Should I store my vinyl records side by side or in piles?

They should be stored side-by-side, as vertically as possible, and in an area that doesn’t get really hot to prevent warping. If you stack them on top of each other there is extra pressure on them and over time they warp. 

What is the proper way to store vinyl records?

Vinyl records need to be stored in an upright position to ensure they stay in good condition. Records that have been stored at a slant for an extended period of time can warp because of the uneven pressure that has been placed on them. This is why records are often kept in crates that position them upright.

Is it OK to store records horizontally?

Records shouldn’t be stored horizontally, or flat. As you will see, archival record boxes are designed for the records to be stood and stored vertically. Storing vinyl records flat can place too much pressure on the records lower in the stack causing damage over time.

Should vinyls be stacked?

Always keep your records stored vertically. Don’t stack records on top of each other or keep them laid flat. You might think that laying them down will help keep them flat, but stacking adds pressure that can warp and damage them.

How much time can one side of a vinyl hold?

about 22 minutes

Format advantages



Each side of a 12-inch LP can play for about 22 minutes.

Is it okay for records to lean on each other?

The uneven weight distribution can cause warping at points of high pressure, Vinyl Me Please explains. And if you need to lean your records up against something to keep them from falling over, lean them as steeply as you can, and avoid leaning too many up against each other at once.