Keep your collection looking (and sounding) pristine with proper storage techniques.
Similar to comic books and baseball cards, vinyl records are nostalgic collectibles.
Putting them on display can alsocreate a conversation piecein any room.
Credit:Tria Giovan
These are our best tips to show off and store your vinyl records safely.
Even with new purchases, the paper insert can scratch the record.
Consider investing in acid free paper sleeves or, even better, sleeves made of polyethylene.
Credit:Kim Cornelison
Many record purchases (particularly older ones) dont come with an outer protective covering.
It might be worth exploring the idea of adding one to keep the album artwork in top shape.
Look for inserts that are made out of polyethylene or polypropylene.
Credit:Jacob Fox
If youre unsure of what to buy, ask a local record shop owner for suggestions.
They may even have them for purchase in the store.
you might use pre existing built-ins,a standalone bookshelf, or specific record player stand that includes storage.
No matter where the records are stored, avoid stacking them horizontally at all costs.
The pressure from the weight of the vinyls on top of one another can cause damage.
Always place them vertically, as you would with books.
Refrain from overstuffing them on shelves so they slide in and out without force.
Heat is detrimental to the vinyls themselves (that’s why record stores are usually chilly!)
and the sun can fade the artwork, even with a cover on it.
Temperature controlledfinished basementsand other storage spaces in your home work well.
Garages and attics generally get too hot (or cold) and humid for safekeeping.
One of the best ways to preserve records in storage is to contain them in a lidded box.
attempt to keep the vinyls of the same size stored together.
