What is the best way to store a vinyl record collection?

Data as of Sep 21, 2026 · Based on 347 AI responses from ChatGPT Search and Google AI Mode · See how Parse measures this

Sources AI cites for this prompt

Source	Citation share
How to Make Your Personal Music Spacehttps://www.absolutemgmt.com/blog/vinyl-record-storage-ideas/	4%
How to Properly Store Vinyl Recordshttps://sparefoot.com/blog/stay-cool-vinyl-storage-guide	3%
How to Properly Store Your Vinyl Collection to Avoid Damagehttps://vinyl.com/blogs/blog/how-to-properly-store-your-vinyl-collection-to-avoid-damage	3%
How to Store Vinyl Records? - The Sound Of Vinylhttps://thesoundofvinyl.us/blogs/vinyl-101/how-to-store-vinyl-records	3%
Best Way to Store Vinyl Records: Safe Long-Term Storage Tips \| National Video Centrehttps://www.nationalvideo.com.au/best-way-to-store-vinyl-records/	3%
How to store vinyl recordshttps://www.preservationequipment.com/blog/how-to-store-vinyl-records	3%
Our Guide To Vinyl Record Storagehttps://www.normanrecords.com/features/vinyl-care-and-culture/storing-vinyl-records	3%
Vinyl Record Storage MISTAKEShttps://www.youtube.com/watch	3%
Vinyl Record Storage Tips: How to Store Your Collectionhttps://www.storagestar.com/blog/vinyl-record-storage	2%
Not-Ugly Vinyl Record Storage Options (Beyond the Kallax ...https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/not-ugly-vinyl-record-storage-options	2%

Recent AI responses to this prompt

Properly storing your vinyl records is essential to prevent warping, sleeve damage, and surface noise. Here is the best way to keep your collection safe and sounding pristine: - **Store upright (vertically):** Always store records standing up like books on a shelf. Never stack them flat in piles, as the immense weight…

Read the full answer ▾

Properly storing your vinyl records is essential to prevent warping, sleeve damage, and surface noise. Here is the best way to keep your collection safe and sounding pristine:

Store upright (vertically): Always store records standing up like books on a shelf. Never stack them flat in piles, as the immense weight can warp the bottom records and damage the grooves.
Keep them tight, but not too tight: Use bookends or keep shelves filled so the records stand straight without leaning at an angle (which causes warping). However, don't pack them so tightly that you scratch or stress the jackets when pulling one out.
Control the environment: Keep your collection in a climate-controlled room away from direct sunlight, radiators, or damp basements. Ideal conditions are a stable temperature between 65°F and 70°F with moderate humidity.
Upgrade your outer sleeves: Protect the cardboard jackets from ring wear, scuffs, and split seams by sliding them into poly or mylar outer sleeves (opening facing upward or toward the inside of the shelf to keep dust out).
Use anti-static inner sleeves: Ditch the original paper inner sleeves (which shed paper dust and cause static) for high-quality anti-static or rice-paper inner sleeves. Pro tip: store the inner sleeve opening facing upward or perpendicular to the jacket opening so the record doesn't slide out accidentally.
Choose sturdy shelving: Ensure your storage unit (like the classic IKEA Kallax) is structurally sound and anchored to the wall if necessary. Vinyl is surprisingly heavy—about$2 5 to$3 0 pounds per foot of records!

If you'd like, let me know:

How large your collection is
What kind of space or furniture you currently have available

I can help you pick the ideal shelving or storage configuration for your setup.

Brands

IKEA

ikea.com

Sources cited

No sources cited

The key is **cool, stable, dry, dark, and vertical**. The Library of Congress specifically recommends storing LPs upright rather than stacked, in a relatively dry, stable environment. [Library of…

Read the full answer ▾

The key is cool, stable, dry, dark, and vertical. The Library of Congress specifically recommends storing LPs upright rather than stacked, in a relatively dry, stable environment.

