My CD Collection Storage Solution - I had run out of room and something had to give...
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- Опубліковано 15 лип 2023
- My CD Collection Storage Solution - Why I am exchanging single CD Jewel cases with Poly sleeves.
This is a video about storage, it is a story about basically running out of room. I love my music collection and collect and enjoy both vinyl albums and CDs.
However, my to play pile was getting higher and higher and mostly because I did not have enough room to file them away. I have put some into crates which not only looked ugly also meant it was a real hassle to get to anything.
I know a lot of CD fans will look at this with horror but I also know that many other will be saying "I did that years ago" and "where can I get those from?"
I have only done this with single CD Jewel Cases. I have left double CDs, fatboxes, digi packs are as they were but it has given back so much space.
The CDs that I have converted feel like mini vinyl albums and I can easily browse and enjoy my collection again.
Some people will say what happens if you want to sell any of them? I have no intention of selling anything and if I did you can always pick up empty CD cases and just reverse the process.
One of these things I noticed during the removal of 2,500 single jewelcases was how much they are not part of the actual album. They are just a bit of replaceable plastic. They are not the artwork or the music, they are just something to put those items in.
Let me know what you think in the comments!
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
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Thank you Phil for sharing how poly sleeves have improved accessibility and storage of your CD collection. I arrived at the same solution about 6 years ago after the Can-Am metal CD drawers I purchased for my CD collection were so stuffed that I hardly had room to add more. I bought several hundred gatefold poly CD sleeves from Bags Unlimited and condensed my massive classical music collection from 2.5 drawers down to one - with room to spare. The gatefold sleeves will easily hold double CD albums, and if you use dual-sided slips, one gatefold sleeve can hold 3 or 4 CD box sets which means you can get rid of the fat 3- and 4 CD jewel cases as well. Like you I kept paper box sets that have the artwork on the box, or irregular sized box sets, but I have many 2, 3, and 4 CD sets into a single gatefold sleeve with all the artwork and liner note booklets. I gave a huge box of jewel cases to my local record store (Rainy Day Records, Olympia WA) and they were super happy. I was a little sad to see them go.
Like you, I certainly like the feel of the sleeves. They're easy to use, and single CDs are relatively easy to find. They protect the CD well and they don't get scratched, cracked, dirty, or broken hinges. But I do sometimes wonder if making this change to my massive classical library reduces its value (resale or otherwise). Even though everything that came in the jewel case is preserved, I've hesitated to convert my jazz, rock, blues, soul/funk, hip-hop, and world-ethnic collections to the same because of this lingering worry that no one will want a collection in poly sleeves. I don't know. They sure feel good, create space, and accessibility. I'd say they're best for people with very large collections or for those who live in limited spaces.
Also, I'd love if you'd do a video on end-of-life options for one's physical music library, how to sell, donate, or otherwise distribute a personal collection after one passes or can no longer use it. In my case, no one in my family wants to inherit it so I'm left with how to pass it on to others who would care and enjoy all or parts of it. My music collection is one of my most precious possessions and having options of how to pass it on to others who care about it half as much as I do would be truly helpful. How to pass on heritage collections - something like that.
I'm doing something similar. Most frequently played CD's remain in cases. CD collections of artists have one CD case as a marker and the rest go into sleeves so its easier to find the band and albums accordingly.
I've been using the space saver sleeves for 3 years now for my 11000 cd collection. Most people hate them but they save a TON of room. I use to have cds everywhere: under my bed, under my desk & behind doors until I found these sleeves. I even use them for the double cds. Anything over 2 cds I just leave them be. I also do this for the box sets that have jewel cases. With the box sets I put them in the sleeves, then I store away the box and booklet. I much rather have all my cds accessible, then have them stored away in totes. Keep up the good work Phil.
One of these things I noticed during the removal of 2,500 single jewelcases was how much they are not part of the actual album. They are just a bit of replaceable plastic. They are not the artwork or the music, they are just something to put those items in.
Exactly, so why not have a slimmer holding case. We have been brainwashed into thinking jewel cases are an essential part of the product
I use these type of sleeves aswell and love them. People looked me like I have gone nuts when I tell them I throw the cases out and use sleeves.
@@lozu8947 because thats what they are ,this is a bad idea
Greetings from Pennsylvania, USA ...
Until today, I thought I was the only person MAD enough to do this! After several moves and really disliking the cracked and dingy jewel cases, I did this exact exercise (or exorcism!) and have never looked back. It's been about 20 years now!
Thank you for all the wonderful content, Phil!
Just axed my jewel cases back in January!
Hi Keith, I expected a lot of flak for doing this but it is amazing to see so many others have already done it !
