So, you’ve bought a new turntable and some records, maybe you’ve even bought a pair of nice speakers to listen to them on.
Good job! You’re off to a flying start – but have you thought about where and how to store your vinyl records when they’re not getting played?
What’s all the fuss?
Purchasing quality vinyl record storage is by far one of the most underrated factors of the addictive process of record collecting.
If you plan on bolstering your collection through second hand record stores and op-shops, much of your collection will already be worn through past use, and if exposed to adverse conditions or improper treatment, you can do some serious damage to your precious discs.
Always remember to store your records in their plastic sleeves to avoid dust particles settling into the grooves, and try to put them back inside their covers after you’ve finished listening to them, especially if you’ve got any pets, beastly flatmates, siblings or spouses that like to prowl around your room.
“As cool as it may look… it’s definitely one of the least practical and potentially harmful methods of vinyl record storage”
Storage done right
One of the biggest mistakes people make when storing vinyl is by stacking their records vertically.
As cool as it may look to have a precarious stack of second hand vinyl in the corner of your room, it’s definitely one of the least practical and potentially harmful methods of storage.
Not only is it going to be a pain to pull out records from the bottom, but the combined weight of your collection will do some serious damage to your vinyl LPs in the long run.
Ideally, you’ll want to store your records upright, similar to a library book, or leaning back upon one another on a record player table, like you see them in record stores.
If you’re stuck for inspiration, check out websites like Pintrest or Tumblr – it’s amazing how inventive some people get with their storage solutions.
“the internet offers plenty of options to satisfy even the pickiest of interior designers”
Buy a vinyl storage solution
If you’re in the market to buy, the internet offers plenty of options to satisfy even the pickiest of interior designers. You can even pick up a vinyl player with stand bundle to make it really easy.
A popular vinyl record storage choice for many newcomers, vinyl record storage boxes act as a space efficient and stylish option for entry level collectors, with most being able to comfortably store anywhere from 25-50 LPs.
For hardcore vinyl enthusiasts with external speakers or preamps, it’s worth looking into larger shelving units or a dedicated record player stand, with many modern units now boasting pull-out display shelves and tidy little holes to avoid messy spaghetti cables protruding from the back of your turntable.
If you’re looking for something a bit different, check out the multitude of wire racks or vinyl record crates available on the market – some of these are incredibly cheap, and certainly make a statement when set up within your listening space.
“don’t stress: milk crates make for great vinyl crates”
Do it yourself
On a tight budget or looking to get creative with your vinyl record storage? Then suss out the plethora of DIY ideas that other record nuts subscribe to.
One of the most popular vinyl storage methods worldwide is the humble Kallax shelving range from Swedish flat-pack furniture specialists Ikea, which offer the perfect dimensions for 12” LP storage and can be found cheap as chips on Facebook swap groups or Gumtree.
Similarly, most second-hand book shelves should be able to fit a decent record collection – just be sure to check the dimensions before you lock in any purchase.
And if you’ve spent all your money on records and simply cannot afford to buy storage, don’t stress: milk crates make for great vinyl crates and are most certainly an acceptable solution for vinyl record storage.
Whether you want to get incredibly creative on a budget or splurge on a high-end vinyl record storage unit, thanks to the vinyl revival, there’s certainly no shortage for storage these day.
Now go get organised!