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Reviewed by William Cooper
Whether you’re moving house, selling online, or shipping internationally, protecting your vinyl records during transport is essential in order to preserve their sound quality and value. After all, they’re your cherished collectibles that require careful handling, especially when being transported.
Here’s a complete guide to packing, posting, and safeguarding your records in any climate.
Essential packing supplies for vinyl records
Before you begin, gather the right materials. Investing in quality supplies is a small price to pay for peace of mind and can make all the difference in preventing warping, scratches, or sleeve damage.
Here are a few things you’ll need:
- Sturdy vinyl record mailers – these are specifically designed for LPs and have reinforced corners to minimise the risk of damage during transport.
- Bubble wrap or foam padding – for shock absorption and to prevent movement during transit.
- Cardboard stiffeners – to prevent the LPs bending.
- Plastic inner and outer sleeves – protection from dust, static and moisture.
- Packing tape and ‘fragile’ stickers – to secure and label your parcel.
How to pack vinyl records safely
Packing your vinyl collection correctly is crucial during transportation. Follow these steps to ensure your records arrive in excellent condition:
Step 1 – Use record sleeves
Remove the vinyl from the sleeve to prevent the seam splitting during transit. Place the record in a clean anti-static inner sleeve and keep the outer sleeve in a protective cover.
Step 2 – Add structure
Sandwich the record and sleeve between two cardboard stiffeners. This will prevent movement during transit and provide protection if the journey is bumpy.
Step 3 – Add lots of padding
Wrap the bundle in bubble wrap, foam or packing peanuts for cushioning.
Step 4 – Package up your box
Place everything snugly inside a record mailer or corrugated box. Ensure there is no excess space to prevent your records from moving during the journey.
Step 5 – Seal and label it
Seal the box securely with strong packing tape and label it as ‘fragile’. Mark the box with ‘this side up’ so that the vinyl records aren’t stacked on top of each other for long spells during transit, as this can cause the package to warp.
Transporting vinyl in hot or cold weather
Vinyl is sensitive to temperature extremes. Here’s how to protect it:
- Hot weather – Never leave records in direct sunlight or in a hot place like a car or storage unit. Use insulated packaging or cold packs if necessary. If you are transporting them yourself and have a bit more control, use air conditioning where possible to maintain a more suitable temperature.
- Cold weather – Cold temperatures can cause vinyl records to become brittle and crack. Allow records to slowly acclimatise to room temperature to avoid condensation, which can damage the labels and sleeves.
Posting vinyl records in the UK and abroad
When posting vinyl records, choose a reliable courier that offers tracking, insurance and signed-for delivery. For international shipping, make sure you complete all customs declarations accurately and be aware of potential delays or import charges.
Inspecting records upon arrival
Once your records arrive, inspect them carefully:
- Check for warping, cracks, or scratches.
- Examine the sleeves for bends or tears.
- If possible, record the unboxing process in case you need to make a claim.
This step is especially important for buyers and sellers in the vinyl resale market.
Insure your vinyl collection with Stanhope
Protecting your vinyl records during transport doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right materials, careful packing, and attention to climate, you can ensure your collection stays safe wherever it goes.
Whether you’re posting a single LP or moving an entire crate, these tips will help your vinyl arrive in pristine condition – ready to spin. For more information on how to protect and insure your vinyl collection, speak to a member of the Stanhope team.
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