Ideal setup

Store records vertically: Keep LPs standing on their edge, like books. Don't stack them flat; prolonged weight can contribute to warping.
Use sturdy shelving: Shelves should support the considerable weight of vinyl and ideally have dividers every few inches so records can't lean excessively.
Aim for about 60–70°F and 35–45% relative humidity: Stability matters more than hitting an exact number. The National Archives gives 55–70°F and 30–55% RH for home audio collections, while the Library of Congress recommends roughly 35–40% RH for home collections.
Avoid heat and sunlight: Keep them away from radiators, heating/AC vents, windows with direct sun, and other sources of temperature swings. UV and heat can damage both records and jackets.
Avoid garages, attics, and damp basements: Even if records are in plastic bins, those environments can have damaging temperature/humidity fluctuations and water risks.
Use good inner sleeves: For long-term preservation, polyethylene or polypropylene sleeves are preferred. Avoid PVC sleeves.
Don't overpack the shelf: Records should be snug enough to remain upright but loose enough that you can remove one without forcing it out.
Keep records off the floor: A leak or flood can destroy a collection surprisingly quickly.
Handle by the edges and label: Avoid touching the playing surface with your fingers.

A particularly good home arrangement

For most collectors, I'd use a solid wooden or metal record shelf in an interior room, with records upright and supported, polyethylene/polypropylene inner sleeves, and outer protective sleeves for valuable jackets. Put a small hygrometer nearby to monitor humidity.

If your collection is large, don't make the shelves excessively tall or unstable. Vinyl is heavy—the Library of Congress notes that grooved discs average more than 35 lb per shelf-foot.

If you tell me roughly how many records you have (e.g. 100, 500, 2,000+) and your available space, I can suggest a practical shelving setup.

Sources cited

Care, Handling and Storage of Audio Visual Materials | Tools & Resources | National Recording Preservation Plan | Programs | Library of Congressloc.gov

Care, Handling, and Storage of Audio Visual Materials - Collections Care - (Preservation, Library of Congress)loc.gov

Audio Guidance: Condition of Materials and Storage | National Archivesarchives.gov

General Preservation - FAQ - About (Preservation, Library of Congress)loc.gov

- Vertical storage: Always store records **vertically** (standing upright like books on a shelf). Storing them flat in stacks places heavy weight on the bottom records, leading to warped vinyl, ring wear, and sleeve damage. - Temperature control: Keep them in a climate-controlled environment, ideally between 65°F and…

Read the full answer ▾

Vertical storage: Always store records vertically (standing upright like books on a shelf). Storing them flat in stacks places heavy weight on the bottom records, leading to warped vinyl, ring wear, and sleeve damage.
Temperature control: Keep them in a climate-controlled environment, ideally between 65°F and 70°F (18°C to 21°C). Extreme heat or rapid temperature swings can warp the vinyl.
Humidity management: Maintain relative humidity between 35% and 45%. Too much moisture invites mold and mildew on paper jackets and the outer grooves, while air that is too dry can make paper brittle.
Direct sunlight: Keep records away from windows and direct UV rays, which can fade and bleach the jacket artwork and warp the record under extreme heat magnification.
Outer sleeves: Protect the album art from shelf wear, ring wear, and dust by using high-quality polyethylene or polypropylene outer sleeves.
Inner sleeves: Swap out abrasive paper inner sleeves for anti-static, archival-quality poly-lined inner sleeves to prevent micro-scratches when sliding records in and out.
Support intervals: Use stable shelving (like the classic IKEA Kallax Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ) and do not pack the records too tightly; you should be able to flip through them easily without forcing them out.

Would you like recommendations for specific storage furniture or advice on how to clean dusty records before storing them?

Brands

IKEA

ikea.com

Sources cited

No sources cited

For a typical home collection, the **best setup is upright records in sturdy shelving, with good inner/outer sleeves, in a cool and stable room**. The Library of Congress specifically recommends storing LPs upright, on edge, with dividers supporting the records, and keeping them away from heat, moisture, light, and…

Read the full answer ▾

For a typical home collection, the best setup is upright records in sturdy shelving, with good inner/outer sleeves, in a cool and stable room. The Library of Congress specifically recommends storing LPs upright, on edge, with dividers supporting the records, and keeping them away from heat, moisture, light, and vibration.

Recommended setup

Store records vertically, never stacked flat. Keep them standing upright like books. Avoid leaning, which can contribute to warping over time.
Use sturdy shelving. Vinyl is surprisingly heavy—about 35+ lb per shelf-foot—so shelves need to be strong and well supported. Dividers every 4–6 inches help keep records properly supported.
Use polyethylene/polypropylene inner sleeves. They're preferable to old paper sleeves for protecting the playing surface. Avoid PVC sleeves and other unknown plastics.
Put an outer polyethylene sleeve around the jacket. This protects album covers from dust, fingerprints, shelf wear, and moisture.
Keep the room cool and stable. For a home collection, the Library of Congress recommends roughly 35–40% relative humidity and room temperature or below, while avoiding large fluctuations.
Avoid basements, attics, and garages. Temperature/humidity extremes and water exposure make them particularly risky for valuable collections.
Keep them away from sunlight, radiators, HVAC vents, and vibration. Direct/intense light and heat can accelerate deterioration, while vibration isn't desirable for stored records.
Handle records by the edges and label. Don't touch the grooves, and keep hands clean and dry.

