

The most common mistake people make when storing vinyl records is not considering the pressure that is placed on them. There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when putting your records into storage, especially if you have a lot of them. If they are not going to be touched for a year or more, you will want to find a more permanent place to store them.
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Unfortunately, most people do not know how to properly store their vinyl collections for the long-term. If you purchase old records, you are more likely to still have an inner sleeve than an outer sleeve, but both are helpful in protecting your LPs. Outer sleeves are typically made from plastic and help to protect both the cardboard album cover and the vinyl inside. Avoid them if you’re able to and opt for plastic instead. In fact, using paper sleeves can actually scratch your records over time. Records will typically come with a paper sleeve, but the plastic ones are far superior. They are made of anti-static paper or plastic and help to keep dust from collecting on your vinyl. Inner sleeves go between the vinyl and the cardboard cover. Here at The Sound of Vinyl, we sell inner and outer sleeves to help store and protect your records. That is, as long as you are cleaning them properly before and after each play and you do not have a large number of records sitting out on your shelf. When in consistent use, you will not need to be as cautious with how you store them. The temperature for these can push up closer to 70 degrees, but you’ll want to still make sure the humidity is not too high. You can keep these on a shelf under your turntable and pull them out as you use them.

Short-term vinyl record storageįor records that you actively listen to, you will want to use a short-term storage solution. There are two types of storage for vinyl records-short-term and long-term storage. Once you’ve chosen a location for storing your collection of albums, you’ll also need to determine how you’re going to store them. This won’t be an issue in most cases, but if you have a large window next to your records or you have a plant-growing setup with UV lights, be careful not to store your records in view of the light. This is especially true with ultraviolet light. Excessive exposure to bright lights and direct sunlight can, over time, damage your LPs. This is something that many people don’t think about, but it is also important if you want to maintain your records in the best condition possible. If that isn’t an option, just try to find a room in your house that will remain cool and typically have low humidity. In a normal home, a finished basement is usually ideal for this, as it will remain cooler without getting as humid as a cellar might. The Northeast Document Conservation Center recommends you store LPs at a temperature of around 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit and a humidity level of 30-40 percent. High humidity or moisture in the air can cause significant damage to your albums over time. The second most important aspect to consider when it comes to storing your vinyl records is the humidity level. Cellars can be a great choice, but you need to pay close attention to the moisture level in that area. However, most attics will get far hotter than the rest of the house. If you have a temperature-controlled attic or storage unit, that can be a great choice. If the vinyl is exposed to high heat for extended periods of time, it can lead to warping and other damaging effects.

You want to store vinyl records in a cool place-not too cold, but not too hot. The first and most important aspect to consider is the room temperature of the area. There are a few elements you need to consider when exploring storage options for your vinyl records. Many people choose to chuck their old LPs in an attic or a shed, but this is not always the best choice. The location you choose to keep your record collection is essential to maintaining your albums. We’re going to tell you everything you need to know about vinyl storage, including where to store records, how to store them, and all of the common mistakes and pitfalls you should look to avoid. The environment, temperature, humidity, and other factors all contribute to the health and condition of your LPs. Vinyl is a delicate medium, and it is really easy to damage if you don’t know how to properly store it.

If you’ve ever purchased records from a garage or yard sale that have been sitting in an attic for decades, you know exactly what we mean. The way you store your vinyl records can have a drastic impact on the longevity of your albums.
