Organize Your Record Collection
Do you have a collection of vinyl records, and maybe CDs as well? These days when we talk about music organization, we are often talking about storing music virtually. But for those who still have hard media, it is important to come up with an organizational solution that will provide adequate protection against the elements. […]
Do you have a collection of vinyl records, and maybe CDs as well? These days when we talk about music organization, we are often talking about storing music virtually. But for those who still have hard media, it is important to come up with an organizational solution that will provide adequate protection against the elements. To that end you will need the right supplies to organize your record collection. How do you organize your vinyl collection? Let’s take a look at one very easy, affordable solution: plastic containers.
Vinyl collectors use a wide range of storage solutions for stowing away their records. If cost is not an object, you can even purchase plastic storage containers specifically designed for vinyl albums. If you want to save some money, though, any plastic storage bins should do fine as long as your records will fit snugly inside without bending, in a vertical, upright position.
Make sure that your records are stored inside their sleeves, and that you only put same-sized records together in a box. You may need to purchase several different boxes for this reason. The sleeves are essential, so if any of your records are missing sleeves, be sure to add those to your purchase list as well. Without them your records are more than likely to end up damaged after enough time goes by in storage. The upright angle is also critical for just this same reason.
Moisture is one of the worst hazards to your records, especially if you are organizing a collection for long-term storage that you may not be able to keep a regular eye on. This is particularly the case in garages, sheds, and similar spaces which do not include ideal climate control. It can be a problem even in a living room or den, and even in a dry climate. So even if you live in a desert region, do not assume that your records are naturally protected.
Plastic storage containers can help keep out the moisture, as well as prevent mold and mildew from getting in with your records. While you can use cardboard boxes to store records, and many people do, you are far less likely to have problems if you go with plastic, which is on the whole a far superior material for storage tasks like this. Plastic will protect your vinyl from the elements far more effectively. For this reason, plastic storage containers are perfect for storing many other types of sensitive collections as well. Once the records are packed into the plastic bins, be sure to store them out of direct sunlight so that excessive heat does not collect inside the containers.
Your record collection is valuable, so take the time to store it properly. With plastic storage bins, the task does not have to be an expensive one. Years down the line, if you store your records right, you should be able to pull them out and listen to them just as you can today, without warping or other forms of damage.
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