Despite being in a digitised world where platforms like Spotify and Apple Music are the norm, many people still have vast CD collections that can be very valuable, especially if you ever re-sell ‘rare CD pressings’.
Whether you’re moving house or you’re just reorganising, if you’ve got an extensive CD collection, you might be wondering what is the best way to store them long-term.
Storing your CDs properly will ensure they remain in good condition for years to come and aren’t in danger of becoming damaged in storage.
To store CDs long-term, you will need to:
- Carefully clean your CD collection
- Pick a suitable location to store your CDs
- Find the right storage solution
- Store your CDs vertically
- Check on your collection
1. Carefully Clean Your CD Collection
Before you store your CDs, it’s important to carefully clean your CD collection.
To clean your CDs, you will first need to wipe any dust from the surface of the CD cases. Following this, you will want to use a damp lint-free to give your CD cases a wipe.
While it’s possible to clean the CD discs with distilled water and microfibre cloths, you generally shouldn’t unless they skip or are experiencing other problems. If there are problems with your CDs, you likely just need to wipe away the dust and any fingerprints.
Once you have cleaned your CDs, it’s important to go over them with a soft lint-free towel to remove any of the excess moisture.
You don’t want to be putting your CDs away wet, as this can not only lead to mould growth but could also lead to damage considering you’re storing your CDs on a long-term basis.
Despite being in a digitised world where platforms like Spotify and Apple Music are the norm, many people still have vast CD collections that can be very valuable, especially when it comes to ‘rare CD pressings’.
2. Pick A Suitable Location To Store Your CDs
Next, you will need to pick a suitable location to store your CDs.
When choosing a location for your CDs, you’ll want to pick somewhere that is climate-controlled and away from direct sunlight.
This largely comes down to the fact that even when kept in a case, too much heat can result in your CD discs becoming damaged over time.
A storage facility can be a great option for storing your CDs, especially if you’re in the process of moving house. That said, if you’re storing your CDs in a storage facility, you will also need to ensure that they’re in a climate-controlled environment to keep them in the best condition.
3. Find The Right Storage Solution
There are numerous storage solutions to keep your CDs safe and in the best condition long-term.
The right storage solution for you will depend on the amount of storage space you have available to you and what’s most convenient.
If you need easy access to your CD collection, many people choose to store their CDs in a shelving unit, making it incredibly easy to store them alphabetically.
On the other hand, if you’re limited in terms of floor space, then a wall-mounted storage unit might be a better storage solution for you.
Alternatively, making use of any free wardrobe space or under-the-bed storage can also work, with some people opting for CD storage sleeves to save valuable space.
While it’s possible to clean the CD discs with distilled water and microfibre cloths, you generally shouldn’t unless they skip or are experiencing other problems.
4. Store Your CDs Vertically
Regardless of whether you’re storing your CDs at home or in a storage unit, they should be stored vertically.
This comes down to the fact that storing them horizontally long-term can cause the CD discs to become damaged and permanently bowed.
Line your CDs up vertically and use a system that is easy for you to access. For instance, perhaps your CDs are colour-coded, or maybe you’d prefer to keep them in alphabetical order.
You’ll also want to make sure that you store them the right way up so that it’s easy to see the artist and album name.
5. Check On Your Collection
While it’s perfectly fine to store CDs for a long time, you’ll want to make sure that you’re checking on your collection.
This will help you to spot any problems before it’s too late, and adjust your storage solution as necessary.
We hope that this article has helped and provided you with a better understanding of how to store your CDs long-term.
If you need easy access to your CD collection, many people choose to store their CDs in a shelving unit, making it incredibly easy to store them alphabetically.
To learn more about our removals services in South Wales or purpose-built storage facilities, contact Nathan. At Falconers we use meticulous moving techniques, passed down and perfected through generations for over 132 years, to ensure your goods are moved with expert precision and kept in perfect condition.
For more expert advice on how to pack, move and store your belongings — or other FAQs on how removals work — check out our blog page.
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Written by Jemima Thomas for Falconer Removals & Storage.
