Protecting Your Tunes: How To Store Vinyl Records for the Long-Term

Picture this: It’s a sunny Saturday morning. You’ve just put on the coffee and you’re pulling out all the supplies needed for that weekly house cleaning. You’re about to put your favorite record on the turntable only to notice it’s too damaged to play. Not only is your morning ruined, but a sentimental part of your collection is also gone. What if we told you this didn’t have to be the case, though? What if you had learned how to store vinyl records properly before the damage occurred? 

Whether you’re reliving this event in real time or shaking your head and thinking, “This will never happen to me,” we’re here to help. At home, during a move, and in storage, taking a few steps to keep your records safe can help them last well beyond a lifetime. Read on to learn more.

Exposure to excess humidity may cause mold and mildew to form on both the record and the sleeves — a double loss that nobody wants to deal with.

Factors That Impact the Condition of Your Vinyl Records

To safely store your records, you need to understand what can impact them the most. Records can be finicky, whether they’re in or out of storage, and knowing what to avoid will help you form a plan. The most important thing to remember? These factors will vary for everyone. You might not have to worry about extreme temperatures during the spring or high humidity levels in the summer. Consider your unique environment before you get overwhelmed with the potential pitfalls

Temperature

Records are made to withstand the test of time. They’re not exactly a sensitive medium, but they do have one major weak spot: high temperatures. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC, the material used to make records) has a melting point range of 160 degrees to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, 

While it’s unlikely that your records will have prolonged exposure to these temperatures, it doesn’t take much time for them to begin warping. That means no storing in direct sunlight, close to radiators, or near kitchen appliances.

Dust

Dust and buildup can wreak havoc in a lot of different areas of your home, but it’s especially true for the well-being of your records. Enough accumulation can settle into the small grooves of your collection and affect a vinyl’s ability to play clearly. 

Storing your vinyl collection in direct sunlight could eventually cause your records to become distorted.

Places To Avoid When Storing Vinyl Records

You know what factors to avoid, now how can you put it all into practice? The best thing is to find the optimal place for storage in your home. There are a few places you should avoid at all costs, including:

• Direct sunlight
• Behind the radiator
• Under an AC vent or in front of units
• Humid areas (like the basement)
• Areas with regular exposure to extreme temperatures (like the attic)

It’s unlikely that your home regularly faces exposure to every single one of those factors, so in a lot of cases, your records will be fine wherever you end up storing them. As long as the area is cool, dry, and away from excessively bright areas, you’re good to go! Remember, you have to be able to use your collection.

Storing Vinyl Records: What You Need

Regular use comes with its set of risks, as well. Dust, oil, and debris can accumulate with regular handling, so having these few basic storage and cleaning supplies on hand — as well as equally careful roommates — can help prolong the life of your collection:

• Sleeves (inner and outer)
• A physical storage solution
• Racks
• Shelves
• Boxes
• Cleaning supplies
• Record cleaner
• Record brush
• Microfiber cloth
• Distilled water

Optional items

• Dehumidifier
• Air purifier
• Mini vacuum for shelves and/or boxes

Sleeves

Yes, sleeves for your records can make a huge difference in their lifespan. Plastic inner sleeves are best for day-to-day storage, while outer sleeves can be useful for long-term storage (more on that later) and records that you have on display.

For either type, it’s generally recommended to opt for polyurethane (PE) instead of polypropylene (PP) or PVC sleeves. PE sleeves are soft and anti-static, but some collectors don’t find them transparent enough. PP sleeves are generally clearer, making them perfect to put records on display. They’re not anti-static, though, and you’ll notice folds and wrinkles on the covers. PVC sleeves are rigid, but they’re not ideal for all environments. PVC can break down over the years and basically “melt” onto your records. This breakdown causes a film to develop on the outside of a record and can leave behind residue capable of ruining your collection.

Q: Is it better to store records in paper or plastic? A: The overwhelming majority of vinyl collectors will tell you plastic sleeves are best. Not only is paper more likely to harbor mold and mildew, but it’s also more coarse than plastic, so it poses a larger risk of scratching your records. Plastic sleeves won’t scratch your records, and they’re more resilient against outside materials. They’re also easier to slide records in and out of.

Storage Solutions

What you store your records inside of will largely depend on the size of your collection. If you only have a few sentimental albums you love to spin, a small, acid-free record storage box might be enough. 

If you have a larger collection, IKEA Kallax shelves are the perfect size for most LPs. They also come in a variety of sizes and colors, making them simple to configure and match to your individual taste.

It’s best to clean your records every five to 10 plays or when you notice an uptick in pops, clicks, or other surface noise.

