Time takes us all, and everything ends eventually. Perhaps a morbid thought, but nonetheless true. And while pondering your own existence and mortality is something that everyone does at some point, today I’m thinking about a different kind of life: shelf life. Specifically that of my Blu-ray collection.
I started collecting Blu-rays around 20 years ago when I first purchased a PlayStation 3 and wanted to upgrade my home video format. At that time in my life, I already had a tiny collection of standard-issue DVDs but remembering how fast the VHS tapes of my youth were replaced by the first mainstream disc format, I wanted to get in on the ground floor of the Blu-ray format and start building my collection as soon as possible. Today I have over 500 discs in my collection, and I buy more every year.
With such a massive collection representing thousands of dollars of investment, you bet I have taken some time to try and protect my discs the best I can. According to current estimates, the life of a Blu-ray disc is between 20-100 years, which is quite a range. But by making some smart storage and lifestyle choices, I am maximizing the life of my collection. While I definitely won’t be here in 100 years, here’s how I’m trying to ensure my Blu-ray collection will be.
Keep every disc in its original box
The original packaging is the best place a disc can be
Your Blu-ray disc came in a box, and it should stay there. Unless you are actively putting a disc in a player, it should not leave its original box under any circumstances. In addition, you should never store Blu-ray discs in a stack, spindle, envelope, binder, case, or anything else that is not the disc’s original packaging.
Blu-ray discs come in soft, plastic clamshell cases that are designed to keep the potential for damage at an absolute minimum, and there is simply nowhere better to store a disc than in the box it came in. If a box becomes damaged or somehow unusable, you can purchase empty boxes on Amazon, but for the most part, the box your disc originally came in should be where it stays, forever.
Shut out as much light as you can
Sunlight is the enemy
Direct sunlight or UV exposure can very easily ruin a Blu-ray disc, even if it is kept in its original packaging, and while you don’t have to build your own Batcave to store your Blu-ray collection, it is a good idea to keep your storage area away from windows or direct sunlight, and opt for doors on your storage cabinets if at all possible.
Minimize dust and air pollutants
This could be your biggest concern depending on where you live
Because I live in Florida, things like dust, humidity, and even smoke from wildfires are all things that can potentially affect the longevity of my Blu-ray collection. Fortunately, a good air purifier (and de-humidifier, depending on where you live) can help mitigate these issues. Simply place your air quality appliances in the room with your discs, and you can help decrease their exposure to these negative elements, ensuring your collection lasts for years to come.
Keep your discs at a consistent room temperature
Don’t store your discs in areas of your home without A/C or heat
Though every person’s individual climate control preferences vary, chances are good that if you’re comfortable, your discs are too. Keeping your home at a consistent temperature between 60–80 degrees is perfect for long-term Blu-ray storage. And, of course, never store discs in basements or attics, as extreme heat or cold will cause irreparable damage to your discs. I’d also try to keep disc storage cabinets far from heating/cooling vents, as sometimes condensation can occur in these areas, and water is obviously bad for Blu-rays.
