Where do you keep/store your DVDs and other discs?

Question

This is kind of a two-part question, actually. I know that some of us have quite a large CD, DVD, and blu-ray collection of TV, movies, video games, music, etc.

I have found myself in possession of quite a growing number myself and was wondering where exactly people should store all of these optical discs.

I mean, do most people store them on shelves or in other "open" areas in a family room or great room, or do they pack them up in boxes, cabinets, or a large wardrobe?

In other words, do most people keep their discs (and cases) out in the open where they are easily seen and accessible (but also collect dust easily) or stored in air-tight places such as boxes and wardrobes? In addition, do people usually store their discs in a bedroom, the living room, the basement, or what?

Lately I've put many of my discs inside of cardboard boxes, the kind that people use to ship/mail things. You can store a lot of slimline disc cases in one average sized box. However, I was concerned about the smell. As some of you may well know if you deal with cardboard boxes a lot, many of them tend to give off a distinct, paper-ish, "wood" smell.

I was concerned as to whether or not the molecules of the box in the air, giving off that smell, could possibly damage the disc material in any way. Can paper/wood of a cardboard box actually be hazardous to discs if they are stored in them long-term?

Answer 1

I have some Ikea racks on my wall that house my most watched DVDs and Bluray disks. I can fit about 50 on them. The rest I store away in a wooden chest.

Cardboard has a high acid content and will cause paper to yellow and brown and eventually become brittle. The DVD will not be affected as it's made of polycarbonate plastic, but the paper label on the case and/or outer paper overwrapper will deteriorate quicker.

If the smell from the box is musty then there could be some mold forming. If there is mold in the box then that could cause damage to the paper also and could impregnate it with a horrible smell.

Best bet, use an acid free box or use plastic totes. Throw in a couple packs of silica gel for added protection from moisture.

Answer 2

My DVDs are in mini milk crates. They fit perfect and one can stack them with the side open so you can see them all horizontally or stack them so you look down vertically. Even separate them in to different types od movies in each one.

Answer 3

I bought a 6' tall metal cabinet, 36" wide, 6" deep shelves, and have it in the hall next to the lower level door.  It holds hundreds of DVD's and CD's, is out in the open, easy to find what I want.  They are alphabetized.  I has worked well for me for over four years. The cabinet is a commercial cabinet, painted white.  Looks good.