CD storage advice

Posted by: hungryhalibut on 30 June 2013

Does anyone know of a source of cardboard boxes suitable for storing CDs - say 100 per box. I've looked and looked and can't see anything. They need to be both cheap and reasonably durable.

 

If I put them in the loft, where it gets really hot in the summer, will the CDs come to any harm? I can't imagine they would warp or bend, but it's worth checking!

 

Thanks.

Posted on: 30 June 2013 by Jasonf

Hi HH,

 

Not unless one of the big packaging companies do them. Failing that, get a box of a size that is suitable to carry without damaging your back once its full of your cd's. Cardborad is perfect in hot climes but obviously not in damp climes.

 

I had the very same path to tread, then realised that my toe nails needed clipping...it soon came to pass that any combination of orthogonal receptacles or containers would suffice.

 

Jason.

Posted on: 30 June 2013 by Jasonf
You could actually make your own, it would be very simple to size them to your exact requirements.

I actually new someone who considered starting a business in custom designed cardboard boxes...made to measure. In the first instance,  I thought it was a terrific idea my friend soon went luke warm on the idea.

...but I found this on the Canadian Conservation Institute web site, hope it helps.

What are the best conditions for storing my CDs?

Store discs in regular-sized jewel cases in a vertical position when they are not being used. It is ideal to store CDs in low light and cool, dry conditions that do not fluctuate widely. A good range for relative humidity is 20 to 50% and for temperature, less than 23°C. If every element (materials, recording, formats, etc.) is of good quality and stored within the proper ranges, then they are likely to last up to 100 years. However, if a disc is full of flaws including poorer materials or if it is stored in hotter and more humid conditions than advised above, failures may appear within five years. Thus, in less than optimal conditions, the best way to conserve your data is to transfer (or "migrate") your files every five years to another medium such as a computer hard drive or a CD-R.

Jason.
Posted on: 30 June 2013 by Lionel

How about trying the supermarkets who often have empty cardboard boxes for free? Those that used to hold six bottles of wine must be able to accommodate a fair few CDs?

 

p.s. could admin change my name to Lionel please

 

regards

 

Lionel

Posted on: 01 July 2013 by mutterback

IKEA has a huge variety of boxes for CDs. But,  +1 on the cutting down other cardboard to size.

Posted on: 01 July 2013 by hungryhalibut

That makes eminent sense. But what about the temperature? Will 45c do any damage?

Posted on: 01 July 2013 by Hook
Originally Posted by Hungryhalibut:

That makes eminent sense. But what about the temperature? Will 45c do any damage?

 

Possibly.  According the US National Archives...

 

13. How do I store the discs to extend their useful life?

Discs are best stored upright (like a book) in "jewel" cases that are designed specifically for CDs/DVDs. Ideally, store the cases in plastic or steel containers manufactured specifically for the type of medium in cool, dry storage that is free of large temperature fluctuations. Generally, useful life will be increased by storing discs at a low temperature and low relative humidity, since chemical degradation is reduced in these conditions. Store at 62-70 degrees F. and 35-50% relative humidity. Fluctuations in the storage area should not exceed +/- 2 degrees F. in temperature; relative humidity should not fluctuate more than +/- 5%.


I looked at a few other sites as well, and they all echo this same advice. None say you will have damage, but all warn you may. If you counting on the CDs to one day be your backup (or, if one day you plan to sell them or give them away), then you may want to think about another place to store them.

 

Good luck.

 

Hook

Posted on: 01 July 2013 by Jan-Erik Nordoen
CDs are made from polycarbonate, which starts to soften around 147 C, then melts at 155 C. The CD jewel case is made of polystyrene, which has a much higher melting point. So, they will be quite safe in your attic. I don't know if you were contemplating basement storage. In a word, don't. Humidity is a worse enemy (CD booklets, cardboard CD cases).

Jan
Posted on: 03 July 2013 by hungryhalibut

Great, thanks, the loft it is. Not many uk homes have basements, and if we had one it would contain wine, not CDs.

Posted on: 05 July 2013 by rupert
Put your CDs on to hard drive then bin them