Depending on who you ask, listening to vinyl records is one of the best ways to experience your favorite music. Other people may tell you that it’s just an expensive, unwieldy hobby (but we’re choosing not to listen to them). Whether you’re an experienced needle dropper or just thinking about getting into record collecting, one of the most important parts about preserving your investment (because vinyl isn’t cheap, after all) is proper storage. At Morningstar Storage, we’re huge fans of making sure you know how to protect your valuables and that your belongings are stored the right way. If you need help with your vinyl record storage, we have some tips to share.
Sleeves, Sleeves, and More Sleeves
There’s a reason vinyl records are packaged with inner and outer sleeves. It helps protect the waxy surface of the vinyl from scratches due to dirt or dust. If you’re an avid record collector, you’ll want to invest in the right kinds of sleeves to keep them in top condition. When they’re not on the platter of your turntable, vinyl records should stay inside the outer sleeve—the one with all the cool artwork—at a bare minimum.
But the best way to keep them in great shape is to use a good paper sleeve to hold the record itself. Acid-free paper sleeves are cheaply available online, and there are even more expensive options out there for audiophiles. For even more protection, slip your record into a poly sleeve. This will help prevent dust and moisture, as well as other damage from occurring. If you notice any signs of mold or mildew on your record sleeves, replace them ASAP.
Store Records Upright
Prevent warping to your records by stacking them upright, side by side, on a sturdy shelf, or in a crate. Never stack records on top of one another because the additional weight can cause issues. Try not to overstuff records on a shelf, either. If you’re using a shelf held together by dowels, make sure you follow the instructions and orient the whole thing correctly. Records aren’t light, and putting too many on one shelf can cause it to collapse.
Choose Temperature Controlled Storage
Vinyl records don’t do well when exposed to extreme heat, extreme cold, or moisture. Unfortunately, two of the most common places records are stored—basements and attics—are also commonly plagued by those issues. Be smart about where you store your collection. If you’re storing them at home, keep them off the ground and in a room with fairly constant temperatures.
If you’re running out of space in your office or family room, or you need to temporarily press pause on your vinyl collecting, using a self storage unit is a great way to keep them safe and free up room around the house. Just be sure you use a temperature controlled unit (sometimes called a climate controlled space). These storage spaces maintain a steady room temperature that will help keep your vinyl free of warps or other kinds of weather-related damage.
Visit Morningstar Storage for Your Record Storage Needs
If you’re looking for a space to store your vinyl records, visit Morningstar Storage. Seeking somewhere to store your business records? We can help with that, too. With climate controlled spaces, a friendly staff of storage experts, and even boxes and packing supplies sold on-site, our stores are some of the best places to store not only your vinyl records but just about anything, really. To get started, find a location near you.