One small but important detail

Don't cram the records tightly together. They should be snug enough to remain upright but loose enough that you can easily remove one without bending or squeezing the jackets.

And if you have valuable originals, don't rely on plastic bins as your primary storage solution. Good environmental conditions matter more than the container itself; the Library of Congress notes that plastic bins don't compensate for poor temperature/humidity conditions.

If you're building a collection from scratch, I'd aim for a metal or high-quality record cabinet + anti-static inner sleeves + polyethylene outer sleeves + a room around 65–70°F and ~40% RH. That gives you an excellent balance of preservation and everyday accessibility.

Sources cited

Care, Handling, and Storage of Audio Visual Materials - Collections Care - (Preservation, Library of Congress)wwws.loc.gov

General Preservation - FAQ - About (Preservation, Library of Congress)loc.gov

The best setup is surprisingly simple: **store vinyl records vertically, in a cool and stable room, with good-quality inner and outer sleeves.** ### Ideal storage setup - **Keep records upright, not flat.** Vertical storage prevents the weight of records from causing warping. Don't lean them at a steep angle, either.…

Read the full answer ▾

The best setup is surprisingly simple: store vinyl records vertically, in a cool and stable room, with good-quality inner and outer sleeves.

Ideal storage setup

Keep records upright, not flat. Vertical storage prevents the weight of records from causing warping. Don't lean them at a steep angle, either.
Use sturdy shelving. Vinyl is heavy—roughly 35+ lb per shelf-foot—so avoid flimsy bookshelves. Ideally, use dividers every few inches so records remain supported and don't slump.
Aim for roughly 60–70°F (16–21°C) and 35–50% relative humidity. Stability matters more than hitting an exact number. Avoid big temperature/humidity swings.
Avoid attics, garages, and damp basements. These spaces can experience extreme heat, humidity, leaks, and flooding.
Keep them away from sunlight, heaters, vents, and vibration. Direct/intense light and heat can damage both records and jackets.
Use polyethylene or polypropylene inner sleeves. These are preferable to PVC sleeves; the Library of Congress specifically recommends inert polyethylene sleeves for grooved discs.
Consider outer polyethylene sleeves for valuable or collectible jackets. They protect against dust, handling, and shelf wear.
Don't overpack the shelf. Records should be snug enough to remain upright but loose enough that you can remove one without squeezing or bending neighboring records.
Handle records by the edge and label, never by the playing surface.

A particularly good arrangement

For a serious collection, I'd do:

Record → archival inner sleeve → original jacket → protective outer sleeve → sturdy vertical shelving

If the original paper inner sleeve is historically important, keep it with the record but put the actual vinyl in a good polyethylene inner sleeve. The Library of Congress specifically notes that a replacement inner sleeve can fit inside the original paper sleeve.

One thing I'd avoid: stacking a collection horizontally in piles. Both the Library of Congress and National Archives recommend vertical storage for LPs and other grooved discs.

If you're storing hundreds or thousands of records, the shelving design becomes particularly important—I can also recommend a good vinyl shelving setup by collection size and budget.

Brands

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)

archives.gov

Library of Congress

loc.gov

Sources cited

Audio Guidance: Condition of Materials and Storage | National Archivesarchives.gov

Care, Handling, and Storage of Audio Visual Materials - Collections Care - (Preservation, Library of Congress)loc.gov

General Preservation - FAQ - About (Preservation, Library of Congress)loc.gov

Care, Handling, and Storage of Audio Visual Materials - Collections Care - (Preservation, Library of Congress)wwws.loc.gov

Care, Handling and Storage of Audio Visual Materials | Tools & Resources | National Recording Preservation Plan | Programs | Library of Congressloc.gov

Storing a vinyl record collection properly is essential to prevent warping, sleeve damage, and groove wear. Here is the best way to keep your records safe and sounding great for years to come: - **Store records strictly vertically** : Always keep your LPs standing upright, like books on a shelf. Never stack them flat…

