If you are an avid music collector, chances are you will have an extensive vinyl collection. These records were manufactured using PVC, making them highly durable. Nevertheless, with the advent of music streaming, vinyl has slowly decreased in popularity. As a result, you may find that you rarely get around to listening to your vinyl records as you can access music much easier in this digital age. Since vinyl records are collectables, you may not be ready to get rid of your collection, but you could be looking for ways to decrease the amount of space they take up in your home. A good way of dealing with this problem would be investing in a self-storage unit. Below are tips that you could employ when putting your vinyl records into long-term storage.

Tip 1: Leave the records in their original packaging

One of the biggest causes of damage to your vinyl records is dust. If your vinyl records are left out in the open, dust will accumulate on the records, which could considerably degrade the surface of the vinyl. Moreover, if you do not use the appropriate cloth to wipe away the dust, you could end up causing further damage in the form of scratches as you clean your records. It is recommended to leave your vinyl records in their original packaging as this provides them with a layer of protection. If the original packaging is damaged, you should purchase new sleeves for storage of the records.

Tip 2: Invest in sleeves for the exterior jacket

Once the vinyl records are packaged, you should also purchase outer jackets for the exterior of the packaging. Original packaging will become prone to tears, dog-eared corners and other signs of wear over time. When the external jacket is damaged, there will be an increased risk of dust and other particles making their way into your records. Exterior sleeves function to keep your original packaging in good condition, while also eliminating the chances of dirt breaching the interior sleeve of the vinyl. Plastic sleeves are recommended for the exterior jackets as they can be clasped shut.

Tip 3: Keep your records away from erratic temperature changes

Another element that would pose the risk of damage to your vinyl records is heat. When the temperatures are high, there is the risk of your records melting. Even minimal melting of the surface of your vinyl will make the record unplayable. Thus, it is recommended to seek out climate-controlled storage units to ensure that your records stay in pristine condition.