{"id":1236,"date":"2020-02-10T23:23:37","date_gmt":"2020-02-11T07:23:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/blog\/?p=1236"},"modified":"2024-02-13T23:08:32","modified_gmt":"2024-02-14T07:08:32","slug":"how-to-store-your-vinyl-records","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/blog\/how-to-store-your-vinyl-records\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Store Your Vinyl Records"},"content":{"rendered":"

For true music enthusiasts, nothing beats the warmth, the character and the personality of a vinyl record sound, and there\u2019s even science to back that claim up. Digital recording takes snapshots of the sound signal at a very high rate \u2013 that means it\u2019s not capturing the complete sound wave. A vinyl record, on the other hand, is mirroring the sound\u2019s entire waveform, so no information is lost, and the recording is more accurate.<\/p>\n

Turntables and vinyl records looked like a thing of the past for a while there, firstly due to CDs and then due to the rise in popularity of digital recordings and music streaming, which are easier and less expensive to access. However, vinyl records are making a pretty strong comeback right now, and it\u2019s not only about the quality of the sound. It\u2019s also about the physicality of it, the ritual of holding your favorite vinyl record, putting it on your turntable, then relaxing and enjoying the music.<\/p>\n

One downside with vinyl records is that they are pretty delicate items and easily damaged by improper use or factors in the environment. You need some smart, well-thought-out vinyl record storage solutions to help you keep your albums in tip-top shape. Here are the most important things to pay attention to when using and storing vinyl records.<\/p>\n

<\/span>The Environment Is Essential<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Vinyl records are affected by sunlight, extreme temperatures (either very hot or very cold) and high humidity. Find a spot in your home that\u2019s not exposed to direct sunlight, and where humidity isn\u2019t an issue \u2013 that\u2019s to say, not in the kitchen or the bathroom, and away from the windows. If you have a large vinyl collection, probably the best solution is to rent a climate-controlled self-storage unit<\/a>. These lockers provide constant temperature and humidity regardless of the season and are also protecting your records against sunlight.<\/p>\n

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<\/span>Always Store Them Upright!<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Stacking vinyl records one on top of the other is a big no-no. In time, the records will bend and warp, rendering them unusable. The correct way to store records is vertically \u2013 think Harvey Specter\u2019s record collection<\/a> in Suits.\u00a0 If you\u2019re keeping the records on shelves, make sure that they are not slanting \u2013 uneven weight distribution will cause warping in such cases. Use bookshelf ends or other weights to prop them upright. If you\u2019re using vinyl record storage boxes, also get some box dividers that will help you arrange them properly.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Use Inner & Outer Record Sleeves<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Dust is another huge enemy of vinyl records, and the best way to protect them is by using inner and outer record sleeves<\/a> \u2013 the antistatic ones are particularly efficient in keeping dust away from your precious disks. Slide the record inside the inner sleeve, then put it in its album jacket. A neat trick is to store them with the open edge of the sleeve facing in. The more insulated from the environment the records are, the better. The outer sleeves are designed to slip over the album jacket, providing a second layer of protection.<\/p>\n

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<\/span>Storage Furniture and Boxes for Vinyl Records<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

There\u2019s a huge variety of storage solutions for your vinyl records, whether you\u2019re keeping them at home or in your storage unit. A turntable stand that also doubles as records organizer<\/a> is an elegant and practical accessory for your living-room. You can also use shelving units, record holders, or sturdy, vintage-looking wooden crates.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re keeping your records in a climate-controlled storage unit, it\u2019s important to get durable, lidded boxes that are the right size for records. When placing your records into the boxes, make sure that the space is occupied properly, from wall to wall, to avoid slanting. The opposite is important too \u2013 don\u2019t try to squeeze too many records into one box, or you might end up damaging them.<\/p>\n

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<\/span>The Most Valuable Vinyl Records Ever Sold<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

As with other collectibles such as comic books<\/a>, vinyl records can soar in value over time, and storing them properly is essential for reaping the benefits of potential price increases. Keep in mind that autographed copies with an intact jacket, or copies of albums released in limited editions, have the best chance of being valuable or of increasing their value in the future. Here\u2019s a list of the most valuable vinyl records ever sold that will stimulate you to have your own collection appraised:<\/p>\n

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