Read the full answer ▾

Storing a vinyl record collection properly is essential to prevent warping, sleeve damage, and groove wear. Here is the best way to keep your records safe and sounding great for years to come:

Store records strictly vertically : Always keep your LPs standing upright, like books on a shelf. Never stack them flat in a horizontal pile; the heavy weight of stacked records will warp the vinyl and damage the bottom sleeves over time.
Maintain the right temperature and humidity : Keep your collection in a climate-controlled room (ideally between 65°F and 70°F or 18°C and 21°C) with a relative humidity around 30% to 40%. Avoid attics, basements, and garages where extreme temperature swings and moisture can cause mold or warping.
Keep out of direct sunlight : Position your storage away from windows or heat vents. UV rays will fade and bleach your album jackets, and heat will melt or warp the vinyl.
Use sturdy, compartmentalized shelving : Use heavy-duty shelves (like the popular IKEA Kallax series) with vertical dividers every 12 to 14 inches. Avoid packing the shelves too tightly—you should be able to flip through the records easily without pulling or scratching the adjacent sleeves.
Upgrade to anti-static inner sleeves : Ditch old, abrasive paper inner sleeves for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) anti-static sleeves (such as MoFi or Diskeeper sleeves). Place the inner sleeve opening facing upward or perpendicular to the jacket opening to keep dust out and prevent the record from sliding out accidentally.
Use protective outer sleeves : Slip your album jackets into clear polyethylene or polypropylene outer sleeves. This protects the original cardboard jacket from ring wear, shelf friction, moisture, and general handling.
Remove the record from the jacket (optional for long-term storage) : For ultimate preservation, some collectors slide the inner sleeve (containing the record) directly behind the outer jacket inside the outer protective sleeve. This prevents seam splits on the original jacket caused by the record shifting inside during transport or handling.

Would you like recommendations for specific storage furniture , or do you need advice on how to clean and prep dusty records before storing them?

Brands

IKEA

ikea.com

MoFi (Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab)

mofi.com

Diskeeper

recordclean.com.au

Sources cited

No sources cited

The best setup is **upright records + good inner sleeves + stable temperature/humidity + sturdy shelving**. - **Store LPs vertically, never flat in stacks.** Keep them standing on their edge with enough support that they remain straight. The Library of Congress specifically recommends vertical storage and…

Read the full answer ▾

The best setup is upright records + good inner sleeves + stable temperature/humidity + sturdy shelving.

Store LPs vertically, never flat in stacks. Keep them standing on their edge with enough support that they remain straight. The Library of Congress specifically recommends vertical storage and dividers/support every few inches for larger collections.
Use archival inner sleeves. Replace old paper inner sleeves with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or another archival-quality, non-PVC sleeve. You can keep the original paper sleeve alongside it if it's collectible.
Keep the records in their jackets, preferably with a protective outer polyethylene/polypropylene jacket if you want to protect album covers from scuffs and shelf wear.
Avoid PVC sleeves. The Library of Congress recommends polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyester/PET and advises avoiding PVC and unknown plastics.
Control the environment. Aim roughly for 55–70°F (13–21°C) and 30–55% relative humidity, with minimal fluctuation. For particularly valuable collections, around 35–40% RH is a good target.
Keep them away from sunlight, radiators, HVAC vents, and moisture. Heat can warp vinyl, while excessive humidity encourages mold and can damage jackets.
Don't use an attic, garage, or damp basement for valuable records. Those environments tend to have temperature/humidity extremes and greater water risk.
Use sturdy shelving. Vinyl gets surprisingly heavy—about 35+ pounds per shelf-foot according to the Library of Congress—so flimsy bookcases can eventually bow or fail.
Don't pack them extremely tightly. You want them supported but still easy to pull out without forcing one record against its neighbors.
Handle records by the edges and label, not the playing surface.

My ideal home setup

For a typical enthusiast collection, I'd use a solid, level record shelf, keep the LPs vertical, put each record in a quality HDPE inner sleeve, add a clear polyethylene outer sleeve, and keep the whole collection in an air-conditioned interior room with a small hygrometer.

If you tell me roughly how many records you have (e.g. 100, 500, 2,000+) and whether you're in a humid climate, I can recommend the best shelving/storage arrangement for your collection.

