to do that, including:
- Purchase record ledges from Amazon for use on the wall. These are skinny shelves with a groove for the record’s edge, so they stay in place. You can then use them as “artwork” anywhere in your home.
- Target carries cube display shelves, which are perfect for vinyl records, books, and other knick-knacks.
- Urban Outfitters also offers unique and astechtically pleasing ways to organize your vinyl.
This post was published on 2/21/19. It was updated on 7/7/21.