Rockaway's Best Suggestions To Store Your Precious Records

Let’s talk about storing your vinyl

You’ve cleaned your records, your turntable’s humming like a dream, and now your collection’s growing faster than your houseplants. But before you end up with a sad stack of unprotected LPs leaning like the Tower of Pisa next to your couch, it’s time for some proper storage smarts.

Here's how to keep your records safe, sorted, and stylish—Rockaway style.

Step 1: Stand Tall, Stack Never

Golden Rule #1: Always store your vinyl upright, like books on a shelf. Stacking them flat is a big no-no—it puts pressure on the records at the bottom and can lead to warping over time.

We stock record storage crates and cube shelving that are perfect for this. They look good, they keep your vinyl vertical, and they make flipping through your collection feel like digging in the best kind of record bin.
Check out our storage crates here

Step 2: Sleeves Matter (A Lot)

Think of inner and outer sleeves like your vinyl’s armour. The original paper sleeves? They’re cute, but often dusty and acidic.

Here’s the Rockaway upgrade path:

Anti-static inner sleeves: These keep dust and static at bay and are super gentle on the vinyl.
Outer sleeves: Protect your covers from ring wear, scuffs, and those mystery sauce splashes from your last dinner party.

Grab some inner and outer sleeves here

Pro tip: If you’re really keen, store the record outside the cover but inside the outer sleeve. That way the spine and cover art stay pristine.

Step 3: Location, Location, Location

Records are like vampires—they hate sunlight and love cool, dark places.

Keep your collection:

Away from heaters and windows
Out of damp garages or mouldy sheds (trust us)
In a room where the temperature is stable (no sweaty summer corners)

We’ve seen too many gatefolds curl into taco shells thanks to a poorly placed shelf near a window. Don’t let it be you.

Step 4: Dividers for the Win

Got a growing collection? Help Future You find what you’re looking for with alphabet dividers or genre tabs.
They’re simple, satisfying, and yeah—we stock ‘em.
👉 Browse our dividers here

Bonus: makes your shelf look extra pro.

Final Spin: Protect the Collection, Respect the Collection

Proper vinyl storage means your records will last a lifetime—and still sound (and look) amazing in 50 years. Whether you’ve got five LPs or five hundred, treating them right is part of the magic.

If you’re ever unsure what to use, swing by Rockaway. We’ve got all the gear to keep your records safe and sound, plus a crew that’s always up for a chat about your collection.

Stay sorted, stay spinning,
– The Rockaway Records Crew