Sources cited

Care, Handling, and Storage of Audio Visual Materials - Collections Care - (Preservation, Library of Congress)loc.gov

Audio/Visual Materials - FAQ - About (Preservation, Library of Congress)loc.gov

General Preservation - FAQ - About (Preservation, Library of Congress)loc.gov

Audio Guidance: Condition of Materials and Storage | National Archivesarchives.gov

Storing a vinyl record collection properly is essential to prevent warping, sleeve damage, and sound degradation. The golden rules of vinyl storage focus on orientation, environment, and protection. - **Store vertically, never horizontally:** Always keep records standing straight up like books on a shelf. Stacking…

Read the full answer ▾

Storing a vinyl record collection properly is essential to prevent warping, sleeve damage, and sound degradation. The golden rules of vinyl storage focus on orientation, environment, and protection.

Store vertically, never horizontally: Always keep records standing straight up like books on a shelf. Stacking records flat on top of each other creates immense weight and pressure on the bottom LPs, which leads to permanent warping and ring wear.
Maintain the right climate: Keep your collection in a climate-controlled space. Aim for a stable temperature between 50°F and 60°F (and below 70°F maximum) with a relative humidity of 30% to 40%. Avoid attics, basements, or garages subject to extreme temperature swings and high humidity, which breed mold and warp vinyl.
Keep them out of direct sunlight: UV rays and heat from the sun can rapidly bleach jacket artwork and warp the vinyl records inside, even through glass cabinet doors.
Pack snugly, but not too tight: Stand records upright on sturdy shelves with dividers every few inches. If they lean too much, they warp under their own angle; if they are packed impossibly tight, you will risk damaging the jacket edges when pulling them out.
Upgrade your sleeves: Swap cheap or old paper inner sleeves for anti-static, rice-paper or high-density polyethylene hybrid inner sleeves (like those from Mobile Fidelity or equivalent brands) to prevent micro-scratches and static buildup. Use clear outer poly sleeves to protect the album jackets from shelf wear.
Keep away from heat sources: Never place your record storage directly against heating vents, radiators, or fireplaces.

If you'd like, let me know:

How large your collection is (approximate number of records)
What kind of space or furniture you are working with

I can recommend specific shelving units or organization strategies to fit your setup.

Brands

MoFi (Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab)

mofi.com

Sources cited

How to Store Vinyl Records? - The Sound Of Vinylthesoundofvinyl.us

How to Store and Protect Vinyl Recordsyoutube.com

Here's one of the ways to properly store vinyl records. Always ...facebook.com

Storing your vinyl record collection the right way protects your investment and ensures your records sound pristine for years to come.[](https://www.crutchfield.com/learn/how-to-store-vinyl-records.html) [[1]](https://www.crutchfield.com/learn/how-to-store-vinyl-records.html) - **Always Store Vertically** : Keep…

Read the full answer ▾

Storing your vinyl record collection the right way protects your investment and ensures your records sound pristine for years to come.

Always Store Vertically : Keep records upright like books on a shelf. Never stack them flat in piles, as the weight causes warping and damages the grooves over time.
Control Climate and Temperature : Keep records in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, radiators, and heating vents. “Excessive heat can cause warping, while high humidity may lead to mold growth.” Ideal temperatures hover around normal comfortable room temperatures (65°F to 70°F). Avoid attics or damp, unmonitored basements.
Don't Pack Them Too Tightly : Give your records some breathing room. If they are packed like sardines, pulling one out becomes a chore and the extreme pressure can warp jackets and discs. Conversely, don't let them lean at a sharp angle; use bookends or partition blocks if a shelf is only partially full.
Upgrade Your Sleeves : Swap cheap paper inner sleeves for anti-static, high-quality archival or polyethylene-lined inner sleeves to prevent scratching and static dust attraction. Add clear plastic outer sleeves to protect the jacket artwork from ring wear and shelf friction.
Keep Them Off the Floor : Store your collection on sturdy shelving units (like IKEA Kallax units, which are famously deep enough for LPs) elevated safely away from potential floor-level water risks or heavy foot traffic vibrations.

If you'd like, let me know:

How large your current collection is
Whether you are looking for furniture/shelving recommendations or cleaning/sleeving gear

I can tailor specific product or layout ideas for your space.