I started buying polys and inner sleeves from a record store about 15 years ago and the space-saving aspect of it is terrific. My only concern has been in packing my discs for moves, as they might take up less space but are about 3x heavier than a box full of CDs in jewel cases. With the exception of multi'disc sets + those shipped in paper packaging, I've replaced most of my jewel cases and am very happy with using polys instead. Jewel cases break, they crack, they're a nuisance.
I did the same thing and now all my CDs are scuffed....
@BrianShep It's why I bought HQ inner sleeves for mine. Also, good heavyweight poly sleeves should protect against scuffing, tho obviously not as much as the inner sleeves will. But the better-quality ones are more expensive, so.
Be careful getting rid of jewel cases. If you need to replace them, it is hard to find good quality modern ones.
ditto. i've been picking up free cd & dvd cases for maybe a decade from people downsizing due to lack of room. this is because the older quality cases have not been used in atleast a decade. flimsy cd cases are passable if needed but dvd cases (now called eco cases) are much thinner and flimsy. both are an oil byproduct, thus thinner cuts down on cost.
The replacement CD jewel cases - those sold from large supermarkets and usually in packs of ten or twenty - are of inferior quality to the originals manufactured with the disc. Their flimsiness means the hinges are prone to break easily and, should the need arise to replace jewel cases for a two or three disc set (with front and back inlay sleeves), the product is entirely unsuitable.
I discovered this sad truth when trying to get replacement cases for PS1 games. =/ They just don't make them like they used to.
Go to a thrift store and buy another cd that's in a jewel case; keep the case & toss the CD.
Update - I have a storage space problem myself too and was immediately impressed with the idea presented by Mr. Phil Aston. I was a little worried at first because there was some information that the outer sleeves can damage the CD disks. This was information if the CD was in the outer sleeve without being between the back CD paper cover and the front CD paper cover. I went the safer route myself, I also got anti-static inner sleeves (same as for LPs, only in CD sizes; I have some Japanese CDs and they already came with inner sleeves [they don't add them in Europe] and it's great. No problems not even a double CD, because I put each CD in its own inner sleeve, and the outer sleeve is big enough to put in 3 CDs. The price for the inner sleeves is not high at all, the outer sleeves are much more expensive. Really happy now. Thank you Phil. Outer sleeves are the ones from video.
Great news, thank you for coming back and sharing ! Phil
Yup ... did this for over 4,200 single CDs .. saved so much space ... same m.o. re leaving digipacks, doubles, fat boxes, etc untouched ... used Panmer sleeves for CD, booklet and inlay ... stored in IKEA Hyvens boxes stored on 4 x IKEA "billy bookcase" ... stored best part of 6,000 CDs on 1 wall ... all my CDs in alphabetical order ... was able to get rid of several crappy bookcases and get a room back ... wife was delighted (and actually helped to do the needful) ... finding any CD is now so easy and "absorbing" new purchases is so much easier ... and fun ... not the chore it used to be ... CMcG, Aberdeen, Scotland
Fantastic - thank you for sharing - Phil
Sorry saving the CD and the artwork then ditching the jewel cases😮
I’m working on this with my blu-ray and 4K movie collection. It’s amazing how much space can be saved making the switch.
I totally understand this. I just did this with my collection, and it has allowed a renewed passion for music I hadn't listened to in quite some time. I love the space-saving aspect and ease of access. The mini vinyl look is spot on.
I live in a small flat in the UK and started doing this during lockdown as a space saving exercise. I then, as you mentioned saw them as mini albums, so store them alphabetically in boxes and flick through them as you would do with records in a shop. I love it!
Nice move Phil. I’ve been doing this with some CDs for about 12 months and am planning to do more. For those worried about marking the CDs in some way, (which as you say, you don’t really) you can use rice paper cd inners or the Tyvek inners inside the plastic wallets. The only word of caution with getting rid of the jewels cases is that should you wish to sell any in the future, selling without the cases is tricky.
I thought of that as well on selling.
@@alexmineff5596 Do you think you'd ever sell the whole collection? I suspect most people would never do that, so all you need is enough jewel cases to occasionally sell off a few items. I reckon I need to keep maybe 20-30, bearing in mind that I will acquire more empty cases as I purchase more CDs. That should be more than enough for the quantity that I list for sale each year.
I have 1,000 CDs and had to do the same thing. I was beginning to drown in plastic jewel cases.
