QA

Quick Answer: How To Store 45 Records

What is the best way to store 45 records?

You want to store vinyl records in a cool place—not too cold, but not too hot. If the vinyl is exposed to high heat for extended periods of time, it can lead to warping and other damaging effects. If you have a temperature-controlled attic or storage unit, that can be a great choice.

Should records be stored flat?

Records shouldn’t be stored horizontally, or flat. Storing vinyl records flat can place too much pressure on the records lower in the stack causing damage over time. Never leave records leaning at angles when in a box or on a shelf, this will cause the vinyl to warp.

What is the best way to store vinyl albums?

Vinyl records need to be stored in an upright position to ensure they stay in good condition. Records that have been stored at a slant for an extended period of time can warp because of the uneven pressure that has been placed on them. This is why records are often kept in crates that position them upright.

How do you store records without sleeves?

Put paper or a cloth between each record You don’t want records to be touching and scraping against each other as you will scratch them when you pull them in or out of the box. Put a soft paper towel or even better a piece of scrap cloth in between each record to keep them from touching.

Is it OK for records to lean?

Once you’ve got a sturdy shelf, store your records standing vertically. This is critical to avoid warps over time. This isn’t too much of a problem, just make sure that it is minor and that they all lean in the same direction, without any record putting too much weight on the one next to it.

How do you store and pack records?

Pack records upright – do not lay them flat across the bottom of the box. And while it may seem like a good idea to put them in so you can read the spine when the box is open, this will lead to the records falling out of the sleeves as you unpack. Pack boxes full (about 80 single albums will fit in a square box).

How do I ship a lot of records?

Stick with the basics: Choose the right shipping container. Use a stiff-walled EZ fold mailer. Choose the right packaging material. Extras: Grab some packing tape and address labels. Take the record out of its sleeve. Make a record sandwich. Wrap up that sandwich. Remember: Keep things snug. Seal it up well.

How do I transport a record album?

Good to know: You can safely pack about 80 single albums in a small moving box. So, the best way to pack vinyl records for moving is to put them in poly sleeves and place them vertically in a padded moving box of appropriate size.

Do milk crates fit records?

A staple of simple record storage is the old milk crate. You can probably picture a hip-hop DJ hauling his goods around in one of these, and understandably so: milk crates hold records almost perfectly, they have handles, and you can fit 40-50 albums per crate.

How do records get warped?

Vinyl records warp because of extra weight, heat and direct sunlight. When records heat up they become soft. After they are soft they will warp with virtually any pressure that is applied. Even without external heat, a vinyl record can warp from any extra weight or pressure that it is put under.

How tight should you store vinyl records?

This is the correct answer. This. You should be able to pull your records out with ease, yet they should stand up nice and straight too and not be leaning over from being too loose.

Should I keep the plastic on my vinyl?

You will need an outer covering to accompany the inner. This will protect your vinyl’s card sleeve but will also prevent dust finding the record (and abrading it over time). Be careful here. When compressed, these thick plastic covers can eventually stick to the record sleeve and pull the artwork right off.

How do you store vinyl records upright?

The best method of storing your records is upright in the supplied sleeves and outer jacket, preferably in a poly sleeve. If you do not store them upright, you run the risk of warping or damaging your vinyl records. Storing them upright in a poly sleeve also prevents ring wear to the outer sleeve.

How do you store long term photo albums?

Put your albums in spine-down and pack them tightly. Anything with a cover made of fabric, leather, or loosely bound with string should be wrapped in linen or acid-free paper and placed flat. Don’t let oversized albums bend over anything. If you’re going to stack them, make sure the biggest ones are on the bottom.

What is a vinyl sleeve?

A record sleeve (not to be confused with a record jacket/cover) is the outer covering of a vinyl record. Alternative terms are dust sleeve and album liner. A record sleeve can be made of paper, cardboard, rice paper, polypropylene, etc. It may be acid-free or anti-static and also contain an inner liner (polylined).

Can you store records in a closet?

If you have a small collection of vinyl records, extra room in a closet or bedroom is reasonably safe if the records are in their sleeves, in an upright position. However, storage in a basement or attic is risky because of the temperature fluctuations and humidity in those areas.