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LP storage advice please?

I inherited my pop's system and LP collection. It's roughly 2,100 LPs. I say 'roughly' as I did not count them when I packed them up due to time constraints. There are 14 U-Haul boxes that are 26" in length. At roughly 6 LPs per inch that comes to 2,184 LPs, give or take for double albums and a handful of box sets. In case you're curious, it's: 2,184 x 180gr = 393,120gr or 866lbs. About 61.8lbs/box.

My question is, how high do you think I could safely stack the boxes of LPs so as not to damage the contents?

Currently I limited myself to 3 high so the bottom box is supporting ~120lbs. Can I go higher as to reclaim some floorspace in my climate controlled storage unit?

Thanks!

Happy listening.

128x128musicfan2349
noromance's avatar
noromance
10,026 posts
 

Use the black totes with yellow lids or the larger black totes with red lids (with or without wheels) from the big box hardware stores. We use them for theatre lights storage 4 high, and they are heavy. After moving the LPs to your new place, you can still use the totes for other storage.

oregon
829 posts
 

Good advice given. 
Pay attention to MOLD. No moisture, humidity. Once mold starts, it will spread. 
 IKEA shelves are excellent. If you set them up in a storage unit, you can easily disassemble and use them somewhere else. If you’re inclined, Craigslist is a good source for used IKEA shelves. If they’re used in a storage unit, who cares if they’re beat up. 
 

stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,504 posts
 

I use Ikea shelves for LP storage.  They are just the right size and can handle 50-100 lp's per section of shelf.  They were inexpensive at the time. 

68pete
1,006 posts
 

Depends on your card board box strength. Not all boxes are created with the same amount of stacking strength per weight. Lots of different storage boxes out they're for sale. My question is do you pack the records on end or flat on their side for long term storage??

musicfan2349's avatar
musicfan2349 OP
242 posts
 

@68pete they're on end, of course! The boxes are heavy moving boxes, all new. 

Regarding mold, the condo was airconditioned and well maintained. And as I mentioned, everything is currently in climate controlled storage.

Happy listening!

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