Apple crates used in shipping from farms and distribution centers to retail outlets can be a great way to store vinyl LP records, particularly if you are planning on storing them in a way that will take up a minimum amount of space. Apple crates can be stacked on top of each other even with records inside, as they are generally built with a solid, strong wood that will support the weight of LP records. Some retailers manufacture and market new, unused apple crates specifically to LP collectors. New apple crates generally cost $10-20 and can be used for many years.
While apple crates may be a good solution for storing LP records for long periods of time, they may not be the best method for storing records that you want to access regularly, as they tend to take up a lot of space when not stacked on top of each other.
Wall-mount or free-standing shelves work well if you intend to play your LPs frequently. When building or purchasing shelving, you need to make sure the shelves can hold the weight of your LP records. Steel shelves often work best, particularly if you are using freestanding shelving units. Secure these shelves to the wall from the back. If you build shelves and fasten them to the wall, use a stud finder to find studs to hold your standard fasteners securely. Use a strong hardwood like mahogany, oak or walnut, especially if you are housing a large amount of records.
Originally intended for DJs that have to safely move their LPs from job to job, DJ cases made of plastic or aluminum generally hold between 50 and 100 records each. Many are even flight-tested like musical instrument cases and luggage. Many record stores and on-line retailers sell DJ cases to collectors looking to protect their valuable records.