Having  a vinyl collection is fun, but it is very important to protect the records to ensure they last  long. For anyone just beginning or planning on expanding their collection, this article will help you learn how to  care for your LPs so they will last and sound their best. The following is a basic guide  for new vinyl users.

Vinyl LP Storage Tips

1. Vinyl Records Should Always Be Kept Upright
 One of the most important rules of vinyl storage is that you should always store your records  upright. If you try to put them upright, the pressure from other records may cause warping and  damage over time. Using good quality shelves or record boxes will help to protect your collection.

2. Choose the Right Vinyl LP Storage Shelving
Your storage unit should be stable and able to  hold the weight of vinyl records. Some of the most popular choices are:
- IKEA  Kallax shelves– A cheap and quite popular variant of shelves for vinyl collectors. Look at them  here
 - Custom built record cabinets – Made for the purpose of vinyl storage. [Find custom options  on Etsy
- Vintage  wooden crates – For smaller collections – aesthetic and practical. Search for them on  Amazon

3. It is important to use inner and outer sleeves
Using inner and outer sleeves is  very important to keep the vinyl records from getting dust, scratches and static. 
- Inner  Sleeves: The best type of sleeves are the ones that are made of material that doesn’t attract static  and is therefore lined with poly. [Look for anti-static record sleeves on  Amazon

- Outer Sleeves: The outer plastic or polyethylene sleeves offer protection to the album cover from damages, liquids, and  dirt. Find outer sleeves  here

4. Do not Place Your Records in Hot or Sunny Conditions
 Vinyl is sensitive to temperature changes. Do not keep records near windows, radiators,  or any other heat source as heat damage to records is severe. Ideal storage conditions include:
-  Temperature: 65-70°F (18-21°C)
- Humidity: 40-50% to avoid the chances of mold and static electricity.

5. Handle Vinyl Records Carefully

To avoid damage:
- Always grab records by the corner and do not  touch the grooves.
- Use a carbon fiber brush to dust off the surface of the  record before and after use. Get a carbon fiber brush  here
- Put the records away after using  them and do not leave them lying around.

6. Sort Your Records
It is always  easier to find what you are looking for in a organized collection. Some of the most common ways of  sorting records include:
- Alphabetical order (by artist or album)
-  Chronological order (by year of release)
- Sort by genre (for example,  rock, pop, jazz, etc.)
- Color coded or aesthetic arrangements for those who want to make  their storage units look pretty.

7. Get a Record Cleaning Kit
Dirt and dust  can build up in the grooves over time and this will affect the sound quality. A basic record  cleaning kit should include:
- A carbon fiber brush for removing dust from the records on a  daily basis.
- A record cleaning solution and microfiber cloth** for more thorough cleaning. See a recommendation for a cleaning kit  here
- A stylus brush to clear the turntable  needle of any debris. Check out stylus  brushes

8. Think of Storage Space for the Future
It is a typical situation that vinyl collections grow faster than one could have anticipated. When planning  your storage, make sure to leave some space for the future to avoid overcrowding of your shelves.  If your collection grows beyond the current arrangement, it is easy to add more modules to modular shelving.

Final Thoughts

Building a vinyl collection is more than just acquiring the records; it is  about taking care of them and making sure they last. Follow these basic storage tips and your records will  sound as good as new for many years to come. Whether you are collecting vinyl for the nostalgia,  the sound, or simply the love of music, the right storage will protect your vinyl and make it  last.

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