Professional Organization Expert

Best Media Storage Cabinet & Best CD Storage

Featured On:

There's no doubt about it, we are a nation of media fanatics! Movies, music, and magazines are among the most popular forms of entertainment and relaxation today. There's nothing like kicking back at home with a good movie on a Sunday afternoon. Or curling up in your favorite chair and spending some quality time with People magazine. But when you begin to be surrounded by this stuff, it's not fun or relaxing!

Have you ever looked at your entertainment center, bulging with CDs, DVDs, and VHS tapes, and wondered how in the world it got that bad? And what about that ever-growing heap of magazines in the corner of the den? Do you feel guilty about the fact that you've been meaning to do something about it, but can't quite figure out what that ‘something' is?

Let me tell you, you're not alone! It happens to the best of us. When it comes to multi-media, the accumulation process begins slowly, almost imperceptibly. You buy a few new CDs here. The latest DVD release there. The most recent issue of your favorite magazine arrives in the mail. And before you know it, you've got enough inventory to open your own entertainment superstore, but considerably less square footage in which to store it.

Never fear! Bringing order to a multi-media collection can be an entertaining organizing project when you approach it with a plan. The first step is to use the golden rule of organizing and group like things together. Once you've done that, go through each category and determine if it needs to be pared down. Remember, it's not about getting rid of everything. It's about letting go of what is no longer serving you so you can open up space for the things you still use and cherish.

Once you've sorted and pruned your collection, you're ready to determine the best way to store it. And thanks to the wide array of products available, you should have no problem finding something that fits your needs, taste, and budget. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Lights, camera, action!

Buy the best media storage cabinet that keeps everything organized in one spot. Choose from the best CD storage and DVD storage that comes in a variety of styles to meet your needs.

Best Media Organizing by Vicki Norris

The Best You Can Get

Stacks and Stacks Sliding Glass Door Media Cabinet

Vicki says: A beautiful solution for an extensive media collection. Keep your CDs or DVDs behind closed doors but still in sight with a library-like glass door cabinet. Its simple style and attractive espresso finish blends with any décor. Capable of storing over 500 CDs or almost 200 DVDs, this handsome piece makes the most of vertical space while taking up very little floor space. Now that's entertainment!
- Adjustable shelves for increased customization
- Tempered glass windows on sliding doors
- Some assembly required
Storables Metallic CD Album

Vicki says: Lose those bulky jewel cases and gain some space! One of my favorite solutions for managing a large CD collection is to put all of the discs into binders. Arranging them alphabetically by artist or by genre is a simple and straightforward way to organize them. This is a great solution if you're trying to reclaim shelf or cupboard space – precious real estate in the organizing world. This album from Storables holds up to 96 CDs in individual sleeves. You can also insert the liner notes, if you're willing to sacrifice some disc space.
- Holds almost 100 CDs
- 3-hole plastic pages with soft inside liner
PBteen Hang-It Display Rack

Vicki says: Rather than looking at stacks of magazines on the floor, why not look at them on the wall instead? A unique solution for a common concern, this hanging display rack from PBteen is an ingenious way to keep all of your magazines handy and ready for reading at a moment's notice. It's also a useful tool for controlling the number of periodicals you have on your “to read” list.
- Solid wood frame with metal rods
- White or espresso finish
- Some assembly required
- Available in two sizes
The Container Store Barrington DVD Box

Vicki says: Looking for a way to store your multi-media collection without actually seeing it? Then think inside the box! Crafted of natural woven reed, these DVD storage boxes conceal the contents while being stylish enough to live out on a bookshelf, in an entertainment center or even in a bedroom. Good for those who have a fairly modest number of discs to store. Boxes accommodate VHS tapes as well.
- Capable of storing 12 DVDs per box
- Available in black or merlot
- Also comes in smaller size for CDs
Pottery Barn Galvanized Storage Cube

Vicki says: Store your movies inside and put your feet up when the lights go down. If you're looking to add some artistic flair to your space, or perhaps add a modern touch to a more conservative environment, look no further! Storage cubes are perfect multi-taskers because they keep things neatly hidden and provide additional surface space or impromptu seating at the same time. These galvanized cubes from Pottery Barn would serve as fantastic media storage in a den, office, bedroom, or theater room.
- Lift-off lid
- Made of galvanized steel with a protective coating
- Side handles for easy transport

You will be happy with any of these

The Container Store Record Album Storage Box

Vicki says: For those who consider vinyl the true way to listen to a piece of music (and have the collection to prove it!), record album storage boxes may be a welcome addition to your anthology. With a label holder on the front for easy identification and a lid to protect your albums from dust, storage boxes like this are a groovy way to organize your records by genre or by artist. Rock on!
- Attractive metal banded edges
- Made of durable recycled fiberboard
The Container Store Stockholm Magazine File

Vicki says: If you're a magazine or catalog junkie, it can be a difficult habit to control. Stacks of magazines have a way of multiplying… next to your bed, by your favorite chair, and throughout the home. Corralling them into these colorful periodical files can be a quick and easy solution to the piles. No rehab required! Unifying titles or subjects and labeling the holder will ensure easy retrieval.
- Made of heavy-duty recycled fiberboard
- Metal label holders
- Comes in five colors (white, red, orange, brown, and graphite) with white interior
Target ? Library CD Storage 12 Drawer

Vicki says: A vintage feel for your modern music, this tall, stand-alone unit is capable of storing and organizing up to 144 discs in its twelve drawers. With classic label holders for easy categorization and ageless white finish, you can create your own music library next to your home entertainment system. Put several components together if your disc collection is more substantial. High density CD storage at your fingertips!
- Library-like label holders and drawer pulls
- Each drawer fits 12 CDs
- White painted finish
- Made of solid birch wood
Storables Faux Leather CD Tray

Vicki says: An open, easy solution for the person in your household who is known for digging through CDs or DVDs and leaving wreckage behind. This smart-looking tray provides access and lots of space to store your media in clear view. The faux leather design and contrast stitching lend elegance to your disk collection.
- Choose from chocolate brown or black
- Holds up to 40 CDs
- Also comes in a larger DVD size
Organized Living Iris Clear Plastic Modular Container

Vicki says: Almost all of us have media memorabilia. Are there some movies in your collection your kids have grown out of but you're not ready to let go of yet? Or perhaps you've got some CDs that aren't part of your regular playlist at the moment but you know you'll pull them out again one day. Plastic storage containers like these are a fantastic way to keep DVDs, CDs, and VHS tapes safely contained until you're ready for them. Their sturdy, stackable construction performs well in basements, closets, garages, or attics.
- Sturdy, clear plastic construction
- Strong snap-close lid
- Holds up to 57 CDs, 26 DVDs or 15 VHS tapes