There is something uniquely special about vinyl records. Whether they are treasures that have been passed down from generation to generation in your family or you just enjoy collecting these nostalgic items, vinyl records give you the experience of going back in time and interacting with music in a different way. Even in this age of digital music subscriptions, there are still plenty of collectors and fans out there who appreciate the nostalgia of vinyl records.

These true collectors also understand the importance of preserving these records. These fragile records can be easily scratched, bent, scuffed, and damaged, and they require special attention to ensure they maintain their condition while in storage. If you’re planning a move in the near future, consider how you’ll pack and transport your vinyl records to keep them safe. You’ll want to avoid some of the most common mistakes people make when packing and storing these timeless treasures. Consider long-distance moving containers that are designed for special items that are expensive to replace and a viable option on how to store vinyl records.

How to Move Vinyl Records Safely

As you gather packing supplies for your move, think about what you’ll need to store your vinyl records for the trip. You’ll need a box for the records, which should be small enough that the records don’t move around but large enough not to press the corners of the record cover. The records should be placed in the box vertically, or standing up, rather than lying flat. Keep records of the same size together. If you have different sizes of records, put them in separate boxes.

Don’t leave your vinyl records in a storage container or facility for very long because they can warp under various weather conditions. If you plan to pack up your place and store everything for several months until you get a new home, the best method for how to protect vinyl records is to choose a climate-controlled facility. To have a better idea of how much moving containers will cost, you can use a moving container cost calculator based on the size of your home.

It is very important to keep your records clean, as dirt and dust can scratch the surface of the record. Record collectors probably own a record cleaning brush, but if not, it’s worth the investment. This little brush is an easy and effective tool for removing dirt and dust. Never clean records with your shirt, as the fibers from your shirt can definitely scratch the vinyl.

How to Protect Vinyl Records During Storage

As you pack your vinyl records to put in storage, you should follow a few simple tips to ensure they are safe and in good condition when you’re ready to move them into your new home.

Most experts would agree that the only time your record should be out of the jacket is when you are playing it. This means you should put it right back in its sleeve as soon as you are done listening to it.

When you leave it on the turntable, it is susceptible to gathering dust and this can impact the sound quality when it accumulates on the record. There are also special steps that should be taken to ensure your record is properly stored in its album jacket.

 ●Inner Sleeves are Essential - It is imperative that your records be stored in an inner sleeve prior to placing it in a cardboard jacket. Your inner sleeve should be smooth and silky and NEVER be made of cardboard, as this could scratch the surface. Once you have placed your record in an inner sleeve, you can then place the inner sleeve in the cardboard album jacket.

●Pair Your Inner Sleeve with an Outer Sleeve - In order to maintain superior protection, you want to cover the album jacket with an outer sleeve. Avoid thick plastic sleeves, as these can stick to the album and remove the artwork. Rather, choose a sleeve that is soft and silky.

●Use a Vinyl Bag - Although the inner and outer sleeves will protect most debris from getting onto your record, an airtight vinyl bag can give you that extra protection to ensure your records will not be damaged. This is highly recommended for collectors.

●Keep Records Upright - Vinyl records should always be stored in an upright position to ensure they maintain their condition. Records that slant for long periods of time or are stacked on top of one another can warp from the pressure. You might even consider using crates to help to position your records upright.

 Furthermore, the best way to store records is to put them on a sturdy shelf that won’t fall from the weight of your collection. You never want to store your records on top of each other in boxes.

There are four elements that can affect the condition of your vinyl records: heat, light, humidity, and pressure. The ideal temperature for records is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit for long-term storage. Vinyl tolerates colder temperatures well but it is very intolerant of heat. The best way to store vinyl record albums is in a place where the temperature stays below 70 degrees. 

You also want to make sure your records have minimal exposure to light and no exposure to bright light. Cool dark places are best. Furthermore, they should also be stored in a dry environment because humidity can cause the records to warp. Finally, you should never stack anything on top of your records. Pressure can cause the records to crack and break.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Storing Vinyl Records

Here are some common mistakes to avoid as you pack and store your vinyl records for your move:

• Stacking boxes on top of each other - Don’t stack multiple boxes of records on top of each other. Each box should be the top level in your stack. The best way to store records is to put them on shelves.

• Putting anything else in the box - Don’t mix vinyl records with anything else, like books, pictures, or other objects when you pack. The weight can cause the records to crack or warp.

• Placing boxes in the garage or a regular storage unit - Vinyl records are sensitive to humidity and temperature, which is why climate-controlled storage is the best way to store records.

•  Unsecured boxes - Don’t forget about shifting weight. For safe transport, secure boxes with the records in place so they don’t move or have something fall onto them and crush the records.

Preserve Your Vinyl Records with Expert Moving and Storage Unit Services

If you have a valuable vinyl record collection, you’ll want to protect it during your move. When you hire experts in moving and storage, they know how to secure your items to avoid damage. SMARTBOX offers climate-controlled storage to provide the perfect environment to protect your vinyl records.

Whether you’re planning a move, need to pack up an apartment for a few months, or have a home that’s too small to store everything, you can trust us to take care of your storage needs. 

Our storage units are designed to provide the space you need for irreplaceable items. We also provide portable storage units and containers to help as you pack. Contact us to find out more about our moving and storage services.