How To Store Vinyl Records in Your Home

How should you store your vinyl records in your home? Following these two tips is of the utmost importance.

1. Avoid Pressure.

Want to know how to store vinyls so they don't warp? Basically, just don’t overpack your records and cause unnecessary pressure. Heat isn’t the only thing that can cause warping, and you pose a larger risk of this exact thing happening when you lay large piles of them flat on a shelf or overcrowd a box.

It’s best to pack them tightly — but not too tightly. Keep them upright, and place your records closely enough together so they don’t lean, but far enough apart to give them breathing room. A good rule of thumb: Make sure you don’t have to struggle to slide them in and out of storage.

Q: Is it better to store vinyl records flat or upright? A: Wondering how to store vinyl records — flat or upright? Generally, it’s better to store records upright. When laid flat, you can place unnecessary pressure and cause damage over time. Records should also not be left leaning at an angle while in storage or on a shelf. You can purchase archival record boxes designed specifically for your collection if you don’t want to have them out on display.

2. Keep Them Clean.

There are a few instances when you should clean your vinyls:

• Before their first playback: Manufacturing and storage residue can accumulate, so giving them a quick once over can help prevent scratches or an inability to play back.
• Every few plays: For records in your regular rotation, it’s best to clean them every five to 10 plays or when you notice an uptick in pops, clicks, or other surface noise.
• After long-term storage: If your records have been stored for a long period of time, or in a dusty environment, it’s best practice to clean them before playing.

In most cases, placing vinyl records in an archival-quality inner sleeve with a plastic liner on the outside is going to be the best way to protect them while in storage.

How To Store Vinyl Records Long-Term — FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about long-term record storage.

Q: What Supplies Do You Need?
A: If you’re packing for long-term storage, learning how to store vinyl records in sleeves is essential for their safety. In most cases, placing them in an archival-quality inner sleeve with a plastic liner on the outside is going to be safest. Whether you keep them in the same inner sleeves you do at home or change them out will depend on what they’re already in.

If you’re not sure, though, these Big Fudge inner sleeves are anti-static and acid-free, keeping them safe from both debris buildup and static damage. Big Fudge also has outer sleeves made with PP.

For storing, double-walled cardboard boxes are a great idea, or an archival-quality storage box with a lid. 

Q: Do They Have To Be Cleaned First?
A: It’s best to clean vinyl records before storing, yes. Cleaning will remove dirt and debris, helping to prevent the risk of scratches and other damage to the record’s surface. 

Remember, dust attracts static, which can build up over time and cause static noise when you eventually take the records out to play them again. 

Q: Do You Need Climate-Controlled Storage?
A: While climate-controlled storage is generally the better option, you’re not out of options if it’s out of reach. 

Q: How Can You Store Vinyl Records in a Non-Climate-Controlled Storage Facility?
A: When learning how to pack records for moving or for long-term, non-climate-controlled storage, one of the biggest things you need to ensure is that the vinyls, their jackets, and protective sleeves are all cleaned before you place them into the unit. Again, double-check that they’re stored upright and tightly so they support each other. No squishing should happen while they’re in storage.

Climate-controlled facilities are ideal since there’s temperature and humidity control, but there are precautions you can take in a non-climate controlled facility.

Humidity is a big risk in this environment, so use tools to keep moisture out of your unit, like silica gel packs and disposable moisture absorbers. Also, keep your records away from the walls and ceiling of the unit itself to prevent potential leaks from reaching your collection.

Keeping them out of direct sunlight is the other most important thing, but this (and temperature) will all depend on the time of year you’re placing your records in storage. The condition of the facility itself will also play a part in your collection’s overall safety.

That’s why going with PODS and their portable storage units is always a safe option. The containers will be dropped off right in your driveway and picked up whenever it’s most convenient. The best part? One month of storage is built into the price, so you can rest easy knowing that all you have to do is ensure your records are packed up safely for transportation.

By investing in the right supplies, staying conscious of the time of year you’re moving, and finding a secure storage unit or facility, you can master the moving of your record collection.

Moving Your Precious Items With PODS

PODS knows all about transporting personal collections — from extensive book collections to precious vintage dishware. And by investing in the right supplies, staying conscious of the time of year you’re moving, and finding a secure storage unit or facility, you can master the moving of your record collection, as well.

For more help along the way, check out the PODS Blog and our collection of packing tips and hacks to get started on your stress-free move.

Kat Piccolo is a St. Petersburg-based freelance writer whose only roommate is their cat. A frequent PODS Blog contributor, Kat loves finding ways to make moving into new spaces simple and stress-free. Between yearly apartment hopping, you can find them on the waterfront or experimenting with new ways to make coffee.