Hi Phil
This fascinating video addresses a problem that is no joke. You are speaking for many of us, and in a short and concise way, you've covered the topic well. For the first time ever, you've made me realise how much I dislike jewel cases, so the alternative you mention here is great. What I would like to add to the party is that whilst accessibility and creating more space is the way to go, there is no getting around the very real need to simply get rid. I discipline myself to this principle. Once a year I have a cull. I've been doing this for years. The freed up space becomes full again in time with new music. I can honestly say that in the last 40 years I've only re-bought half a dozen albums that I'd previously let go. I want all my music in the lounge, and not elsewhere in the house. There are many TV programmes dedicated to decluttering, and much as we love the physical music we've bought and the memories evoked, however, in the final analysis, getting rid is key. I also agree with the points you make about, kind of being, overwhelmed by having so much choice, and how that leads to playing less music because you don't know what to put on. But again, I hate to admit it but decluttering makes you feel better. I got rid of 40 albums earlier this year, and it made me feel great, simply because I didn't have to think of ever playing those 40 again, and could get stuck into the ones I most love.
I use aluminium flight case storage for CD's. Each pouch is numbered. The CD booklets I keep in plastic pouches like shown in the video. Each pouch is given a number to correspond to the disc in the flight case. It works well for me and has saved a lot of space.
friend done the same when he got robed he lost his whole collection. Aluminium flight case easy to carry out the door
Oh my gosh Phil. Haven’t watched all yet but your description of my pile of cds I haven’t put away yet because I know that there is no room in certain letter areas of my cd shelves is spot on. I always felt alone in that and your saying that made me feel not alone. Thank you so much. As you always do I shall carry on watching now.
Last comment the jewel case base that the cd sits is usually black. A black pigment colours the virgin polymer in this base. This is held more firmly as it is applied in a dispersion process while the polymer is heated in a liquid phase. As it cools the pigment is held firmly in a polymer matrix.
So for decades of storage in a jewel case migration of pigment to the CD playing surface will be highly unlikely.
With these Polypropylene sleeves although they will save space I would keep the playing surface away from the booklets as the migration of pigments from paper to the CD playing surface will be higher over the years when used as a storage solution.
I converted to a product called the Fleecepack about 15 years ago and have never regretted it. They had a front pouch for the cover art. A fleecy lining for the disc(s), yes they could accommodate doubles too, the back pocket took the whole tray card, and above the front sleeve section there was a pouch for an index sheet which , if you had the patience, (and decent handwriting skills) you could create an easily browsable and protected collection. I store mine in `Really Useful' crates and while they are stacked 3-4 high, my knowledge of the way my collection is organised means that I can easily find them, and like your solution, they look lovely and you can grab a handful of 10 or 15 discs in one go if you suddenly have a craze for a certain back catalogue. I dread to think how much space those jewel cases would take up now ! There was so much dust gathered in the jewel cases that I made myself ill taking them all apart, due to dust allergy !! I was happy to dump those cases for good. Now the collection is in lockable stackable boxes, browsable by the index sheet at the top of each one, I can find anything quickly. They're also a doddle to transport from one property to another as they're already boxed ! No regrets. My collection is about 3000 CDs which would be impossible to shelf in the conventional way. To be honest I see pictures of people's collections taking up 3 walls floor to ceiling and thing that they would overwhelm any living space. As for the Fleecepacks...they seem to have disappeared from production, at least in the quality that they once were (there's a cheap imitation available now, with the same trade name, but they are a shadow of the old ones. Luckily most of what is available these days seems to be digipack anyway, so my shelves are quite happy to receive them in that form and I therefore have a nice looking collection which doesn't overwhelm every corner of the flat I live in. Best of both worlds I think.
That’s a great idea Phil, when my collection of cds get too large for my wall units I’ll move most of them to sleeves. I have no emotional attachment to the plastic jewel cases - they are clacky and cheap looking.
Hi Phil. I love the look of pristine CD jewel cases. They are a design classic. I even buy sealed CDs in charity shops just for the cases. I do, however, put CDs that were free with magazines, and others that I don't have a massive attachment to, into poly sleeves.
I used to put some CDs that didn't have jewel cases INTO jewel cases. Now I'm taking them out again! Hahaha. The space saver is fantastic. I'm going to feel so much better about my collection when this is done... just need to save enough money to buy all the sleeves I need!
Thank you so much Phil for this video: I’be been collecting cds for decades, and never thought of this possibility. It openend my mind and eyes! I’ve shown it to my wife and she laughed: exactly the same issues, questions and such in my home as in yours! 😅
I did this a few years ago. I have never regretted it.
