You've Been Storing Your Vinyl Records Wrong All Along And Had No Idea

For many people, vinyl records are as much an investment as they are memories. Some people use them as part of their decor, while others view them as something to be enjoyed. When you own vinyl records, they become a part of your home in a way that can be unexpected. However, for many people, the problem comes when we are talking about how to properly store those records.

You may not know this, but stacking your vinyl records is bad for them. In fact, they really shouldn't be laid flat for long periods of time. Instead, the proper way to store your records is vertically. Even when stored in boxes, they need to be kept in an upright position to prevent damage to the vinyl.

When storing and displaying your vinyl records, they need room to breathe. This means that there should still be space, even in a box, for you to easily slide out a record or two. And when storing them side by side, you'll also want to keep records of the same size next to each other so that the pressure remains even on both sides. It's important to sort your vinyl records and figure out what sizes you have in your collection. If you have all three vinyl sizes, you'll want to keep them apart when storing.

Vinyl records can actually be both heavy and bulky, and when you stack them together, it creates pressure. While the top records might be fine, over time the pressure at the bottom of the stack can damage the vinyl, making it unplayable. Stacking can also lead to cracks, scratches, and warping. Even just laying one or two records flat can potentially cause the vinyl to warp.

Storing your records vertically on shelves or boxes that are packed well, but with some space, can help preserve the vinyl so that it is playable for longer. The proper amount of vinyl stored upright together will also help to prevent them from leaning, which is another thing that can lead to a warped record. Even with a smaller collection, you need to find a way to keep them standing vertically without added pressure along the sides to keep your music from getting damaged.

If you already have a collection of vinyl records, incorporating them into your decor makes sense. It's all about making sure that displaying them doesn't lead to damage. Having a shelf of vinyl records can make a statement in any room, and even using a wooden crate to keep them together and standing vertically can be a great way to keep them organized and ready for a spin on a turntable.