Collectible Storage Guide for Vinyl Records

Who doesn’t enjoy the sound of their favorite album? Say what you want about Spotify or Apple Music, but there is something to be said for the sound of vinyl. Lately, record collecting is experiencing a revival, with a total of 49.6 million albums sold in 2023. 

However, the number one challenge of managing a collection is finding a place to put it, and that’s where self-storage can help. Renting a storage unit is an excellent solution to keeping your collection while regaining space at home. However, you also want to keep your collection in mint condition, so storing your records correctly and under the proper conditions is also important.

Here is your complete storage guide for vinyl record storage.

Types of Storage

Cardboard Boxes

Square boxes are a common and inexpensive way to store vinyl. However, if you have a large number of records and need to stack boxes on top of each other, consider reinforced boxes for some extra durability or opt for a different kind of material. Keep in mind that cardboard is also susceptible to moisture. If your unit gets damp or receives some kind of water damage, cardboard won’t do much to protect your albums.

Plastic Bins

Plastic containers offer more durability for storage, especially if you need to store things long-term. They can help keep moisture, dirt and mold off your records. However, plastic can just as easily trap moisture inside the bin instead. Try placing a few silicate gel packets in any plastic containers to help combat any potentially trapped moisture.

However you decide to go about storing your vinyl records, make sure you store them correctly to minimize any potential dirt or damage.

Location

If you need to store vinyl records somewhere other than your home, renting a climate-controlled self-storage unit is the best option.

Temperature changes and humidity are the bane of any collector’s existence. You want a dry environment that maintains a consistent temperature, which makes climate-controlled storage your best option. Too much heat can cause the vinyl to warp, while temperature swings can make the vinyl brittle and prone to breaking. Humidity is dangerous because it can cause mold and mildew to form, destroying the album covers and even the records if left alone long enough.

If you store your albums at home, avoid keeping them in the basement or attic, as these areas of the house are more susceptible to these dangers.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Vinyl Record Storage

The Do's:

• Store them upright
  Records should always be stored vertically. Putting them in a pile horizontally (flat) puts stress on the albums at the bottom and increases the risk of breakage, especially if stored for long periods.

• Keep them in their sleeves
  Sleeves give your records a layer of protection from dirt, dust, and potential scratches. Most records come with inner and outer sleeves, but it’s the softer inner sleeve that offers the most protection.

• Clean before storing
  Dust and dirt build up over time and can affect playback. If you need to store your albums for a long time, clean them beforehand.

• Label and organize
  By genre, by artist, by how much you like the album, whatever system you want to use is fine; just make sure you have one in place.

The Don'ts

• Store them at an angle
  Records should be stored upright and packed together tightly so they can stay that way. Loose records will fall and rest at an angle, which puts stress on the vinyl and leaves it open to damage.
• Use flimsy boxes if storing in stacks
  If you have an extensive collection and need to stack it for storage, invest in plastic containers or cardboard boxes with reinforced corners to prevent collapsing.
• Put them on the floor
  Use shelves or pallets to keep your records off the floor. This way, in the event of a burst pipe or leakage from a neighboring unit, your records are safe from flood damage.
• Store high-value or irreplaceable items
  While you can purchase a storage unit protection plan, keep those signed albums and one-of-a-kind finds elsewhere, like your home or a safety deposit box.

If you’re in the market for vinyl record storage, check out your nearest Storage Post location today!