We get this question all the time: How should I store my vinyl records? There’s no single best way, but we have our favorites. We’re happy to share how to store vinyl records in sleeves, so they stay safe and are easy to access.
Just remember: No matter how you choose to store them, never stack vinyl records! Store them on their side, and they won’t get damaged. In addition to these tips, we also have a whole blog full of advice on that front. Make sure you know the basics! From there, you can choose the best way to store vinyl records — one that works for your home setup and personal preferences.
6 Best Ways to Store Vinyl Records
1. Bookshelves
Let’s start with the obvious method of storage. You can, of course, store vinyl records on shelves, but here are a few things to remember:
- Bolt them to the wall. If that shelf comes crashing down, your collection is toast.
- Don’t lean them together at too much of an angle. You don’t want excessive pressure.
Get creative with your shelving! We love seeing interesting record shelving designs. Whether that means displaying your favorite records facing forward or interspersing your personal decorations, make sure you add your personality in some way. The best way to store vinyl records is the way that makes you smile every time you see them!
2. Storage Crates
Shelving can be surprisingly expensive. Instead, you could opt for some upcycled storage crates to store your records! As long as you know how to store vinyl records in sleeves, this is a great way to save both money and space.
This method is also super convenient because you can see your records and flip through them from the top down. It’s perfect for the “shabby chic” look, and it also fits with the retro vibe of record collecting.
Just make sure raw, unpolished wood isn’t touching fragile records or record covers directly. Wood is acidic. The best way to store vinyl records is up to you, but one thing’s for certain — you don’t want to damage your records!
3. Modular Shelves
Modular shelves are great. They’re versatile and moveable, so if your collection is constantly changing and expanding, you can move them around on a whim.
Think IKEA Kallax: Those boxes you see everywhere that you can arrange in any orientation. With modular shelves, you can arrange boxes of records vertically, horizontally, or in other creative shapes. Some people even use these boxes as the legs of a desk. You can suit small, cramped spaces with modular shelves. Don’t forget to stock up on some Record Cubes to stay organized.
4. Wall Shelves
If you don’t have a lot of floor space, wall shelves might be the best way to store vinyl records. Hang some strong shelves directly on the wall, and display your favorites up front. This doubles as a decoration! If you’re not very interior design savvy, you can learn how to store vinyl records in sleeves on the wall by looking up some inspiration from record lovers online. You can also hang your wall shelves above and around your record player for easy access.
If you only want to store a few favorite records on these shelves, consider using our Vinyl Record Display Stand to display your records beautifully and safely.
5. Storage Drawers
If you want to keep your records tucked away and still keep them available for quick access, deep drawers could be the best way to store vinyl records. Make sure you measure the dimensions of your drawers so they fit both horizontally and vertically WITHOUT smashing them in. This is your solution if you like things tucked away and neat while still remaining accessible.
6. Purpose-Built Record Cabinet
Let’s say you want to get a little fancy: Go for a purpose-built vinyl record cabinet. LPBIN makes some great stacked layered display cases, a little like what they’d have in a record shop but even more stylish. We absolutely love their designs, and they help you organize your records so they’re all prominently displayed.
For some collectors, the best way to store vinyl records is right next to the player. You could get a vintage-style record cabinet that has a space for your record player above! Search for “audio cabinet” or “entertainment cabinet” to get an idea of what you want.
Quick Storage Tips
Make sure you have all of your vinyl protection ready and know how to store vinyl records in sleeves before putting together your setup! How cool your storage system looks won’t matter if the conditions are degrading the quality of your records.
- Use inner and outer sleeves.
- Store in a cool and dry place away from heaters.
- Store upright.
- Clean regularly.
- Hold them by the edges to remove them.
- The best way to store vinyl records is comfortably, not snugly. Make sure there’s enough space around the records to remove them without squeezing them together.
Don’t Forget the Sleeves
No matter how you store your records, know that they won’t stay protected from dust and the elements unless you have both inner sleeves and outer sleeves. Get purpose-made sleeves, and don’t forget to pull them out, holding only the edges! This simple step is the difference between records that last a lifetime and records that last a year.
We’re a site for collectors, by collectors. For all your record needs, browse Big Fudge!
