Best Boxes For Moving Vinyl Records

You're an avid music fan who collects Vinyl records, but now you're moving home. This could be a disaster if you don't pack correctly. Building a collection over years can become very expensive and I'm sure your collection is worth a lot in monetary value, but also personally. So, what are the best boxes for moving Vinyl records? 

In order to break this down to make it more relevant to you, we are going to recommend two options. One option for expensive Vinyl's that need a bit of extra support, and a cheaper alternative for someone who has so many vinyls to move they could probably open their own record store.

Best Boxes For Moving Vinyl Records

1)  Really Useful Box - Best for expensive Vinyl's

• This box is plastic, it's purpose made for the intention of transporting vinyl records. 
• You can fit 50 vinyl records in this box.
• The lid clips on to prevent any chance of any vinyl's falling out.
• If you want to be extra cautious there is enough room to fit a foam cushion layer and still transport 30 of your most expensive vinyls.
• There is only one way up for this box reducing the chance of your vinyl's falling out of their sleeves.

2) Smith Packaging - Best for moving many Vinyl Records

• This is the cost-efficient option. For a similar price as the plastic box option, you can have 10 of these boxes, which in turn can easily fit 50 Vinyls in them.
• As this box is made of cardboard, it is recommended you pack the box with Foam cushioning. That would leave for around 35 Vinyls.
• The box is printed with "this direction" & "fragile" signs to help ensure it's not packed upside down. 
• perfect for moving your whole record store.

Types of vinyl record boxes

When it comes to moving vinyl records, choosing the right type of box is crucial to ensure their safety and preservation. Let's explore the different types of vinyl record boxes available in the market:

Standard record mailers

Standard record mailers are the most commonly used boxes for shipping vinyl records. They are typically made of sturdy corrugated cardboard and are designed to fit a single record snugly. These boxes often come with built-in flaps that fold over the record, providing a secure closure. While they are primarily used for shipping, they can also be suitable for short-distance moves if handled with care. They have limited capacity and vulnerability concerns but may be suitable if you want to individually post your collection. There are 25 mailers in a pack.

Multi-record boxes

For those with larger vinyl collections, multi-record boxes are an excellent choice. These boxes are designed to hold multiple records, usually ranging from 3 to 10 records, depending on the box's size. Multi-record boxes come with dividers or compartments to keep the records separated and prevent any potential damage during transportation.

Custom-made boxes

If you have a particularly valuable or rare vinyl collection, investing in custom-made boxes might be the best option. These boxes can be tailor-made to fit your specific vinyl record dimensions perfectly, providing the utmost protection during the moving process. Custom boxes can also include additional padding and reinforcement to safeguard against any potential accidents.

Specialty vinyl record boxes

Some companies specialise in producing vinyl record-specific moving boxes. These boxes often feature reinforced corners, additional padding, and secure locking mechanisms to keep the records in place. They are designed with the unique dimensions of vinyl records in mind, ensuring a perfect fit and maximum protection.

What is the Size of a Vinyl?

Vinyl records come in different sizes, and the most common ones are:

• 12-inch Vinyl Records: These are the standard size for full-length albums (LPs). They typically have a diameter of 12 inches (30.48 cm) and can hold about 20-25 minutes of music per side for a 33⅓ RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) record.
• 7-inch Vinyl Records: Also known as singles or 45s, these records have a diameter of 7 inches (17.78 cm). They usually contain one song on each side and play at 45 RPM.
• 10-inch Vinyl Records: These records have a diameter of 10 inches (25.4 cm) and are less common than the 12-inch and 7-inch formats. They were more prevalent in the early days of vinyl records and can hold approximately 10-15 minutes of music per side at 33⅓ RPM.

The 12-inch vinyl record is the most widely used size for full albums, while 7-inch records are popular for singles and shorter releases. The size of the vinyl record directly affects the amount of music that can be stored on each side and can influence the overall sound quality and playback experience.

Protecting Vinyl Records During a Move

When moving your vinyl record collection, it's crucial to take precautions to ensure their safety. Two essential protective materials are bubble wrap and foam inserts:

Bubble Wrap

Bubble wrap is a popular and effective cushioning material. It consists of small air-filled bubbles that create a protective barrier around each vinyl record. Here's how to use bubble wrap:

• Wrap Each Record Individually: Wrap each vinyl record with bubble wrap to shield them from scratches and potential breakage.
• Place a Layer Between Records: When stacking records inside the box, insert a layer of bubble wrap between each record to prevent direct contact and minimise friction-related damage.
• Insulation: Bubble wrap also offers some insulation against temperature changes and humidity, protecting the vinyl records from environmental factors.

Foam Inserts

Foam inserts are custom-made to fit inside standard record mailers or boxes. They securely hold each record in place and provide extra cushioning. Here's how to use foam inserts:

• Fits Snugly: Place the vinyl records inside the foam inserts, ensuring they fit snugly in their designated slots.
• Secure Hold: The foam material moulds around the records, preventing movement during transit and minimising the risk of damage.

Using these protective materials, your vinyl records will be well-protected throughout the moving process. Remember to avoid overstuffing the boxes to prevent excessive pressure on the records. With bubble wrap and foam inserts, your cherished vinyl collection will arrive safely and ready for enjoyment in its new home.

How Do You Protect Vinyl Records When Moving?

Here are some simple tips for moving vinyl records:

• Use Sturdy Boxes: Get strong boxes designed for vinyl records to keep them safe during the move.
• Wrap Each Record: Wrap each vinyl record in bubble wrap to protect it from scratches.
• Add Cushioning: Use foam inserts or packing peanuts to provide extra cushioning inside the box.
• Label Boxes: Label the boxes with their contents to make unpacking easier.
• Keep Upright: Store the boxes upright during the move to avoid warping.
• Handle with Care: Be gentle when moving the boxes to prevent damage.
• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Store the boxes in a cool, dry place during the move.
• Unpack First: Unpack the vinyl records first and find a safe spot for them in your new home.
• Reassemble Sleeves: Put the vinyl records back into their sleeves after moving.

Conclusion

Proper packing is of utmost importance when it comes to safeguarding your cherished vinyl record collection during a move. Using appropriate boxes designed specifically for vinyl records, along with essential protective materials like bubble wrap and foam inserts, ensures that your records remain in pristine condition throughout the journey to your new home.

Vinyl records are delicate and vulnerable to damage from impacts, friction, and changes in temperature or humidity. By investing in sturdy, well-designed boxes, you create a secure environment that shields your records from potential harm.

Bubble wrap and foam inserts play a vital role in adding an extra layer of cushioning and stability to your vinyl records. The bubble wrap protects against scratches and breakage, while foam inserts securely hold the records in place, preventing movement during transit.

Additionally, labelling the boxes and handling them with care further reduces the risk of damage during the moving process. Keeping the boxes upright and avoiding extreme temperatures further safeguards your collection from warping or deterioration.

By recognising the significance of proper packing and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure that your vinyl records arrive safely and are ready to provide you with the joy of music in your new home. So, protect your prized vinyl collection with the right packing methods, and let the melodies continue to bring you happiness for years to come.

Read More: 

• The Best Boxes for Moving Home
• How Many Boxes Will I Need To Move House?