The Best Guide to Vinyl Record Storage
Learn how to store vinyl records properly to prevent warping, cracking, and long-term damage. Discover tips that help protect your LPs and keep them sounding great for years.
Updated April 2025
Are you a vinyl collector? Do you have a large collection of records that you want to make sure are properly stored and protected? Or maybe you’ve just bought a rare, vintage vinyl record and want to ensure it stays in perfect condition. If so, this guide on how to store vinyl records is for you.
Vinyl offers a warm, rich sound and a physical connection to the music, but records are delicate and can be easily damaged by improper handling or storage. One of the most common problems collectors face is warped vinyl records, which often result from heat, pressure, or moisture. That’s why learning how to prevent vinyl warping is so important.
Using the wrong shelf, box, or furniture can lead to warping, cracking, or scratches that permanently damage your albums. But with the right approach, you can protect your collection and play your favorite LPs for years to come. Read on for our expert record storage tips.
Storing records the correct way
Let’s start from the beginning. You should always clean your vinyl records before storing them. Dust and debris can accumulate on the surface, which may lead to sound distortion or damage over time. Even in storage, records should be clean to prevent long-term wear. The good news? This step is quick and only requires a few basic supplies.
Once your records are clean, store them upright in a vertical position. This is the most important storage rule—it reduces pressure and prevents bending. Laying records flat in a stack increases the risk of warping, especially with multiple LPs.
Even though a single record isn’t heavy, stacking 20+ vinyls puts pressure on those at the bottom. If stacking is unavoidable, never stack more than five, and always place the heaviest one at the bottom.
Environment Matters: How to Prevent Warping
Your storage environment can make or break your vinyl. Follow these vinyl storage best practices:
• Store your records in a cool, dry place
• Avoid sunlight or heat: heat is the #1 cause of warped vinyl records
• Keep vinyl away from humidity, such as near windows or HVAC vents
• Don’t store near radiators or in attics/garages where temperatures vary
Tip: If a record does warp, you can still flatten it using a vinyl flattener like the Vinyl Flat Record Flattener to restore it safely.
The best storage shelf, cabinet, and other furniture
Now that we know how to store vinyl records, it's time to talk about the best furniture for storing them. Ideally, you want something that is specifically designed for storing records. This way, you can be sure that your discs are properly protected and won't be damaged.
When it comes to choosing the right storage shelf or cabinet, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
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Size: Make sure you choose a shelf or cabinet that is large enough to accommodate your entire collection. You don't want to have to stack your records on top of each other as this can lead to warping and other damage.
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Weight capacity: Another important factor to consider is weight capacity. As we mentioned before, one record is not too heavy, but a stack of them can be. That's why it's important to choose a storage unit that can handle the weight of your entire collection.
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Material: The material is also important as you want something that is durable and won't absorb moisture. A good option is wood, but make sure it is unfinished as this will prevent warping. Metal is another good choice as it is also durable and won't absorb moisture.
In addition to a storage shelf or cabinet, there are a few other pieces of furniture that can be used to store records. Record crates or boxes are popular for storing records and are a great option if you have a large collection. They come in a variety of sizes and can be stacked on top of each other to save space. Sideboards are another piece of furniture that can be used to store records. They typically have shelves or drawers that can be used to organize your collection.
DIY vinyl record storage ideas and Ikea hacks
If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, there are a few DIY storage ideas that you can use. One popular option is to repurpose an old dresser or cabinet into a storage unit for your records. This is a great way to save money and get a unique piece of furniture for your home.
If you don't have any old furniture that you can repurpose, another option is to build your storage shelf or cabinet. This is a more involved project, but it's doable if you're handy. There are plenty of plans and tutorials available online that will walk you through the process step-by-step.
If you're not interested in building something from scratch, another option is to hack a piece of Ikea furniture. This is a popular option as Ikea furniture is relatively inexpensive and easy to hack. There are tons of different ideas out there, so you're sure to find something that will work for your space and needs.
That's it! By following these steps, you can help ensure that your records will arrive safely and undamaged at their destination. However, if you suspect there might be some damage or your record sounds weird, check out this post on how to tell if your record is warped.
Shipping vinyl records doesn't have to be difficult, and by taking some extra care in the packing process, you can rest assured knowing that your records will arrive in the same condition as when they left.