I had been wondering how difficult it might be to find one's CDs when the artists/titles are not visible along the spine as they are on jewel cases. But the way you have done it, (ie): slotting them in between certain artists' double albums or boxsets does seem like a good way of keeping them organized and readily accessible. I have about 2,500 albums or so in various formats (mostly CDs, with some vinyl & cassettes), and am fast approaching the limit of space available to store them all together in one room. So these plastic jackets do seem like a possible solution for me eventually.
I will do a follow up video as I get more done. Phil
I've done this to about 75% of my CDs. The jewel boxes can get pretty scratched up after the years. I just kept the CDs and the booklet. If the tray cards from the jewel boxes just duplicated the back of the booklet, I discarded those too.
Just got finished putting 600 of my CDs in sleeves and getting rid of the jewel cases. Now starting to rip them to the computer so I'll be able to have my whole collection with me where ever I go.
I collect films and videogames but live in a tiny apartment. Even if I had more space I don't think I would want to display my collection. But it depends. I care about the film itself and it's content, like you stated, as a diary. Not long ago I read some comments where people would just look at the covers but never watch the film itself. That's just crazy to me. These sleeves are a good solution and if you are creative enough there are ways to create order. I have used white cards with labels on them as dividers.
I can't tell you how many times I've thought of doing this exact thing. While Phil was talking about the "to be played pile", I looked over at my "to be played pile" which is sitting on top of a computer desk because I'm out of space for jewel cases. Maybe I'll take the plunge.
Nothing bonkers about it, to me it's just not radical enough 😊
I converted everything to flac files on a laptop with external harddrive and got rid of the records, discs and tapes. It's convenient to have everything searchable and controllable from playlists. It's more flexible than the tapes were and the whole collection of 120,000 tracks is even portable when needed. It's on two laptops each acting as player for a main and secondary stereo system, the laptops being each other's backup.
Great idea, I’ve been doing it for about eight years. I have these containers that hold about eighty cd’s and I just finger through them. Best thing I ever did
Brilliant comment, “like a private art collection “ my CDs and indeed Vinyl collection is getting out of hand, obviously you can’t do this with vinyl , but with single CDs , brilliant idea Phil !
P.S I bought Record Collector regarding your excellent article on on record inner sleeves , keep up the good work, rock on !
Hi Mike, sorry for the late reply! Thank you for your support and kind words. Phil
I did the same. Well actually, I still need to do all my various artists CD's. But all other CD's have been done. I use the same poly sleeves but the ones without a flap. And I also did this with double and triple CD's. It is a real space saver and as you mentioned, browsing the collection is just like browsing my vinyl collection. I love it! Many years ago I started ripping my CD's. But streaming my local music library isn't as satisfying as browsing a physical collection. Also, I enjoy listening to complete albums as opposed to a bunch of individual songs. My CD's are stored in Ikea GNEDBY cases and I made dividers for each letter of the alphabet. And each artists with more than two albums also has their own divider. All of this is organized alphabetically. This makes searching for a particular album very easy.
Thanks for the tip! I’m definitely going to do this. I hate cracked/broken cases. And I need the space.
I briefly considered this a while back, but couldn't bring myself to do it. It does pretty much make your collection unsellable (or at least drastically reduces the value)....but maybe that won't be an issue before too long as the younger generation moves to streaming.
Not done it yet definitely thinking about all points made are relevant some of my collection in a box in the loft (for a few years ) so not been listening to them as I should it will be like meeting up with an old friend it's true music is good for your mental health
I have over 2500 CDs (mostly jazz and art music) in my collection. As my shelf started to burst at its seams I had to fix upon whether to purchase a new rack or to replace the bulky jewel cases with plastic sleeves. Fortunately I ended up choosing the latter. I delved into a myriad of plastic CD sleeves and, based on my comparative evaluation, settled upon the Slim Disc CD storage system.
Its outer sleeve is made of sturdy (150 μm) and environmentally friendly polypropylene (PP). It is fairly compact in size (height 130 mm; width 142 mm), so the tray card spines must be folded when tucked in the sleeve. The disc is placed in a paper sleeve with Tyvek interior and window, and then inserted into the outer plastic sleeve.
I have been very pleased with my choice, although have noticed a few difficulties. One headache is that I cannot anymore browse the spines. To overcome this, I made a digital list of my stuff, and ordered plastic dividers in order to classify the CDs by genre and artist’s name.
Another drawback is that the cardboard cases, which cannot be taken to pieces like plastic ”jewel” cases, must be cut up to fit into the sleeves. I have carefully ripped the plastic trays off the cardboard cases, and cropped the cardboard enough to fit the sleeves. I have left some cardboard cases untouched in the shelf, which serve as a reference when flicking through my collection.
Also, as an EU citizen, ordering the sleeves from UK after Brexit has become increasingly pricey; I think this is by far the most undesirable thing.
