Three Tips for Storing Vinyl

Any music fan knows how popular collecting vinyl has become in recent years. The trend is a result of a reaction against the increased digitization of recorded music. Even with the help of companies who provide the services of vinyl record pressing for independent artists and major labels, vinyl is making a great comeback in the music industry. Audiophiles understand that the sound quality from vinyl records is much better than the compressed mp3s of today. On top of that, vinyl is a hot commodity and some are extremely valuable, driving a strong collectors market at trade shows and online stores everywhere. Some people even just collect albums for the artwork.

If you are a long time collector, you might have more records than you know what to do with. The one drawback of a big vinyl collection for a lot of people is its cumbersome nature, leading many collectors to seek out a facility that offers commercial storage in Las Vegas. Records can become warped or damaged over time if they are stored improperly, making them lose their value because they no longer play correctly. But if you have managed to keep your old records from becoming damaged, once you are ready to play these classic albums. But there is hope for us all when it comes to restoring your vinyl records.

Here are some tips you can use to store your vinyl collection properly.

Use Album Sleeves

If you have already opened your record, it is no longer in the shrink-wrapped packaging it came with. This leaves the album cover and artwork completely exposed when in storage. Luckily, there are plastic sleeves you can buy for your albums when they are being stored, greatly increasing the longevity. These are especially important for the more valuable pieces in your ever-growing collection. These are a must if you are storing them in a dusty area like a storage closet.

Temperature

Room temperature is fine if you are just storing your vinyl short-term between use. If you are storing records for an extended period of time, they need to be kept at a lower temperature. A good rule of thumb is to store your albums at a temperature no higher than 60 degrees Fahrenheit, so you may want to look into temperature-controlled storage facilities if this is the case.

Some people make the mistake of putting their records in the basement because it is cool down there. While the temperature is low enough, it may be too damp which can have a disastrous effect on your precious music collection.

Upright

Sure, it’s easier and faster to store your vinyl horizontally, but it has a terrible effect on it. Regardless of the circumstance, you must store your collection vertically. It is the only way to truly maintain the integrity of each record for an extended period of time. Make sure your storage facility is tall enough to house shelving units to maximize the space.