Storing your Collection

How you store your collection can make the difference between records in mint condition and dirty, dusty, warped albums that have only sentimental value. It doesn't take much time to set up a good storage area for your vinyl, and as time passes, you'll be glad you did.

Some general rules for record storage:

• Always stand your records upright, on their edges. Records stored horizontally eventually bend and warp.
• Never place records in direct sunlight or heat; this too will cause them to warp . (When transporting records, avoid leaving them in a hot vehicle!)
• Keep records in a cool, dry place (not the basement or garage, which tend to be moist and damp).
• Ensure that your storage area is clean.
• Purchase paper or anti-static record sleeves to reduce dust accumulation.

Shelving Units

LPs weigh approximately 35 to 45 pounds per shelf foot, while 78s weigh even more. If your shelving isn't sturdy, vinyl recordings can easily cause shelves to collapse. When choosing shelving for your collection, pick a material that won't bend, like steel or oak.

Temperature

Records should be stored at a temperature no warmer than 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but are safe in temperatures lower than 45 degrees.

Equally important, if not more so, is temperature stability. Don't let your storage area temperature fluctuate more than five or ten degrees, or you'll eventually ruin your records.

Humidity

High humidity is bad for your collection, as moisture can cause records and jackets to grow mold. Avoid storing your albums where the relative humidity is higher than 50%.

As with temperature, don't allow the relative humidity to fluctuate more than five or ten percent. Your records will last longer if they are stored in an area with stable temperature and humidity.