How to Move Vinyl Records – Tips For Moving Vinyls
14th June, 2018
How to move vinyl records; the question that any audiophile wracks their brain over when it comes to moving. As many of us have found out the hard way, vinyl records are easily damaged. However, with the right preparation, moving your prized music collection can be a quite simple process.
What You Will Need
When starting the process of moving vinyl records, the first step is to make sure that you have all the tools you will need. This comes in the form of thick, durable cardboard boxes, poly sleeves, and a filler material to avoid movement. In an ideal situation, a perfect filler is foam, as it keeps your records in place, while also avoiding excess pressure.
You will also need a reliable tape, as a box opening during transit can cause major issues. Make sure that each box opening is sealed tight to avoid any vinyl records finding a way out.
How to Move Vinyl Records
Step 1 – Match Them Up Based On Size
Step 2 – Find Well-Sized Boxes
Step 3 – Remove Vinyl Records From Jackets
Step 4 – Make Sure Your Record Jackets Have Sleeves
Step 5 – Give Your Records Some Padding
Step 6 – Place Records in the Van
Step 7 – Avoid Putting Weight On Your Vinyl Boxes
Step 8 – Unpack Your Vinyl Records
Step 9 – Additional Tips
Step 1 – Match Them Up Based On Size
When thinking about how to move your vinyl records, make sure that they are grouped by size. This will help you avoid unwanted movement, and can make them easier to unpack and organise.
Step 2 – Find Well-Sized Boxes
Now that your records are split into 7”, 10”, 12” etc., it’s time to find boxes that match their sizes. There are many companies that offer vinyl record boxes for this purpose. That said, if you don’t have that option available, try to find the closest fit you can. Just remember that a box with too much space is better than a box that is slightly too small, as this will cause pressure that often damages records.
Step 3 – Remove Vinyl Records From Jackets
When thinking about how to move your vinyl records, it will feel like removing your records from their jackets is a bad idea. However, this will stop your sleeves getting record indents during the move. Please note that this is only advised if you have acid-free paper liners, as loose records are likely to get damaged in the box.
Step 4 – Make Sure Your Record Jackets Have Sleeves
Poly record jacket sleeves are a very important part of moving your records. This is because they protect your record jackets from damage or wear that can occur during transit. Make sure that each of your jackets is in a sleeve that is free of dirt or debris that may rub against the jacket and cause damage.
Step 5 – Give Your Records Some Padding
How much padding you will need depends on the size of your box compared to your records. With that said, padding should be a soft material that will not scratch or cause wear when moving against your records or jackets. The ideal padding is foam, but packing peanuts are suitable too.
Step 6 – Place Records in the Van
When you place the records in the van, make sure that they are on a flat surface to avoid uneven pressure. Also try to keep in mind how other items will move around. Vinyl records are fragile and pressure from moving furniture can quickly cause major damage.
Step 7 – Avoid Putting Weight On Your Vinyl Boxes
As with the last step, any pressure or weight can cause your records to warp or break. Make sure that your vinyl boxes are placed in an area that is safe and free from weight. This can often be achieved by placing your vinyl boxes inside a wardrobe or other furniture.
Step 8 – Unpack Your Vinyl Records
Make sure that you prepare the area you will be putting your records before unboxing them. This will give you the least chance of damage during the unpacking process. It will also avoid your records getting in the way.
Step 9 – Additional Tips
If you are very worried about certain records, it may be worth taking carrying them in their own separate box to lower risk. Also, finding loose cardboard to work as dividers between records can offer extra support.
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At Kent Removals & Storage, we have been helping families move their most cherished items for over 75 years. Contact us today to learn how we can help you with your next move.
