Storage Solutions

How to Store Vinyl Records

September 17, 2024

Even in modern times, when everything has gone digital, vinyl records still have a special place in many people's lives. A certain authenticity comes with the analog sound quality of vinyl, plus a certain tangibility that lends itself well to a collector hobby.

Vinyl records inspire a sense of nostalgia and immersive listening that takes you away from the distractions of daily life and back to a simpler time when music had profound impacts on our lives. The album artwork on vinyl records is often visually stunning, and there’s a wonderful culture around vinyl record collecting when you visit a throwback record store and browse the aisles.

But unlike digital versions of your favorite music, vinyl records occupy substantial space and can be challenging to find room for in your home. Fortunately, Stop & Stor offers solutions to store vinyl records in our facilities so they remain safe and protected until you want to listen to them again.

From our very own music-loving storage experts, here are some tips for how to store vinyl records and guidance about the best way to store vinyl record albums in New York.

Understanding the Key Factors for Vinyl Storage

When properly stored, vinyl records have excellent longevity and can potentially last for over 100 years. However, it is crucial to understand how to store record albums to preserve their sound quality, maintain their value, and prevent damage.

Temperature

Temperature is a critical consideration for storing records because both heat and cold can cause them to warp. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures at all times of the year. The ideal temperature to store vinyl records is 50 to 70 degrees.

Humidity

Humidity is also something to consider when storing records because high humidity leads to damage and mold. You can use a hygrometer to monitor humidity in your storage space. The humidity level when you store vinyl records should be 30 to 40 percent.

Light Exposure

To keep vinyl records playing well for many years, keep them away from direct sunlight and UV light. This will prevent fading and damage to your music.

Choosing the Right Storage Location

At Stop & Stor, we understand how vital storage locations are when it comes to something as valuable as vinyl records. Fortunately, numerous options are available based on how many records you have, your budget, and where you live.

Avoid Common Pitfalls

Whatever you do, don't store vinyl records in a shed or attic unless it is adequately climate-controlled. Only if you can manage humidity in your basement should you consider this part of your home the best place to store vinyl records.

Best Options

If you have a small vinyl collection or a large home with plenty of extra space, choose a cool, dark, and dry room in your home for storage. Meanwhile, climate-controlled storage units are perfect for extensive collections and long-term storage.

How to Store Vinyl Records Correctly

How do you store vinyl records in the best way possible? Here are some tips from our experts.

Vertical Positioning

Always store your records vertically rather than piled up in a stack to avoid pressure damage. It is helpful to have shelves or crates to keep your records safe, organized, and easily accessible.

Shelving Tips

Another tip for how to properly store vinyl records is to use sturdy shelves that can withstand the weight of your vinyl record collection. There are shelves you can buy designed explicitly for records and with dividers to keep your collection organized.

Protecting Your Records: Sleeves and Cleaning

To take storing records one step further, consider adding extra protection with vinyl coverings and occasional cleaning.

Inner and Outer Sleeves

You can use plastic inner sleeves to prevent static and dust accumulation. The best way to store vinyl record albums also involves using outer plastic sleeves to protect covers from light exposure and wear and tear.

Cleaning Your Records

You can clean your vinyl records with anti-static brushes but never use regular cloths or rags. It's important to use specialized cleaning tools to protect your records. If you plan to put your records in long-term storage, plan to do a deep clean before you stash them away.

Storage Solutions for Different Needs

Everyone’s vinyl collection is unique and deeply personal, and that’s what makes them so special to hold onto and share with future generations.

Short-term Storage

For records that you wish to play regularly, you might consider easy-access storage under your turntable or in a spare closet in your home.

Long-term Storage

But if your collection is more of a keepsake that doesn’t get regular use, the best solution for how to store vinyl is in sturdy plastic bins with square interiors. This way, you can ensure records remain upright inside.

There are also heavy-duty storage solutions using steel and aluminum cases, which are useful if you frequently transport your records from one place to another.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Now that we’ve covered the best way to store vinyl records, here are some mistakes to avoid.

Stacking Records

Never stack your records on top of each other. Doing so causes excess pressure and warping. Store them upright instead.

Inadequate Shelving

Don't choose flimsy shelving units for storing records. Instead, pick an adequate shelf to support your collection's weight.

Skipping Protective Sleeves

Don’t skimp on protective measures, such as sleeves, if your vinyl collection is important to you. Use outer and inner sleeves to protect against damage and dust to store vinyl records.

Handling Records Safely

In addition to answering the question of how to properly store vinyl records, here are some tips for safe handling.

Clean Hands

Wash and dry your hands before picking up vinyl records to prevent the transfer of dirt and oils.

Handling Techniques

As you prepare to store vinyl records, hold them by the labels and edges so you don't touch the grooves, which affects their ability to play music well.

Enhancing Your Storage with Dividers and Organization

Many vinyl enthusiasts use dividers to reduce pressure between records when they store them upright. This is also an excellent way to organize your music collection alphabetically, by genre, or by artist for easy access.

Storing Records with Stop & Stor

We hope you now better understand how to store record albums, such as keeping them in a cool and dry environment, ensuring they remain upright, using protective sleeves, and keeping up with regular cleaning. If you follow these tips for the best way to store vinyl records, you’ll give your music greater longevity with optimal sound quality and long-lasting value.

To get started with storing records, start organizing your vinyl collection now to assess its size and determine whether you want short- or long-term storage.

At Stop & Stor, we offer flexible month-to-month renting, so you always have the option to change your mind about your storage needs based on your music listening habits. We guarantee no rent increases for your first year and have many convenient storage units and locker locations throughout New York. Most of our locations have climate-controlled options to keep your records safe and help you store vinyl records in a way that suits your lifestyle and budget.

Established in 1980, Stop & Stor is a family owned and operated business that has become New York’s Self Storage Leader by offering cutting-edge facilities in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island.

TO FIND ONE OF OUR LOCATIONS NEAR YOU, SELECT YOUR BOROUGH:

Storage prices our competitors can’t beat. Act fast, these storage deals last for a limited time only. Reserve now and lock in the best storage price for a FULL YEAR – GUARANTEED. Contact Stop & Stor today to learn more about our storage options.