How to best store a larger CD collection

storing a large CD collection in an organized and accessible manner can help preserve the discs and make it easier to find and enjoy your music. Here are some tips for storing a large CD collection:

1. Use CD Shelves
   • Invest in good CD shelves or boxes designed specifically for storing CDs. These come in various sizes and designs and are an efficient way to organize and display your collection.
2. Organize by Genre, Artist, or Alphabetically:
   • Decide on a system for organizing your CDs that makes sense to you. You can arrange them by genre, artist, or alphabetically by title. Consistency in organization will make it easier to find specific CDs.
3. Consider Storage Cabinets:
   • If you prefer a more enclosed storage solution, consider using storage cabinets with doors to protect your CDs from dust and light.
4. Store in Jewel Cases or Sleeves:
   • The choice is yours, however Jewel cases are brittle, and take up a lot of room . For large collections consider using the Slim Disc protective sleeves. This helps prevent scratches and keeps the original album artwork intact and highly visible to make the browsing between titles a breeze. The Slim Disc sleeves are non stick and will last a long time and at the same time save you up to 6 times the storage space.
5. Use CD Storage Boxes:
   • CD storage boxes or containers are another option, especially if you need to store your collection in a more compact space. These boxes often have dividers to keep CDs organized.
6. Consider Wall-Mounted Options:
   • Wall-mounted CD storage units can be a space-saving solution, especially if you have limited floor space. These units are often designed to be aesthetically pleasing and can serve as a decorative element.
7. Labeling System:
   • Use a labeling system to easily identify the content of each section or shelf. Labels can help maintain the organization and make it simpler to find specific CDs.
8. Avoid Direct Sunlight and damp:
   • Always store your CDs away from direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can damage the discs and affect the quality of the cases. CDs should not be stored in damp or humid rooms or environments. If you use the Slim Disc space saving sleeves, your CDs must always be stored vertically like a vinyl record and never compressed horizontally
9. Maintain a Comfortable Environment:
   • Store your CDs in a climate-controlled environment to prevent extreme temperature changes and humidity, which can adversely affect the discs and packaging. Some discs may contains certain surface varnishes that may become damages if stored in certain conditions.
10. Periodic Cleaning:
    • Dust your shelves or storage units periodically to prevent dust build-up. Clean CDs and cases as needed to maintain their condition. Like vinyl records avoid touching with your fingers the surface of your CD disc and handle the disc by the centre hole only as in the long term skin oil from fingers or moisturising creams, perfume etc.. can affect the disc surface.
11. Consider Digital Storage:
    • If you're open to digitizing your music collection, you can create digital backups of your CDs and store them on a computer, external hard drive, or cloud service. This option can help save physical space and offer a backup if in case the worse was to happen to your physical collection.

By organizing and storing your CD collection thoughtfully, you can not only preserve the condition of your discs but also enhance your overall enjoyment of the music.