STORING CDS-How to Store CDs and DVDs properly

Many people have large collections of music, movies, video games, and other media on CDs and DVDs. While disks are a very efficient form of storage, and are much more resistant to damage and degradation over time than, say, a VHS tape, they still need to be stored properly in order to prevent them from being scratched or otherwise damaged. Here, we’ll go over a few basic tips for storing CDs and DVDs, so that you can keep your media safe from harm.

One of the most important aspects of storing CDs is to try and prevent scratches to the surface of the disk that is read. While CDs are surprisingly resistant to scratching, a severe scratch or a large enough accumulation of smaller ones can make the disk unreadable. Worse yet, a single scratch on one part of a CD or DVD can corrupt the data so badly that all of the media stored on it is damaged, meaning that entire movies can become unwatchable because a single part is damaged. The best way to prevent scratches to CDs and DVDs is to keep them stored in their original containers or in an organizer whenever they are not in use. Do not leave disks on surfaces like desks, even face up, as they can be damaged quite easily.

Many people allow music disks to float around in their cars, and tend to let movies and games pile up around their desks at home. Simply buying some sort of protection for storing CDs, whether using individual jackets or a binder, is a great way to keep them from being damaged. Storing CDs in these jackets and binders is often a great way to stay organized, as well. When taking CDs out of sleeves or readers it is important to make sure to hold the disk by the edges, rather than the faces. This will keep fingerprints from obscuring the data on the surface of the disk.

By following these simple tips for storing CDs and DVDs, you can ensure your media collection is not damaged unnecessarily. Having a large collection of music, movies, or games can be a great source of entertainment, but many of us have felt the heartbreak of putting in a disk and being slapped with a read error. The solution to this problem often consists of simply being proactive about putting the disks away when finished with them.