
Vinyl LP Storage:The Basics You Should Know Before Building Your Collection
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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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