Solving the CD Storage Problem: My Updated Solution for CD Collectors
If you’re a CD collector running out of space, you’re not alone. My original video on CD storage solutions resonated with thousands of people, and since then, I’ve had so many conversations with fellow collectors about finding the best way to store and protect their CDs while saving space.
After trying different solutions, I’ve now refined my approach, and this update will walk you through what works, what doesn’t, and a new level of protection I’ve added to my collection.
The Original Problem: Running Out of Space
Like many of you, I had reached a point where I simply couldn’t buy more CDs because I had nowhere to put them. I wasn’t even enjoying buying music anymore—it was just piling up in different corners of the house.
I needed a solution that:
✅ Saved space
✅ Kept everything organized and easy to find
✅ Maintained the artwork and booklets
That’s when I discovered CD outer sleeves—a simple but game-changing way to replace bulky jewel cases while keeping everything intact.
The CD Outer Sleeves Method: How It Works
Instead of keeping every CD in a traditional jewel case, I:
Kept special editions, digipaks, and double CDs in their original cases
Replaced standard jewel cases with protective plastic sleeves
Used the remaining jewel cases as markers between artists for easy organisation
The Space-Saving Impact
To give you a visual idea:
10 CDs in jewel cases take up a massive amount of space on a shelf.
10 CDs in outer sleeves take up less than a fraction of the space!
Multiply that across an entire collection, and you suddenly gain back an enormous amount of storage!
New Concern: Protecting the CDs from Printed Paper
After switching to outer sleeves, some collectors raised an interesting point:
“If the CD is placed directly against the printed back cover, could the ink transfer onto the disc over time?”
This got me thinking. While I hadn’t noticed any issues, I wanted to find a solution that offered extra protection without adding bulk.
The New Solution: Ultra-Thin Inner Sleeves
I tested two options:
1️⃣ A thicker “rice paper” style sleeve (felt protective but added bulk)
2️⃣ A super-thin Japanese-style inner sleeve (offered protection and kept everything compact)
Which one did I choose?
The Japanese-style inner sleeve won because:
✅ It adds an extra layer of protection to the CD
✅ It takes up almost no extra space
✅ It fits seamlessly into the outer sleeve
Now, my CDs are protected from printed paper, easy to access, and stored in an ultra-efficient way.
Final Thoughts: The Best Storage Solution for CD Collectors
This CD storage method has completely transformed the way I store, organise, and enjoy my music collection.
I can find any CD quickly
I’ve freed up a huge amount of space
I’m buying more CDs again—without worrying about where to put them!
If you’re struggling with CD storage and want a better, more efficient system, I highly recommend giving this a try.
What Do You Think?
Have you switched to CD outer sleeves?
What do you think about using thin inner sleeves for extra protection?
Do you have another storage tip that’s worked for you?
Let me know in the comments or join the discussion in the Now Spinning Magazine Facebook group—where fellow collectors share their setups and experiences!
Theses are the outer sleeves I used – ORDER FROM AMAZON
These are the Inner Sleeves I used – ORDER FROM AMAZON
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
