Vinyl Storage Solutions

Every DJ out there is in search of those old milk crates that are wide enough to fit 12" vinyl records in, and many wonder where you can buy these wide crates. Unfortunately they do not make these milk crates anymore, and the new size only fits a handful of records at an angle.

Other companies have produced knock off milk crates, that are the right size to fit records but the are not made with the same quality or durability as the old milk crates. These new style crates can be found at uline

Other LP Storage Solutions

U-haul makes a box, they used to call it an LP box but have changed the name to the "small box" and are available online at Uhaul.com

I have also heard that Business Depot makes file boxes that are a good size and strength to hold 12" records in.

Ikea also made (not sure if they still do) nylon zippered crates that were reinforced with plastic, these are not only nice because they have a cover to protect your vinyl from dust, but there is also a nylon divider to separate your records into two categories.

If you need storage for more than about 500 records then investing in a bookshelf would be your best bet. Look for something sturdy. A crate of records probably weighs about 40 lb. imagine 10 crates worth of records would weigh in the range of 400 lb. so be sure to get something that will hold the weight of your collection.

If your dealing with a relatively small collection, less than 100 records than you may want to invest in a nice DJ record box, these are specifically designed to hold records. Made of metal these cases will protect your records from most abuse. And for even smaller collections or if you find yourself lugging your records around a lot then a record carry bag may be the best solution for you. Both record bags and cases can be found at almost all record stores and DJ electronics shops.
Storing your vinyl properly

For a very minimal cost you can buy blank record sleeves and sheaths to house vinyl that is loose and/or does not have a cover. If you store your records sideways then put the record in a paper sheath and insert the paper sheath into the cover sideways this will prevent the record form rolling out of the cover and smashing on the floor. And trust me this will happen, I learned the hard way by having one of my treasured LPs roll off my 3rd shelf and smash on the floor. For added protection and a good way to conserve the condition of your record sleeve is to buy a pack of plastic covers. These are essentially the same as the way comic books are kept except they have larger dimensions 12"x12".

I hope this will set you in the right direction for storing your vinyl collections and don't forget to clean your records before you store them, the oil and dirt on records will slowly corrode the record. So do your part and help save the endangered 12".