The Definitive Guide to Organizing Your Vinyl Records Collection

Do you have a large enough collection of vinyl records and organizing your vinyl records has become important?Well, It is undoubtedly going to need a library-style organization to allow easier and quick access every time you want to listen to the music that is on your mind. The style and effectiveness of the organization play a significant role in determining if you can find the desired album quickly. It is especially crucial for those who like to listen to their records often.

You must practice the subsequent suggestions when it comes to efficiently organizing your vinyl records collection.

Consider the Following Factors for ORGANIZING YOUR VINYL RECORDS

Make sure to consider the following factors before you start with getting all the materials and create a plan for organizing your records collection.

i. Room Temperature

If the room has high temperatures or remains warm, it can create an ideal condition for mold growth. And vinyl is a natural surface for mold growth. The cover can get warped. Another way high temperature affects vinyl is by melting it, even though slightly. So make sure that you store your vinyl in a room that is dry and cool. The room should not be more than 70 degrees hot.

ii. Heat Sources

It is not just room temperature. You should also ensure that you organize the records and keep them away from any heat source. Well, it can include direct sunlight, fireplace, and radiators. Remember that heat, in any form, can cause damage to the vinyl.

iii. Proper Placement

Make sure not to pile up your records when organizing them. The collective weight can compress and damage the records at the bottom. They should be placed upright so that there is no pressure, warping, or scratching on the surface.

iv. Sleeves

Make sure that the sleeves are regularly cleaned and maintained. Any buildup of dirt and dust can be damaging to the record.

Material & Knowledge Required for ORGANIZING YOUR VINYL RECORDS

Before you start the organization, it is recommended to gather the following material to store your collection efficiently and safely. It is also essential to have some basic knowledge, as described here.

1. Crates

You can best keep the records in wooden or plastic containers. If you have shelving units, they may be right. As already mentioned above, make sure there is no stacking on top of each other.

2. Knowledge of the Alphabet

Make sure that you have some understanding of the alphabet. It is recommended to have advanced knowledge to make things simpler. You will need to alphabetize the band name or other factors to be able to organize the records. You can also get help from family or friend to make it simpler.

3. Knowledge of Music Genre & Bands

Make sure you gain some information about the different music genres. It can also help to learn what styles your favorite bands specialize in and their records. There will be records that you may not know much about at this time. It will require some online research to learn about them.

Vinyl Records Organization Style

So once you have addressed all the points mentioned above, you should choose the organization style that is best for you. It should be something that is simple for you and allows you to access the required record in the shortest possible time.

1. In Alphabetical Order

It is perhaps the simplest and most commonly used way for organizing vinyl records. You will have to determine whether to alphabetize based on the band’s name or the record’s name. Consider the following useful points in this regard:

This is considered as the most efficient way to organize vinyl
Millions of books in libraries follow the same organization style
It helps you benefit from the efficiency offered by alphabetization

This method of vinyl organization is ideal if you are not a history buff. If you intend to group your collection based on their intrinsic value in the world of music, you shouldn’t be using this method.

2. Based on Genre

Many people have different levels of taste for different genres. Often what you want to listen to depends a lot on your mood. Having your music collection organized in terms of the style can go a long way in making you feel happier. Some albums may not fit any single genre. In that case, you can create an ‘other’ or sub-genre section. Purple Rain can be an excellent example of such a situation.

3. By Chronology

There are very few vinyl collectors who find it meaningful to have their collection organized based on chronology. Many users can see this method to be a little excessive for them to manage or keep track of all the time. It is often for those who are hardcore music aficionados.

Most records will come with the year of release printed somewhere on the album
It can sometimes be challenging to read them because of wear and tear, especially if you purchase second-hand records from eBay or other platforms
You can search online for the release year of an album to make things simple

4. Autobiographically

If you have a very sharp memory and remember each record’s value to you, you should consider organizing them autobiographically. It is a sporadic and unique way of organizing records. Many people collect albums, not just for the value the masses give them, but for their particular reasons. You may obtain records for how important they are in your life. If that is the main issue, then you should follow this method of organization. It may not make much sense to most others. However, it may be the only way that some collectors may see it while organizing their vinyl collection.

5. By Color

When you organize your records by color, it is aesthetically one of the best ways to do so. This style is widely followed in the world of books. It doesn’t involve any organization based on genre, the alphabet, or year. You should instead consider the color of the spine. When done correctly, it can look elegant. However, it doesn’t simplify the task of finding a record you want to listen to at times. It will require you to do some search to come up with the desired album. It is, however, not recommended if you have an extensive collection of records.

6. By Last Played

It is an exciting way to organize your vinyl collection. Well, we particularly recommend it to those who like to listen to their collection regularly. You want to enjoy all the music from time to time. Don’t expect this to make it easier and faster to find the desired album. It doesn’t mean for that. It is strictly for those who are crazy music fans and whose focus is all about enjoying their collection without things feeling stale.

So the music you have listened to recently can be kept at the top. You can also run things from left to right or vice versa depending on which side is near to your record player. While anyone can follow this strategy, it is best for those who have minimal collection.

7. By the Record's Worth

It is another unique method of organizing your vinyl records collection. And it is especially beneficial for those who buy and sell records often for making profits or as a hobby.

This is also an excellent way to demonstrate the worth of the records you have
Monetary worth can also be a demonstration of the value of an album
It is the perfect method for those who are continually checking online for record values

While there are many methods for organizing a records collection, it is recommended to follow the alphabetical order. It is especially important if you have an extensive selection of a hundred or more records.

Objectively, it is the only way that could help you arrange records or anything else. Imagine finding a library where their color organizes books. It would be almost unlikely for everyone to find books of interest to them. One right way can be to organize by genre and then by the alphabet. It is an excellent strategy that allows you to locate albums based on their type and name. Once you have determined which genre you would like to listen to, you can narrow down to the title of the album or the artist.

We suggest you use the alphabetical order to arrange their collection of vinyl. You will need to organize your records only if your group is more prominent than 20 units. If it is small, it should be easy for you to find any record with ease.

Final Thoughts on ORGANIZING YOUR VINYL RECORDS!

So, make sure to catch all the points as mentioned earlier when organizing your vinyl records collection. It is not just the order and style that matters. You will also have to consider the location and position. If you have a pretty large selection of records worth a fortune, you may also want to ensure that you create proper storage systems. It can be critical considering the value and longevity of the records.