Brands

IKEA

ikea.com

Sources cited

10 easy tips for storing your vinyl recordscrutchfield.com

How to Store Vinyl Records?thesoundofvinyl.us

The Ultimate Guide to Storing and Cleaning Your Vinyl Recordsvinylify.com

Best Practices for Vinyl Records - Gaylord Archivalinfo.gaylord.com

Best way to store vinyl?reddit.com

The best setup is **upright, cool, dry, stable, and away from sunlight and heat**. For a home collection, you don't need museum-level climate control, but a few details make a big difference. ### The ideal setup - **Store records vertically, never flat in a stack.** Keep them standing on edge with enough support that…

Read the full answer ▾

The best setup is upright, cool, dry, stable, and away from sunlight and heat. For a home collection, you don't need museum-level climate control, but a few details make a big difference.

The ideal setup

Store records vertically, never flat in a stack. Keep them standing on edge with enough support that they don't lean. The Library of Congress recommends sturdy shelves with dividers roughly every 4–6 inches to help prevent warping.
Use sturdy shelving. Vinyl is surprisingly heavy—large collections can put substantial weight on a shelf—so avoid flimsy particleboard furniture that bows under load.
Aim for roughly 55–70°F and 30–50% relative humidity, with as little fluctuation as practical. For an ordinary home, a stable room around 65–70°F and ~35–45% RH is an excellent target.
Avoid attics, garages, and damp basements. Temperature/humidity extremes and water leaks are much bigger threats than most people realize.
Keep records away from radiators, HVAC vents, fireplaces, and direct sunlight. Heat and environmental fluctuations can contribute to warping and deterioration; sunlight also fades jackets.
Use archival inner sleeves. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) sleeves are a particularly good choice. Avoid PVC sleeves; the Library of Congress specifically recommends polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyester materials without problematic coatings or plasticizers.
Handle records by the edges and label area, rather than touching the grooves. Clean, dry hands are preferable to cotton gloves, which can make records easier to drop.

One detail collectors often get wrong

I'd keep the record itself in its archival inner sleeve, with the inner sleeve stored inside the jacket, but position the opening of the inner sleeve so the record can't easily fall out. Then put the whole jacket in an optional outer polyethylene protective sleeve.

For a valuable collection, I'd also keep a little breathing room between records rather than cramming them tightly together.

If you tell me roughly how many records you have (e.g. 100, 500, 2,000+) and whether they're mostly 12-inch LPs, I can recommend a specific shelving/storage setup.

Sources cited

Care, Handling, and Storage of Audio Visual Materials - Collections Care - (Preservation, Library of Congress)wwws.loc.gov

Audio Guidance: Condition of Materials and Storage | National Archivesarchives.gov

Session 6: Media Collections — NEDCCnedcc.org

Care, Handling and Storage of Audio Visual Materials | Tools & Resources | National Recording Preservation Plan | Programs | Library of Congressloc.gov

General Preservation - FAQ - About (Preservation, Library of Congress)loc.gov

Care, Handling, and Storage of Audio Visual Materials - Collections Care - (Preservation, Library of Congress)loc.gov

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The best setup is surprisingly simple: store vinyl records vertically, in a cool and stable room, with good-quality inner and outer sleeves.

Ideal storage setup

Keep records upright, not flat. Vertical storage prevents the weight of records from causing warping. Don't lean them at a steep angle, either.
Use sturdy shelving. Vinyl is heavy—roughly 35+ lb per shelf-foot—so avoid flimsy bookshelves. Ideally, use dividers every few inches so records remain supported and don't slump.
Aim for roughly 60–70°F (16–21°C) and 35–50% relative humidity. Stability matters more than hitting an exact number. Avoid big temperature/humidity swings.
Avoid attics, garages, and damp basements. These spaces can experience extreme heat, humidity, leaks, and flooding.
Keep them away from sunlight, heaters, vents, and vibration. Direct/intense light and heat can damage both records and jackets.
Use polyethylene or polypropylene inner sleeves. These are preferable to PVC sleeves; the Library of Congress specifically recommends inert polyethylene sleeves for grooved discs.
Consider outer polyethylene sleeves for valuable or collectible jackets. They protect against dust, handling, and shelf wear.
Don't overpack the shelf. Records should be snug enough to remain upright but loose enough that you can remove one without squeezing or bending neighboring records.
Handle records by the edge and label, never by the playing surface.

A particularly good arrangement

For a serious collection, I'd do:

Record → archival inner sleeve → original jacket → protective outer sleeve → sturdy vertical shelving

One thing I'd avoid: stacking a collection horizontally in piles. Both the Library of Congress and National Archives recommend vertical storage for LPs and other grooved discs.

If you're storing hundreds or thousands of records, the shelving design becomes particularly important—I can also recommend a good vinyl shelving setup by collection size and budget.