The DVD age seems to be well behind us in this digital age. Streaming platforms dominate the scene. This has left many of us with hundreds of DVDs lying around. If you’re moving into a new home or just want to do some rearranging, you’ll likely ask yourself, "What do I do with all of these discs?"
Some folks donate or even throw them away, but most of us tend to keep them around. Maybe it’s for the retro appeal? Maybe for the emergency movie watch during a massive Wi-Fi outage? Either way, these useful DVD storage ideas will help you apply some order to the chaos.
Displaying them in the home
1. Shelving
When storing DVDs, a fairly common solution is to stack them on a shelf. There’s an endless amount of styles to choose from: wall mounts, standard standing shelves, or the trendy floating shelves, just to name a few. Any of these options will organize your DVD collection in a simple fashion (and also accessorize your room or garage with all the displayed movie art). Regardless of your shelving choice, they're usually an easy install involving hand tools and possibly a drill.
2. Creative decor ideas
One clever way to approach DVD storage in the home is to leverage your collection of discs as actual home decor. Many companies have developed logos and lettering that turn your disc stack into art pieces. They’re often made of wood and have slots designed to fit your DVDs' plastic cases. From afar, you’ll barely notice the DVDs, and you'll enjoy a fun new piece of wall art!
Pro tip: If you do some digging online, you can also find boutique companies that make items like faux guitars and violins that open up inside for DVD storage!
3. End-of-bed trunks
These storage devices are typically used to maximize closet space for clothes and other household items. But why not use them for DVDs? In fact, you can find end-of-bed trunks with special compartments to specifically fit your DVD cases. These plastic, metal, or wood trunks will slide right below your bed and out of sight. Many also have wheels that make it easy to slide out and access your DVDs.
4. Storage containers
Heavy-Duty plastic containers may be your best bet for long-term DVD storage. They will be sealed and protected, whether stowed in a storage unit or an attic/garage. You can purchase these bins at your nearest hardware store, and there’s a slew of options to choose from depending on your target price point. The best quality containers have latches, sturdy handles, and even locks.
5. Boxes
Yep, simple cardboard boxes can store your DVDs. If the discs are inside their plastic cases, they should be just fine. However, keep in mind that they might get warped or damaged if stored in a hot attic or damp basement. To prevent degradation, purchase double-layered cardboard boxes with insulated foam padding inside or store your DVDs in a climate-controlled storage unit where these variables won't affect your collection.
6. Bags
Consider buying DVD storage bags if you intend to use your DVDs more frequently but still want to store them away. These are long rubber-plastic bags with nylon handles. They have zippers to secure items inside in place. The handles allow for a simple way to tote them around if you need to move or transport them to a new residence. These bags are harder to find in stores but can be found easily online.
7. Cabinets
Since DVDs were the mainstream choice for a decade, several iterations of cabinets were designed to accommodate their shape. Whether built into your TV stand or a side cabinet installed into a closet, you can use these options to organize your DVDs for everyday use. However, if you don't often watch your DVDs, consider finding an alternative storage option, as cabinets aren't the most space-efficient.
8. Drawers
Like cabinets, many of these storage options were created during the DVD age. They're often part of your TV stand or shelf. The advantage of drawers over cabinets is their sleek look and style. Drawers strictly designed for DVDs have a lot less bulk, too: most of them are placed on full-extension drawer slides, which pull out smoothly.
9. Trays/stacks
The classic DVD rack, stack, or tray is the most economical DVD storage choice. These items are usually made of thin metal or aluminum and are light and easy to move. If you use your DVDs regularly, a rack like this is wise because your discs are accessible. However, a tray or stack isn't appropriate for a storage unit or closet, as your DVDs will be susceptible to damage.
10. Binders
If you’re interested in discarding or recycling your DVDs' plastic cases, a simple binder is your best option. There are a plethora of binders to choose from at any major vendor in-store or online. Binders that zip up and hold anywhere from 25 to 500 DVDs just may be the most space-efficient of all the DVD storage ideas out there. After being organized into the binder, your discs will be secure for safekeeping in any drawer, storage unit, or closet. You can also find book DVD binders: this way, your DVDs will blend in with the books already stacked on your shelves.
11. Index tabs
Index tabs are the most discreet option of all DVD storage ideas. Recycle the plastic cases and store the discs in enveloped folders explicitly made for DVDs. As with a file box or cabinet, the folders each have label tabs that keep your DVDs organized alphabetically, by genre, or whichever other method you prefer. You can insert these folders into cabinets, boxes, or other filing compartments.
Pro tip: If you intend to sell your DVDs, we recommend holding onto your plastic cases!
Visit us at your local BuxBear Storage location to secure a climate-controlled storage unit for all your storage needs! And give us a call with any storage-related questions. We’re happy to help!