Apart from the cropped cardboard cases, I think the retail value of the CDs has remained unchanged after storing them into sleeves. No regrets.
Yes. Private Art Collection.
I did this very thing around six years ago and it changed my life!
Many years ago, I found a CD sleeve by Case Logic. I was convinced that I needed to switch all my CD's over to these sleeves for ease of portability and space saving. Because at that time (mid 90's) CD players in cars were becoming commonplace. So I switched them all over. At that time I didn't have too many, less than 150 I think. Some time later, as you might expect, I had complete and total regret, mainly due to damaging the CD or insert. The sleeves do not protect anything, the jewel case does. Since that time I have replaced all the cases and inserts back to original. I do see the appeal to eliminating the bulk but the display and visual appeal needs to work.
Polys aren't good for anything that's being played in a car. But for home storage, they're fantastic. You can do both, you know...
Bit on the fence about this one Phil! I like the idea but I like the cd protected!!! I think I’d have to look into it deeper!!! Bit scared of scratching my cds!!!😂
Buy inner sleeves. Problem solved! (Unless you're not handling them carefully, which = same problem per using jewel boxes.) Good poly sleeves are fairly heavy and provide more protection than you might imagine - especially if you also use good inner sleeves for your discs.
Thank you for this video! This will solve a lot of my space problems. 300 sleeves already ordered, and I guess I'll repeat that order monthly for a while.
Great stuff - Phil :)
Thats for me as I have cds all around the floor in my music room.😊Thank you.
Hi Phil, i have done the same thing with my cd collection and it's a good idea . It's saving storage place , i have a desk with small drawers wich is perfect the right size for cds . I don't like cd's rack because i hate to search for a cd with my head sideways same thing when i buying cds , they had to be in drawers so you can find them easely . I don't have a lot of cds (500) but this way i want to get more and more wich is a good thing . I understand artists who prefered to sell their album in simple carton sleeve just like the vinyl so you can store a lot more!
Those polyvinyl cases work great. I bought a 100 pack as well. They also make a 2 sided black sleeve that you can use to protect the discs inside the polyvinyl sleeve which works well. I have always hated jewel cases and they show up cracked half the time when I order discs online. Down with the jewel case.
I have known people who have done this with their CDs and their DVDs and live to regret it.
I have a huge collection of both and I would really never sell mine.
But I have known people who wanted to sell their CDs and DVDs and
Got rid of all the jewel cases and DVD cases on eBay and Discogs.
And after they did that they found that their collection was worth nothing.
I have no interest in value and my collection is a living thing I enjoy everyday The jewel case is just a carrier...it's not the CD - it's not the art work - its not the music. It's like saying a vinyl album is not complete because it doesn't have a clear protective outer sleeve. If I ever sold any I would put them back in a jewel case.
I only have a few hundred CDs so not a big issue for me. Running out of space for the vinyl though, so may need to buy a bigger house😆
From a practicality point of view, transferring CDs into sleeves does make sense but it does instantly devalue your collection. No issue if you have no intention of ever selling of course
I have no intention of selling anything and if I did I would just put the CD back in a case.
Hold onto the cases you have as they’re likely to be harder to source as time goes on
Hi Phil, I've been doing exactly the same thing with 1000s of CDs and 1000s of films. I don't use the Danish company because I find them too expensive and there are UK suppliers that are cheaper with excellent quality.
@clovenwizard700 do you have a link for the UK supplier. I have cut the back inlay card on some to fit the common poly sleeves but ideally what Phil's using is better. I know the Danish company sell through Amazon UK but they are not cheap!!!!
I know exactly how you feel. A decade ago I had the same problem. Lived in a small apartment (60m2 or around 650 sq ft). I had room for one shelve and I couldn't fit my collection anymore. I had a lot of discs in storage which made me feel dejected. When searching for a solution a lot of non-europeans kept saying "Just move or remodel the house". Which was sadly no option then. I did the sleeving, which gave me a lot of flag in the cd community. But I have not regretted it. I could finally fit the whole collection on my shelve. Year ago I finally moved to a bigger house, with a dedicated little music room (9m2/100 sq ft) and still use my sleeves. I can shelve 1200 discs in my room. I even placed a dj dual cd player in the room, so I can play song by song from different albums. Every disc from the shelve at my fingertips. I have never been happier. And if you're not sure, just do the "various artists" compilation albums. And you like what you feel, you can later do it for the whole collection.
Thank you for sharing your experience! Phil :)
OMG! I just typed ‘cd storage’ into UA-cam search, expecting to see cabinets, shelves etc. This was the first video lined up and it’s totally blown my mind - I needed this solution in my life but I just didn’t know it!
