Digital music is the trend right now, but many music enthusiasts still enjoy vinyl record collection. According to Nielsen Music, Vinyl LP sales accounted for fourteen percent of all physical album sales in 2017. This marks the twelfth straight year of growth in vinyl album
sales.

If you have a small collection of vinyl records, extra room in a closet or bedroom is reasonably safe if the records are in their sleeves, in an upright position. However, storage in a basement or attic is risky because of the temperature fluctuations and humidity in those areas.

According to Jim Kaplan of Record Collector News, “The best place for your records is on your turntable.” The next best option is a safe, secure climate-controlled storage unit.

Here are five storage tips to help keep your records ready to party.

1. Handle with Care

The Library of Congress, boasting one of the largest record collections in the world, recommends that you wash and thoroughly dry your hands before handling your collection for storage.  To prevent any further damage, touch records only on the edges and label areas.

2. Keep Them Vertical

If you’re storing records for an extended period, keep them vertical.  Never stack records. Arrange them in crates like books on a shelf.  Be sure that they are neither too snug nor too lose, so that they don’t fall over or lean on each other.

3. Use the Right Container

Keeping your records in a vertical position requires the correct container.  Since record collecting is so popular, storage containers designed for various size records are available for this purpose. In a pinch, wine crates will work, and book boxes are an option for 12-inch records.

4. Sleeves are a Must

Sleeves give your records extra protection from dust and dirt. However, they can become damaged over time.  If you notice that record sleeves have become mildewed or otherwise harmed over time, replace them. Original sleeves can be replaced with more protective, less abrasive sleeves.  When placing your record in its sleeve, don’t just drop it in as this could eventually break the seam on your sleeve.  Hold the sleeve horizontally and carefully slide the record inside.

5. Ensure that they Stay Cool and Dry

Store your records away from heat and direct light, which can cause warping or even melting.  Humidity isn’t as damaging to the record as it is to the album cover (which is half the fun of a record collection).

The ultimate solution for your records is a reliable, safe, secure storage facility that features climate-controlled units.  The ideal climate for vinyl record storage is 65° to 70° F and 45% to 50% humidity.  This environment is easily maintained in a climate-controlled unit.

Storing vinyl records is well worth the effort. Someday, you’ll be able to share your passion for music with your great grandchildren.

For our next, and final, climate-control blog, we’ll talk about the best way to store you comic book collection.