While most of us have heard of the term Dumpster Diving, few of us have heard the term Crate Digging. Dumpster Diving is rummaging through items from residential, commercial, and construction containers for items discarded by their owners. Crate Digging, the loftier and more refined cousin of Dumpster Diving, is a hip hop term for when one goes to a record store to look for old records to sample.
Who knows why many people have turned to vinyl collecting? There’s something about music on vinyl that sounds better than digital. It’s possible that the sheer, rich quality of the music heard turns average music-lovers into vinyl collectors.
While many vinyl records have survived for decades, they’re still exposed to temperature damage. In Wisconsin, we’re talking about humid summers and icy winters. If you’re a serious collector, it is worth it to store your records correctly. Consider these tips for storing your records:
Easy does it. Certain things like moisture and oils from your hands can damage vinyl. Before touching your records, make sure your hands are washed and dried. Hold records by the edges or the labeled areas, preventing wear and tear. Wear microfiber gloves to stop scratches and other damage to the grooves.
Contain it. Pick the correct container. Keep your records from laying flat on a surface for a long time. Do not stack them on top of each other. Keep them standing up, remaining vertical, and kept in a protective storage crate or case. Keep your records in their sleeves, preserving them from dust, dirt, and debris. If the sleeves are missing, torn, or mildewed, replace them.
Self Storage. One of the best ways to protect your records is through climate-controlled self-storage. Climate control environments keep your records from temperature extremes, prolonging the life of your valuable collection.
Storage Authority knows a thing or two about safekeeping and storing our customers’ collections. We provide 24/7 self-storage room access so you can retrieve your goods when it’s convenient for you. Our storage units and moving products go a long way in providing peace-of-mind to our customers. Visit our website, contact us, or give us a call at 262-676-9464.