Thank you so much Phil (I’ve also subscribed to the channel) for opening my eyes. 👍🏻
You are very welcome 🙏 I will be doing an update on this soon - Phil
At some point, you have to fight back , otherwise you drown in your music.
This seems like a way to go👍
I always worry about space but I’m insistent on keeping my collection growing so I’m constantly trying to make space
I'm watching it again. Just taken delivery of 1000 wraps and 1000 paper poly lined covers for CD's
I've done the same with my blue was either doing that or stop collecting
I always hated jewel cases, and when I belonged to the record clubs I was always receiving them cracked and smashed. And just fighting to get them off of those hideous hubs is a nightmare. I always preferred a cardboard sleeve but those were very rare. That storage system seems pretty logical.
I did exactly the samething at the beginning of the year, the same sleeves of the same company. However, I chose their dedicated boxes to store my music. Great product!
Encouraging to have seen this video! I did the same thing with my collection a few months ago. I have always found the plastic jewel cases somewhat dated looking fragile, and a waste of plastic frankly. Apart from a CD with a Cardstock cover, I agree with you that the Poly Sleeves are the closest to giving the impression of a mini-vinyl album. I thought I was the only one doing this! Love the channel and hearing your insights into all forms of music old and new!
Phil, this is important stuff. Storage can be a major issue for music collectors. We all want our albums to be easily accessible. My particular collection is housed in its own dedicated room, its all in the order I want but I am nearly out of shelf space. Swapping the jewel cases for the poly sleeves is a very good idea as is the system you have adopted. Do give us an update on how this eventually turns out for you.
I will - Phil :)
I did the same with all my CDs and DVDs a few years ago before a 770-mile relocation. My collection takes up about 20% of the space it used to, and with shelf dividers I have no problem finding the disc I want to play. I don't miss the jewel cases and boxes at all.
Wow, what a great idea. Space is indeed an issue, so i may give this try. Thanks, Phil
I did this years ago... now I have gone back to original jewel cases again, it ruined my collection reducing them to poly sleeves...
How so?
so true ,many of my cds are from the 80s and the cases are a pat of the product,removing the cd from the cases in theory is great but in reality is not so smart
Yes! Been doing the exact same thing for 8 years because I’ve only got 2 cupboards in the house for my collection and I have to squeeze everything in there.
Honestly, I never liked jewel cases, so it was not a difficult decision to do the change.
I also switched some of the fatboxes I did not like the appearance of. However, I left untouched those single jewel cases that had a hype sticker on them or embossing (like the Warner logo).
Thank you, Phil, for the video. I appreciate seeing that I am not the only one.
Great to see this. I have done the same, and did a series of videos on it. I have no regrets at all 18 months later. Some people insist the discs will get scratched but as you showed, if you handle them properly, there's no reason why that should happen.
Hi Andrew, you were the inspiration that tipped me over the edge to do this. Sorry I should have name checked you in the video! Thank you for watching - Phil :)
@@NowSpinningMagazine Hi no problem, glad to see it's worked out for you, and that the UA-cam algorithm instantly pointed me towards your video!
Good on you, Phil. I've just started using them. For double CDs I put the extra CD in the middle of the booklet to keep the CDs apart from each other.
My music collection also quite expansive with every medium popularized over the last fifty years, except for my old eight track tapes which have been long go. I still have reels and cassettes and vinyl as well as cds of which I still listen to, some reels in process of degaussing though. I will follow your lead and start with 100.
i've just done this for my DVDs. For multi-DVD box sets, I left them alone, but for single or double DVDs I put them into poly-sleeves and tossed the plastic cases. I freed up quite a bit of space that I was able to use for storing my CDs. I'm thinking of doing this for the CDs too. Currently I have a good bit of space for more CDs so I may not do this too soon.
What a great idea !! . definitely going to do this when I need more space. Thank you 👍
Glad it was helpful!
Hi Phil, thanks for the mention 😳 you can now see the benefit as I did of this system, I too had crates in my spare room and it was depressing that I knew there were thousands of albums I never played, I saw this solution somewhere and thought "I'll give it a try" I was amazed at the space I was creating and ordered more and more (I've also done many DVD's and Blurays) I have gone on to include doubles especially as the fat boxes take up a lot of space, any with 3+ cds stayed plus my Beatles Anthology sets, the benefit now means I can play anything in my collection, I use digipacks and special editions as markers and I'm really happy with the result! Keep Sleefing!👍🏼😉
I have some CDs that are one offs and I know doing this would make it difficult for me to find them on the shelf, markers would not quite help me pinpoint them. But my collection is not as large as yours and I appreciate this really works well for you.
