How to Pack Vinyl Records For Moving
Whether you are moving to a new house or just moving your vinyl records from one room to another, it is important to make sure you protect your vinyl records. There are several things you can do to help ensure your vinyl records get from point A to point B in the same condition as they started.
Organize your vinyl record collection
Organizing your vinyl record collection for moving can be a bit daunting. Luckily, there are some tips and tricks you can follow to make the process easier and less stressful.
One of the most important things to remember when packing your vinyl record collection for moving is to label your records. Labeling will make the unpacking process easier. Also, you should keep your records away from direct sunlight. The sun can cause damage to vinyl covers and can wash them out.
Another tip is to organize your records by genre. This is especially helpful if you have a variety of tastes. If you collect records for a particular artist, you should also consider organizing your collection by their name. This will help you to find your favorite records quickly.
Another tip is to pack your records in the correct sleeve. Vinyl does not have a hard plastic case like CDs, so it's important to keep them in protective sleeves. A poly outer sleeve will help to keep your records from scratching and rubbing against each other.
There are also special moving boxes specifically made to store your vinyl records. These are available in various sizes. However, you should never store your vinyl records in a flat cardboard box. Instead, you should store them vertically in the moving box. This way they won't shift around during the move.
If you don't have a lot of space at your new home, you can also consider renting a storage unit. Many people rent a unit to store their large vinyl collections. These units are available during normal business hours. You can also check out apps like MusicBuddy to help you organize your records before your move.
Double box your records
Whether you're moving to a new home or simply storing your collection, double boxing vinyl records for moving is the best way to protect them. Using the appropriate boxes can ensure that they arrive in top condition when it's time to spin them.
You can choose from a variety of different record boxes. They're also available in a variety of sizes. You'll need to decide how far you need to move your collection before deciding on the best option.
The most basic method for packing your collection is by using paper inner sleeves. These can be made acid-free and will help to protect the record from scratches. Alternatively, you can use polypropylene sleeves. They're slightly rigid and will help to protect the record from dust.
It's also important to choose an outer box that's strong and sturdy. You'll want to ensure that the box isn't going to wobble, as this will impact the contents inside. For added protection, you could also use a product like Enviro-Bubble.
In addition, you'll want to protect your vinyl from humidity, heat and moisture. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight, or near a heat source.
You'll also want to label your collection and assign bin numbers. You can keep track of your collection with a spreadsheet. You can also use a website like Discogs to help you organize your albums. If you're moving to a new home, you may want to consider purchasing a catalogue of your records, to help you get them unpacked when you arrive.
Another way to protect your vinyl is to use an LP mailer. These are inexpensive and can be made from good cardboard. They can be sealed with heavy-duty packing tape.
Protect your records from wear and damage
Whether you are moving or simply storing your vinyl records, there are some tips to keep in mind. You don't want to damage your records and lose their sound quality.
It is important to store your vinyl records in a cool, dark, and air-conditioned place. Heat and humidity will warp your records. And direct sunlight will damage them.
Avoid stacking your records on top of each other. You can also put them in heavy-duty plastic storage boxes. They also have to be labeled and sealed for maximum protection. If you are moving, make sure that you transport them in the passenger cab of the moving truck.
Use plastic sleeves to protect your vinyl. You can find these cheaply on Amazon. Plastic sleeves will protect your records from dust, debris, and UV light.
If you want to protect your vinyl records even more, you can use Enviro-Bubble, a secondary outer sleeve. These sleeves will provide extra absorption and help protect your records from scratches.
If you're moving, you may want to consider a moving box specifically made for records. These are usually acid-free, and will provide better protection than paper sleeves. But be careful not to use a box that is too big. Stacking can cause permanent damage to your records.
Use clear moving tape on any seams. This will prevent dust from leaking into your moving box.
When you are playing your vinyl records, be sure to use a cueing lever. This will help you aim for the target area without gouging the record. It also helps to play the records slowly.
You should never play the record directly on your finger. The oil on your finger can gradually wear down the vinyl, and also affect the sound quality.
Avoid stacking boxes unevenly
Stacking boxes unevenly is one of the worst things you can do when packing vinyl records. This is because the weight of the objects you are packing can cause the vinyl to buckle or warp. Stacking boxes vertically will ensure that the weight is evenly distributed.
When you are packing vinyl records, the best solution is to pack them in an air-conditioned vehicle. This will prevent them from warping or melting.
The other thing to do when packing vinyl records is to make sure that they are packed snugly. You should not try to stack them on top of one another. Packing materials such as a poly inner sleeve or a cushion will help to protect the vinyl from scratches and dust.
You should also keep in mind that your vinyl records should not be left in their cardboard album covers. Vinyl records can warp and break if they are exposed to direct sunlight or are not stored in a cool, dry place.
It is also a good idea to label all of your records. This will make unpacking and organizing easier. You should also use packing material such as Enviro-Bubble to provide extra absorption and protection.
When packing vinyl records for moving, the best way to prevent them from breaking is to use a quality moving box. This should be a few inches wider than the vinyl records themselves. You should also put clear moving tape on any seams. This will prevent dust from entering the moving box.
You should also use crate dividers to keep your records upright. You should also avoid stacking them more than three high. This can create too much weight on the bottom box and can cause jostling.
Ship your records through a carrier that offers tracking and insurance
Whether you're moving to a new home or just trying to keep your vinyl records safe, there are some important steps to take when shipping your records. If you pack your records properly, you can avoid damage and keep them in mint condition when they arrive.
You should make sure to use a box that is large enough to hold all of your records. You don't want your records to sit on top of each other, or lean against each other, while in transit. The box should be well-padded, and there should be little to no room for movement. This will keep your records safe, and prevent them from warping.
When shipping your records, you'll want to make sure they're insured. You can get third-party insurance, or you can get insurance through your shipping carrier. This will give you the ability to file a claim if there is damage to your package. It's also important to ensure you have a shipping label on the package.
Make sure to label your package "FRAGILE: Vinyl Record". It will help the carrier to know that your package is fragile. If your package is very fragile, you may want to pay a specialized shipping company to handle it. They may charge you for packing materials and for special handling instructions.
If you are shipping multiple vinyl records, you'll want to use a box with built-in bumpers to prevent your vinyl from being jostled in transit. You can also add tape to the corners of your box to help prevent the corners from being damaged.
If you're shipping a very expensive vinyl record, you may want to consider using a carrier that offers tracking and insurance. Many shipping services offer excellent tracking options. These options will keep your customers updated on the status of their package, and reduce the amount of anxiety they have when they receive their package.