Apply vinyl-cleaning solution to the vinyl and wipe with microfiber cleaning cloth in a light, circular motion. Let dry completely before returning the record to the sleeve. This step should be repeated after each listening.
Insert the cover into an acid free sleeve. Remove any factory shrink-wrap if record is unopened.
Sort vinyl by type and size. Vinyl can be damaged by mixing different-sized records in storage.
Verify the shelving structure can hold up to 35 pounds of weight per shelf-foot. According to the Library of Congress’ Preservation site, “Because of their shape and the design of their packaging, recordings will concentrate their weight in the centerline of a shelf, which can cause some shelving to collapse.”
Place records vertically on shelving. Do not let any record hang off the edge of the shelving. Continue placing records on the shelf, but do not overcrowd.
Place shelf-sized dividers every foot and label them according to your collection.
Inspect shelves for buckling or warping. If shelves are buckling, remove records until the shelf retains its normal shape.