Access Self Storage Blog

Vinyl Collector? Here Are a Few Tips For Storing Records

There’s something about music on vinyl that simply sounds better than digital. Maybe it's the richness of the music or the way the needle brushes against the record that turns ordinary music-lovers into collectors. Although many vinyl records have survived for decades, they're still vulnerable to temperature damage – especially during the humid summers and frigid winters in Green Brook, NJ. As a collector, it pays to store your records properly if you want to cherish them for years to come.

Storage Tips

3 Tips for Storing Your Records

Handle them with care.

Moisture and oils can damage vinyl, so always wash and dry your hands before touching your records. Make sure to hold them by the edges or the labeled areas to prevent wear and tear. Wearing microfiber gloves can also help prevent scratches and other damage to the grooves.

Pack them in the right container.

Avoid laying your records flat on a surface for a long time or stacking them on top of each other. They should remain vertical and kept in a protective storage crate or case. Keep your records in their sleeves for better defense against dust, dirt, and debris. Consider buying new sleeves if they’re missing, torn, or mildewed.

Protect them from heat and moisture.

Cool and dry – that’s how your records should always be. Heat can warp the records, and cold temperatures will make the vinyl more brittle and lead to cracking. Keeping them at a consistent temperature, ideally between 65 and 75 degrees, reduces the risk of damage. If you’re storing your records at home, avoid keeping them in the attic or the basement, as these areas receive a lot of humidity. Climate-controlled storage units are ideal for protecting your collection from both temperature and humidity damage.

Self Storage for Your Vinyl Records

Whether you’re storing your records for safekeeping or because you’re moving, Access has you covered with storage units in Green Brook, NJ. Climate-controlled self storage is ideal for protecting your valuable record collection from extreme temperatures and moisture. You’ll save space at home for other items – all while your prized collection stays sheltered at Access.

Other Articles for You

A small green ceramic piggy bank sits on top of a calculator.
Navigating the Challenges of Rising Economic Costs

Groceries are more expensive than they used to be. Home prices are significantly higher than they were a few years ago. Automotive prices are up, insurance rates are up, and…

Read
A Guide to Self-Storage Locks

The most important thing you can do to protect your belongings in a storage unit is to choose a secure, well-maintained facility. The second thing? Choosing the right lock. Here's a look at the many types of locks you can use to secure your belongings against theft.

Read
A bed with an open drawer with bedding and pillows inside.
4 Tips for Maximizing Under-Bed Storage

If you’re learning how to organize a bedroom, you’ve likely come across tips about using vertical space or investing in multi-purpose furniture. However, when it comes to under-bed storage, guides…

Read
Several printed copies of wedding photos laying on a surface
How to Store Photos Safely

When you think about it, almost all your material possessions such as electronics, clothing, furniture, even your books and vinyl records, if lost, damaged or destroyed are replaceable. However, that’s not the case with your photographs. While we’re living in an age in which almost all of our pictures are taken and stored digitally, many of us still have a treasure trove of old printed photos and family collections packed away somewhere in the home. If not stored properly, those photos are at risk of being damaged by physical enemies like moisture, pests and even exposure to adhesives and chemicals found in common photo albums.

Read