How to Store Cassettes, VHS, CDs, Records, and Laser Discs

Prep Your Collection

Before you store your retro media collection, take time to clean and organize it. Not putting dirty or disorganized items away can cause damage or make them hard to find later. 

Take the following steps to prepare your collection for storage:

• Sort through your collection to determine which items you want to keep. Donate or sell unwanted items online. 
• Organize your collection alphabetically or by genre.
• Clean the surfaces of records, laser discs, CDs, and DVDs using a microfiber cloth. 
• Rewind cassettes and VHS tapes. If the tape is partially played, let it play to the end and rewind after it stops.

Choose Proper Packing Materials

Packing your media collection in the right cases ensures it stays intact and playable while in storage. Look for cases that keep out dust, debris, and moisture while being gentle enough not to scratch or damage the surface. See the table below for the best storage methods for each media type.

Position Items Properly

Positioning retro media correctly helps prevent warping, cracking, and other damage. Storage experts emphasize that your collection should never be stacked. Even when stored in protective cases, the weight of a large stack can put too much pressure on the items at the bottom. 

Line your records, tapes, or discs up like books. Place the bottom edge down with just the spine showing. Ensure they have enough space and avoid cramming them in too tightly. If you struggle to add or remove items, you’re probably putting too much pressure on them.

Vertical towers are helpful storage tools for discs or cassette tapes. These units have an individual slot for each item, which avoids creating pressure.

Climate Control

One of the fastest ways to damage retro media is to subject it to very hot or freezing cold conditions. Insulated attics, garages, and storage units often get too hot or cold. When determining where to store your media collection, choose a spot with advanced temperature control options. Indoor, climate-controlled storage units are a great choice.

Moisture is another concern when it comes to media storage. It can eat away at softer materials, including vinyl and tape. If left unchecked, it can cause laser rot on discs and CDs. It’s essential to store your collection indoors to avoid moisture damage. 

Atmospheric humidity can also create problems. Ideal conditions generally have about 35% to 40% humidity. If your area tends to have a higher level than that, run a dehumidifier or look for commercial units with humidity control measures.

Other Environmental Considerations

Along with temperature and humidity, environmental factors can damage your media collection, including: 

• UV light: While you should never store media in direct sunlight, some forms are more susceptible than others. Laser discs, in particular, are easily affected; store them in a dim area to prevent damage.
• Magnets: VHS tapes and cassettes must be stored away from magnets. Even weak magnets can cause data loss over time. Many electronics, including loudspeakers and surge protectors, contain magnets. Keep them far away from your tapes in storage. 
• High-voltage lines: Look for storage units without high-voltage lines running overhead. They can create a weak magnetic field, damaging VHS and audio cassettes.

Check In Regularly

Even the best-designed storage system can fail. Check on your collection periodically and inspect for the following:

• Moisture buildup
• Rodent activity
• Mold
• Dry rot
• Physical damage

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I store my retro media in the cold?

Storing retro media in cold temperatures increases the risk of cracking and breaking. To prevent damage, store CDs, DVDs, and VHS tapes between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Will my collection deteriorate over time?

While proper storage preserves them for longer, retro media does deteriorate over time. CDs and DVDs can last up to 100 years, while VHS tapes typically only last between 10 and 30 years. 

Should I use boxes to store my collection?

Cardboard or plastic boxes can encourage mold and fungus growth. Bookshelves and open-sided cases are generally best for long-term media storage. You can also use specialty archival storage boxes. These boxes are usually made from vinyl and create an airtight seal when packed and locked.

More Self-Storage Related Resources

• A Guide to Wine Storage
• Boat Storage
• Preparing Your Belongings for Long-Term Storage
• How to Protect Your Self-Storage Unit
• How to Store Art and Jewelry