I have the same plastic storage boxes and inevitably the same issue, Phil - even sorting CDs into favourites and putting those boxes on top doesn’t really solve the problem, it’s so inconvenient to access anything else! Also agree with your comment about sometimes just enjoying holding the product and looking at the notes, without listening to the music. Think I might have to give your method a try - more space and more accessible 👍
Excellent! Thank you. I am seeking answers. I love my music. Just moved. Huge issue.
Sorry Phil there's no chance I'm losing my jewel cases the thought of the plastic wallets is a hard no from me unless its for a mix cd or cd r that you dont have an original copy of in the first place. I too have thousands of cds so i get the dilema & am glad to see its working for you. 😊
Just ordered 200 of the 3L slipcases from Amazon, ( need to buy many more) something has to be done when you don't have room in the bottom of your wardrobe for shoes because there's boxes of cd,s in there, also if you have boxes in the shed and loft you forget what's in them and certainly never play them, thanks for the nudge towards sensibility Phil.
Was that Gene Simmons solo album I saw you pull out of the shelf? That's one you can bin to make more space..😂
Hi Stephen, it's true when you haver boxes of CDs and you are not sure what is in them it's time to act. It was indeed Gene Simmons, well I have the others so needed it for the set! :)
I'm doing the same thing and I don't even have nearly as many cds. I only have like 400 but, even just that many, is a big bulky heavy ugly collection to put somewhere that I don't really have great space for. I'm using the gatefold sleeves from Bags Unlimited though. It's incredible how much less space my collection takes up now.
I tried and tried Phil, but I couldn’t do it, I even bought the plastic sleeves. I did it with the DVDs which I don’t care for much !
I have just starred on my DVDs and Blu Rays !
Great show Phil. I'm in exactly the same position. My wife is on my case almost every day. I get all excited when a new cd arrives. But then I'm all of a panic wondering where I'm going to store it. I will consider doing the same but I think I've got to buck up the courage as it does feel like a bit of a drastic decision. 👍
Just do 50 to start with and see how it feels
@@NowSpinningMagazine good idea. Thank you 👍🏽
I agree, I've done this my colletion as well.
Brilliant video, very pertinent to me as I need to do something like this.
Hi phil love the idea. But will stay with the jewel cases. Want my cds the way they are to be presented and protected.
I do that as well, I'll enjoy looking at a CD and it's contents and not even listen to it. Or maybe I'm listening to a different CD at the time.
Right on Phil. I have been doing exactly this - But copying music to an old MacBook pro in a lossless library which can be searched and displays the cover artwork. The original cds are stored in same vinyl covers in small cardboard boxes marked with a letter and a list of the contents. The result is that I listen to cd quality music which I can control with playlists and I can locate the original album in my archive under the cd player. I got the idea from an ad for Brennen storage player.
Same problem here. My solutions primary address the inefficiency of a shelf 5" deep to store one layer of CD/DVDs - you need a method to store deeper:
ROTATING PEDESTAL ORGANIZERS: These hold a 2x2 array of CD's which is very dense and doubles the "depth" of storage, however to rotate you need additional space to clear the CD corners (that trig square root of 2 thing.) These work well, but are not stackable. So they end up placed high on top of shelves.
CHEAP PLASTIC CD DRAWER UNITS: These are very effective since they utilize about 12" depth which is over 2x that of a layer of CDs. However they are near impossible to find any more. It is nice that they can be stacked.
SONY JUKEBOX: The Sony Mega Changer Jukebox is about 19" square and stores 300 CDs. These units can be daisy chained. I own one, but have not transitioned into one. Don't know how you find stuff on it and then again, what do you do with the jewel cases and the artwork? I suppose you could save the artwork and sell off the jewel cases - there actually is a market for empty jewel cases.
YOUR SLEEVES:
*) I'm going to look into them. (might you put a link in your description?)
*) keep the original artwork in them?
*) what touches the CD surface?
*) If they can be used with the PEDESTAL organizer, it might be possible for me to put my entire collection in perhaps one. Or just a couple of drawer units.
WHAT I HAVE NOW: I don't have a large collection, but I have Drawer and Pedestal units stack to the ceiling on top of my upright piano. LOL My piano needs tuned and seriously, I have no place to move the stuff!
