I want boxes for my CDs

November 22, 2009 4:30 PM

What's a good source of some kind of boxes for carting around large numbers of CDs (1000+) in their jewel cases?

I will be moving my CD collection around a lot in the near future, and am having trouble finding good boxes to pack them up. I need some kind of boxes the right size to hold CDs, in their jewel cases, roughly the size of the sort of moving boxes you'd pack books in, but I haven't been able to find a source of boxes a good size to pack the CDs in efficiently without gaps. Does anybody know of a source of convenient boxes, or indeed purpose designed boxes? Google will only help me find mailers for single CDs or storage solutions for CDs without cases. I have around 500 or 600 CDs where I am now, and then I'll likelypick up a similar number in a few months.
I am in NYC.
Ripping them all to HD and flogging them is not a option.

posted by nowonmai to grab bag (17 comments total)

Last time I moved, I ordered a whole bunch of boxes from the USPS. Don't tell anyone, but they will ship you free USPS/Ebay co-branded boxes if you ask.

Just search "USPS boxes for ebay".

I have a bunch of the 12x12x8 boxes and they're great for CDs. Very cube-like. A fully packed box ends up being a very manageable weight and they're easy to handle. Sturdy, too!
posted by bobbyno at 4:46 PM on November 22, 2009 [2 favorites]

You're over thinking it. Stack them in columns either horizontally or vertically, and then fill the gaps with more CDs stacked perpendicular. You should be able to fill all but the smallest gap.

(moved seven times in the 90s)
posted by furtive at 4:48 PM on November 22, 2009 [1 favorite]

BTW, I used copy paper boxes, they have lovely handles on the side and lids you can take off to get easy access to your music.
posted by furtive at 4:54 PM on November 22, 2009

Bags Unlimited sells boxes (and other storage supplies) for any kind of media you can think of. Their stuff is meant for collectibles so it might be pricey, but here's the link to their cd storage boxes.

I've ordered from them numerous times, so this is a personal recommendation, but I don't have the specific style of box in the link.
posted by SuperSquirrel at 4:55 PM on November 22, 2009 [1 favorite]

Rubbermaid tubs. Sturdy, relatively inexpensize, and hold a surprising number of discs.
posted by cosmicbandito at 4:56 PM on November 22, 2009

Grocery store, produce department. Like so. Chances are you can get the boxes for free. They are made to hold heavy fruit so they are more than sturdy enough for cds, they are stackable, and you can still browse the cds while they're packed in the boxes.
posted by Balonious Assault at 4:56 PM on November 22, 2009

Just an idea which might or might not pan out, but whenever I was in a band that had CDs made up, they came in boxes of fifty. Find a CD duplication service that caters to bands -- I imagine there must be quite a few in NYC -- and see if you can buy a bunch of empty boxes from them. These boxes will of course hold fifty jewel cases perfectly, and as I recall they are about seven or eight pounds full -- just the right heft.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 5:05 PM on November 22, 2009

I got these Clear Storage Cases from the Container Store for moving and storing CDs and DVDs in their cases (don't know about Blu-ray). The Large Storage Case (17-1/4" x 14" x 6" h, item #584071) will fit three CDs or two DVDs across perfectly. They have attached lids, built-in handles, and they stack well in the bottom of a closet so you can use them for storage after you're done moving. They're not necessarily the most heavy-duty option, but if you're careful during the move, they'll pay off well for storage at home since they're clear and you won't have to go digging through them for the particular disc you are looking for.
posted by MrZero at 5:29 PM on November 22, 2009

I like to use standard milk crates to haul loads of stuff around. The base of a milk crate it designed to nestle with the crate beneath it, so you can pack your cds in each crate leaving a 1" clearance from the top and stack each crate over the next.
posted by wiretap at 5:44 PM on November 22, 2009

Seconding Bags Unlimited. The advantage to these is that they have dividers, so each box has three separated rows (of 38 CDs each, assuming normal-sized jewel cases, for a total of 114 per box.) It's the best way, believe me.
posted by Dee Xtrovert at 6:01 PM on November 22, 2009

Thirding Bags Unlimited. Their media boxes are designed for exactly this purpose (and work great for long-term storage as well, if you do ever get around to ripping the CDs).
posted by Lazlo at 7:59 PM on November 22, 2009

The boxes that bulk jewel cases come in fits jewel cases perfectly.
posted by jeffamaphone at 8:04 PM on November 22, 2009 [1 favorite]

I recommend Uline for ALL your shipping needs
posted by HappyHippo at 8:17 PM on November 22, 2009

I recently had to move my CD collection (of a similar size) half way round the world. I used clear plastic storage boxes. It takes a bit of fiddling to get the right size—I would take a handful of jewel case into the store with me—but they worked fine even with some gaps and do a reasonable job of making large numbers of CD's accessible while they are still boxed up.
posted by tallus at 9:00 PM on November 22, 2009

Banana boxes. They're very sturdy, they have handles and lids and they're free wherever there's a supermarket with a produce section. You just ask for them.
posted by exveg at 9:04 PM on November 22, 2009

Liquor and wine boxes are quite sturdy and are free from your local liquor store. Best availability is Monday through Friday.
posted by neuron at 9:14 PM on November 22, 2009

Depends on your use. Ikea sells sturdy boxes with lids. I use the small ones to cart @ 24 cds to a dance group. I want to be able to browse them easily. I hate the cd boxes that have nubbins to theoretically help you slot the cd in place. Some of the plastic boxes crack with use.

Free/cheap: Get banana boxes/lids, cut down to a little more than 1 cd deep. Know anybody whose family sends them fruit at the holidays? The Harry & David boxes are sturdy & a good depth. Paper boxes don't last well. Whatever you use, reinforce the bottom with an extra piece of cardboard, and glue cardboard separators in place.

If you have building skills, make your own crates of finish plywood, with nice handles. Stackable, nice-looking and permanent.
posted by theora55 at 8:30 AM on November 23, 2009