SoundkeepPack sleeved records vertically in strong, correctly sized boxes that support the full jacket. Fill empty side space with clean, inert packing material so the row stays upright, but do not compress the jackets. Keep every box small enough for one person to lift without dropping or tilting it.
Before packing, correct torn working sleeves using the principles in our record sleeve guide. Photograph the current shelf order and plan the new upright storage location before the collection arrives.
Plan the move in four checkpoints
- BeforeInventory, inspect, and prepare the destination
- PackingKeep jackets vertical and boxes manageable
- TransitControl heat, water, impact, and shifting
- ArrivalUnpack into stable storage without delay
Inspect before an album disappears into a box
Set aside records with active mold, wet jackets, loose discs, or badly split packaging. Moving contaminated material with clean albums can spread debris and makes later identification harder. Keep original inserts with their album and make a note of existing damage.
An inventory can be as simple as shelf photographs plus numbered boxes. Mark each box on more than one side with a sequence and room destination. Do not write directly on original jackets.
Choose a box around the record, not the other way around
The bottom should remain flat under the load, and the side walls should support the jacket height. A deep general-purpose box encourages stacking records flat or creates a heavy load that is difficult to control. Reinforce and close boxes according to their maker's instructions.
Test the first packed box by lifting it only a short distance. If the bottom bows, the row falls sideways, or the box is uncomfortable to carry, repack it before continuing.
Build a vertical row with gentle side support
Place complete sleeved albums on edge in the same orientation used on the shelf. Add clean flat spacers at the ends of a partial row. The contents should not rattle or lean sharply when the box moves, yet one jacket should still be removable without force.
Do not place heavy equipment, books, or loose turntable parts in the record box. Their edges and concentrated weight can damage jackets even when the outside carton looks intact.
Protect the collection during transit
The U.S. National Archives advises stable, relatively low temperature and humidity and protection from flooding, pollutants, and sunlight. A parked vehicle can become a poor storage environment quickly, so minimize time in heat and direct sun. Keep boxes upright, secured against sliding, and away from liquids or vehicle areas that may leak.
Use a hand truck only when the boxes are secured and the route is smooth. Never leave a stack unattended on a slope, and do not lift by straps that compress the box walls.
Unpack the room before unpacking the records
Confirm that the shelf is level, stable, deep enough, and away from heaters, windows, damp walls, and floor-level leak risks. Then open one box at a time and restore the photographed order. Support each partial shelf row as you go.
If a box became wet, crushed, or unusually hot, move it to a clean assessment area instead of shelving it automatically. Look for dampness, transferred residue, distortion, and shifted discs.
Arrival check
Load boxes so they remain upright
Place record boxes on a flat vehicle surface rather than on seats or soft luggage. Keep their vertical orientation visible, brace them against sideways movement, and avoid putting furniture, speakers, or equipment cases on top. A box that cannot shift is less likely to become a leaning stack after the first corner.
Plan the unloading order before closing the vehicle. Records should not remain while heavy furniture is moved around them or while the vehicle stands in sun. If weather is wet, carry one protected box at a time along a cleared route instead of staging the collection outdoors.