I’ve done this with my jewelcases, and I think it works great. There is a version for double cd:s as well, and I have done it for the thinner 2 cd version jewelcases and it also works great. I have som special limited editions with hype sticker on them that I left in the jewelcase. Take care!🤘
U are right about the storage space between European to American homes when it comes to music storage space. I’m in Savannah Georgia & I’ve been buying cd’s since 1981 / 82 & have never looked back …I’ve got thousands of cd’s but I could never part with the jewel cases
Why? The cases are just plastic and not like an LP sleeve. Polys are a great solution, so long as you use good, heavy ones (like the kind that many of us also use to protect LPs so the sleeves don't get damaged).
finally a smart man in the comments.doing this you may as well just put everything on a hard drive.
@@numoherisson1656 the cds are just plastic why keep the physical media just put it all on a hard drive. I could never part with the jewel cases,
Great Ida thank you for the tip
Very good video Phil! Looks like an ideal alternative to `losing` half of your collection in boxes. I`m going to buy one packet as you did and see how it goes. Many thanks for the recommendation.
I will do a further update soon, let me know what you think. Phil
I really like the idea of the flipping though to find my music and being like a little vinyl 🎉
Love it! This is a great idea and saves an amazing amount of space. Add to that the fact that I’ve never liked jewel cases my preference being Digi packs, box sets or miniature LP sleeves. I can see that this lends the disc the feel of a replica LP sleeve. Having just re-indexed my whole vinyl collection as I grew tired with half a century of A-Z I bought purpose made dividers onto which you can attach a label. I’ve got these from am is it and I see that they do them for CDs as well. This might be a more favourable solution rather than relying on a clam box, after all, you might have an artist for whom you only have jewel cases.
My solution was to go digital, needed a bigger house to store over 6.5k cds and vinyl (now over 10k) and it was embarrassing. No floor space in the bedroom, a small aisle to get to the bed and another for computer. Two walls in the lounge completely full. Digital but kept vinyl.
cds are Digital ,why hold on to the physical media.this method just seems like your going half way.also the cd are in a hard case for a reason.
@@JTW3159I have no physical CDs, all music is stored on PC. All CDs gone to a new home
Will have to order some and give it a try !!!
compulsive buyers have 2 big problems as a rule :
money & storage
Hey, Phil, interesting video. I guess I'm running out of room as well. I now have CD's in boxes shoved under the bed in the guest room 😀
I’ve run into the same space issues, so thanks for a great tip! Just ordered a few hundred of these sleeves from T3L to test it out. Also ordered a few of their cute little matching boxes which they say take approx 80 CDs each. Luckily for me, they do have a Norwegian webshop alas no extra taxes etc. This gonna be good! Thanks again
This totally makes sense.... it would be nice if new CD's came in such a format to begin with.
That's actually a good idea, provided that you find the right bags, I've never seen those you show. I use the ultra thin cases 🍺🤘
I recently got rid of all my jewel cases as well. I purchased a suitcase to store them in for cd's but i think i like this idea better. Thank you and hello from the U.S.-Arizona
Hi Robert, thank you for watching and good to know there are so many others doing a similar things. Phil
Just bought more poly sleeves. You are right,sifting through my collection I had more cd's than I thought. Also,I too,are reconnecting with releases I forgot I had or had not listened to in years! Cheers from Arizona!
@@NowSpinningMagazine
Great idea! I need to do this. My CD collection is so messy, due to lack of space. Are these available on amazon?
Phil, I love your programs, and I relate! Keep rockin', sir!
I agree with you 100%.. I collect cds and vinyl for my own enjoyment.. I don’t worry about selling or how much they’re worth.. anyone collecting as an investment is crazy. that being said I take good car of them
Sounds a good idea, but you need to be careful the acid in the paper does not react with the chemicals in the plastic and when they are stored on a shelf together, that after a period of time the paper booklet does not end up sticking to the sleeve.
I couldnt get my full comment in on the last post. In my opinion I would have the CD only in contact with the polypropylene liner surface and away from the booklets.
In jewel cases theres a reason why the playing surface is placed flat down away from the booklet. Pigments can migrate but far less so from the jewel case base they are not held on paper but a polymer.
I may try these out. I would be wary of cheaper brands passing off PVC as Polypropylene. Remember those issues with vinyl covers?
Just my thoughts. (I have worked as a Chemist in the polymer and pigments industries).
All my CDs are in a couple of large boxes and stored away. I ripped most so as to access the music in the car, other than that are just taking up space. Though if I had an option to do something I'd definitely take it on board. This might be such an option. I know some may think that they need the jewel case but quite frankly I think they really serve no purpose. My number 1 format is vinyl, but if I had space for the tons of CDs then they may get a few listens too, as it is, they are just a bit cumbersome given I don not have the space to display them
Those book like folder's for cars are also handy for CDs. Suppose u could put all one band in each one or something.