I definitely need to clear some storage space. I'm looking to downsize CDs I've ripped from shelf storage to some kind of smaller binder or space, to safe space and to make future moves much less stressful since they'll already be back up, so to speak. Does anyone have any suggestions for quality CD binders or bins?
The SLAPPA hard cases are a bit pricey but they look pretty nice: durable design, woven sleaves to minimize CD scratches, slots to hold the booklets as well as the CDs -- they seem to be the high-end solution on the market. Has anyone given them a try? IIRC maybe Sirusjr had these? Do they hold up? Worth the investment?
Any other suggestions for space-efficient disc storage?
I don't keep them in binders since this flexible plastic would NOT hold up to regular page-turning.
But since you're not going to be listening to them (if I understand you correctly that these are your storage copies, not listening copies), no need for them to be in binders or even high-end, really.
Also, does anyone know what to do with used jewel cases? They're not marked recyclable and google tells me that most places don't recycle them -- is there anywhere to send them other than the landfill?
They are actually sold at Bagsunlimited.com -- it's cheaper there (this site just gets it through them). bagsunlimited.com is slow/down right now so I can't get the direct link....
These things are great, the only REAL caveat is that you have to fold the insert flat. Otherwise you can keep everything, even the fattest of 'thick' double CD cases (like Tribute's Don Juan) fit in those. I also add an extra layer of protection by using sleeves from sleevecityusa.com -- I *think* it's these. http://www.sleevecityusa.com/diskeeper-anti-static-cd-dvd-sleeve-p/3cdrice.htm
As for cases? Best Buys have recycle cases in the front of the store and you can toss any and all jewel cases in there (also empty printer ink, dead mice and cables, etc)
Also, does anyone know what to do with used jewel cases? They're not marked recyclable and google tells me that most places don't recycle them -- is there anywhere to send them other than the landfill?
Once upon a time, the library took them to replace theirs that get trashed. Now Berkeley's gone newfangled (read: expensive) and replaced all their jewel cases.
But I think the San Francisco library might be able to use them. So, it might be worth calling your local or nearby library system to see if they do, or if they know of one that does need them.
By the by, Mastadge, I ended up KEEPING all my multi-disc sets in their original jewel cases. I can't think quite why just now, but it's not much of an investment in space for me.
Many communities have Freecycle mailing lists that let you offer free items to people in your area. I kept my best 20-30 cases of different styles for reselling purposes and found someone on Freecycle who took the remaining 600+ jewel cases off my hands.
I got two slappa cases (the 360 cases that hold 180 discs plus booklets). Keep in mind that with some of the fatter film score booklets you would have to cut them down to fit them in the case. I did this for a number of my CDs and for some only left the very front cover. But I know some might find this to be impossible/blasphemy.
They seem really nice and I like the way that they feel pretty solid and make flipping through everything easier. It is a bit expensive though when you spend $50 for holding $180 discs. I considered some sort of foldable sleeves as well but in the end I wanted something that stood alone. The benefit of the SLAPPAs is I can grab them quickly if I have to evacuate for a fire or something. (Which I actually did recently when we had a possible fire scare but I didn't end up having to evacuate).
Finally getting into this. Saves a TON of space. Also nice in other ways: I've never had the least bit of use for "cover flow" on my computer, but having covers laid out like this is so much easier to navigate than scrolling my eyes through a bazillion jewel case spines on a shelf. It's also fun just visualizing how a composer's career has progressed over time. Although I will say pulling my jumble out of boxes and off of shelves and sorting it chronologically by composer is a pretty time-consuming process.
Yeah, but I'm not preserving them for resale, and I rip them onto my computer so I'm not taking them out and putting them back all that often. Also it can't be all that much worse than stacks of cases in boxes in a closet or pulling a case off the shelf and having it fall and open and the disc go spinning across the floor!
Anyway, I live in an apartment so space is at a huge premium, and CDs are the most minimizable thing I have -- can't pare down books into a binder!
Expensive indeed. It would cost over $1000 to transfer my CDs into those things!
It sounds like you have over 2000 cd's, Josh. That's a LOT of apartment space.
Let's say you stay in apartments for the next 10 years. Would you pay $8 a month for all that wall/cabinet space to be reduced by 50-70%? (That's less than 30 centavos per day.)
Of course you'd have to give up all the "nerd cred" you get when soundtrack collectors visit you and applaud your huge, huge collection.
Oh, wow, chests for the sleeves to be stored in. These look nice. I hope they have strong hardware. If they do, I'd consider one or two.
They are nice and made to order.
I have considered getting one. However, in the meantime I keep my "sleeves" lined up in ABC order in the upright CD sheveling unit I have. One section can hold 75 sleeves, vs. 30 plastic cases.
