How to Properly Store Your Vinyl Records

No matter the genre of music, vinyl records have always provided a quality sound. Records and record stores are making somewhat of a comeback, as the younger generation begins to discover the music their parents and grandparents listened to in the 1960s and 70s. If you have an extensive record collection, and you need to store them for a specific length of time, there are steps to take to protect them from damage. At EZ Storage® in Pittsburgh, we can keep your collection safe for as long as you need, along with any other household or personal items that you need to store.

Dust is the Enemy

Dust can be a record’s worse enemy, as the even the smallest speck can scratch the surface and compromise the integrity of the vinyl. By storing each record in its protective sleeve and original cardboard cover, you can protect it from dust and damage. There are also acid-free sleeves that can protect the vinyl, should you no longer have the original record sleeve.

Turn Down the Heat

Storing your records in the basement might seem like a good idea, but if they’re too close to the furnace or they get too warm, the vinyl can warp and bend, making the record practically unplayable. With one of our climate-controlled storage units, you can keep your collection at an appropriate temperature at all times. When you take your records out of storage, they should be flat, clean, and ready to play.

No Stacking

If you’ve ever been in a record store, you’ve seen how records are stored in crates or boxes. They’re not stacked on top of each other, rather, they’re lined up vertically. This helps with browsing, but it also helps keep the records from being damaged. Stacking them on top of each other can put too much weight on the records on the bottom, and if you accidentally put another box on top of that stack, you could crack or damage some records. Storing your records vertically in a sturdy box or crate is the best way to protect them.

If you have an extensive record collection, but you don’t have the space for all your records, bring your boxes to EZ Storage® today. We can help you find the ideal self-storage unit for your collection, and keep everything protected for as long as you need. We have three metro-area storage locations, all of which are easily accessible and offer the same affordable rates on storage. If you only need to store your records and a few other things for a month, that’s okay! We offer monthly lease options on all of our units, so you don’t have to worry about paying for time you don’t need. Whether you’re moving, renovating, or just need to store things while you’re away, we can help.

Visit one of our locations today or give us a call to learn more about our professional storage solutions. We can keep your records, cassettes, CDs, and more safe and sound!