Essential Tips for Collecting Vinyl

5 Essential Tips for Collecting Vinyl 

Whether you’re just starting your vinyl collection or looking to build on your stash, taking care of your records is key to keeping them sounding great and holding their value. Here are some practical tips for beginners and seasoned collectors alike, covering everything from selecting records to caring for them.

1. Buy What You Like

When you’re building a vinyl collection, it’s all about your taste and what you want to hear. Some records may be rare or trendy, but if you don’t enjoy the music, they’re just taking up space. Think about the albums and artists that mean something to you – records that you’ll play over and over. Vinyl is a deeply personal way to enjoy music, so don’t feel pressured to pick up titles just because they’re popular or because they are in someones must have.  Instead, focus on collecting records that will make you genuinely excited when you put them on the turntable.

2. Buy It When You See It

With vinyl, sometimes it really is a case of ‘get it or regret it’. New vinyl releases can often be limited in stock, and reissues of classic albums don’t happen as often as we’d like. Especially with secondhand finds, once they’re gone, they’re gone – you may never see that specific pressing, in that exact condition, again. For example I have been trying to find a brand new release or repress of Xavier Rudd's Spirit Bird and it just hasn't been repressed. The Verve has only just released their highly anticipated This is Music: The Singles over 20 years later. So, if you stumble upon a record that catches your eye and fits your budget, don’t hesitate. Waiting around can mean missing out, especially when it comes to those rare finds or limited reprints that aren’t likely to get another run.

3. Store Your Records Upright

One of the best things you can do for your records is to store them upright, like books on a shelf. Stacking records flat can lead to warping over time, especially if you have a few piled up. Warping can affect sound quality and reduce the lifespan of your vinyl, so it’s worth taking the time to arrange them properly. Use a sturdy shelf that allows you to keep them straight and steady, with a little room for airflow. Not only will your records stay in better shape, but it’ll also make it much easier to find the album you’re after.  Plus it is worth investing in some plastic sleeves and popping them in that. Not always the most attractive way to store your vinyl but it definitely protects it and the covers better.  

4. Keep Them Out of Direct Sunlight

Vinyl and sunlight just don’t mix. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can fade the album covers and, more worryingly, warp the records themselves. Heat is a vinyl killer, so find a cool, shaded spot to store your collection. It doesn’t have to be a dark room – just somewhere without direct sunlight streaming onto your records. Preserving those album covers also keeps the aesthetic appeal intact, so you can enjoy the full visual and audio experience for years to come.

5. Clean Your Records Regularly

A clean record is a happy record! Regular cleaning is one of the best things you can do for your vinyl. Dust and dirt can get into the grooves of the record, affecting sound quality and even causing long-term damage. The good news is you don’t need a fancy cleaner – a simple specialised vinyl spray and a soft cloth will do the job just fine. When cleaning, always wipe in a circular motion following the grooves of the record. Keeping your records dust-free not only helps them sound better but also makes sure they last longer, so you can enjoy them for years (or decades!) to come.

Collecting vinyl is more than just a hobby; it’s a way to connect with music in a more tangible and intentional way. By following these simple tips, you can build a collection that truly reflects your taste, stands the test of time, and fills your home with the sounds you love.