Get It Done: Organize the Media Cabinet
Ditch the worn-out VHS tapes, save valuable storage space and find hidden gems with this quick weekend spruce-up
While poking through my meager DVD collection, my friend Wicki asked, "Did you know you have two copies of Bridesmaids?" I had searched high and low for the first one for weeks before breaking down and buying the second one. Turns out it had simply fallen behind the baskets where I store them, because I have to shove DVDs atop overfilled baskets that still have old videotapes stuffed in them.
Perusing the baskets, I saw that Annie Hall was next to Hot Tub Time Machine and decided that enough was enough. It was time to organize my movies, personal videos and music — and it's probably time you did the same.
Perusing the baskets, I saw that Annie Hall was next to Hot Tub Time Machine and decided that enough was enough. It was time to organize my movies, personal videos and music — and it's probably time you did the same.
Dive in. Empty all of those drawers and shelves. Do you even own a VCR that will play those tapes anymore? Even if you do, will you ever watch them again?
Clean. Wipe down all the shelves and the insides of the drawers.
Clean. Wipe down all the shelves and the insides of the drawers.
Sort. Divvy everything up into four piles as outlined below.
- Pile 1: Media such as DVDs and CDs that you currently use
- Pile 2: Music and movies you've downloaded to computers, iPods, etc., eliminating the need for hard copies
- Pile 3: Outmoded media with content you want to see again — your wedding video, that hilarious 8th grade dance-off, baby's first steps
- Pile 4: Facts of Life reruns, the trip you took to Yellowstone with the ex you can't stand, old Jazzercise VHS tapes
Archive, Recycle, Reuse
Click over to Vanessa Brunner's Use It Or Lose It: CDs, DVDs, Cassettes and VHS tapes ideabook to learn how to archive and recycle piles two, three and four.
A concession: You may keep one sentimental videotape. I'm hanging on to Darrin's Dance Grooves as long as I live, because it makes me laugh, and because my best friend and I both wrote down the number from the infomercial to order it for each other without ever discussing Darrin or his dance grooves.
Click over to Vanessa Brunner's Use It Or Lose It: CDs, DVDs, Cassettes and VHS tapes ideabook to learn how to archive and recycle piles two, three and four.
A concession: You may keep one sentimental videotape. I'm hanging on to Darrin's Dance Grooves as long as I live, because it makes me laugh, and because my best friend and I both wrote down the number from the infomercial to order it for each other without ever discussing Darrin or his dance grooves.
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Shed Cases and Organize
Now that you're rid of piles two through four, it's time to tackle the pile of keepers. Ditch the cases and put the DVDs and CDs into binders. This can be a tough step, but I promise it will gain you a lot of storage space. (I could not let go of my commemorative bowling ball-shaped case that houses the 10th anniversary edition of The Big Lebowski.)
Take time to do the alphabetical order thing. It may be tedious now, but it will save you so much time in searching later. If you want to get all High Fidelity about it, organize the binders by genre. In fact, spread out on the floor in front of the TV and pop High Fidelity into the DVD player while you do this boring task. Just be careful not to let John Cusack talk you into organizing them biographically.
Now that you're rid of piles two through four, it's time to tackle the pile of keepers. Ditch the cases and put the DVDs and CDs into binders. This can be a tough step, but I promise it will gain you a lot of storage space. (I could not let go of my commemorative bowling ball-shaped case that houses the 10th anniversary edition of The Big Lebowski.)
Take time to do the alphabetical order thing. It may be tedious now, but it will save you so much time in searching later. If you want to get all High Fidelity about it, organize the binders by genre. In fact, spread out on the floor in front of the TV and pop High Fidelity into the DVD player while you do this boring task. Just be careful not to let John Cusack talk you into organizing them biographically.
If the whole binder thing is not for you, find a way to organize and store your DVDs in their cases. Consoles with drawers and baskets are a good way to do this.
Plan for the Long Term
If you still feel unsatisfied after this clean-out, you may want to shop for a new console or a media armoire, or plan for some built-in shelves and cabinets.
Plan 1: Built-ins. These built-ins were designed around the TV. Note that cabinets for components such as cable boxes and DVD players get hot and should have ventilation. You'll also want to plan for plugs.
When it comes to media storage, include drawers and shelves that will fit the way you store things. If you're a binder person, create shelves around their height measurements. If you cannot let go of those DVD cases, plan for drawers or shelves that will accomodate DVD baskets or boxes.
More ideas for built-ins around the fireplace
If you still feel unsatisfied after this clean-out, you may want to shop for a new console or a media armoire, or plan for some built-in shelves and cabinets.
Plan 1: Built-ins. These built-ins were designed around the TV. Note that cabinets for components such as cable boxes and DVD players get hot and should have ventilation. You'll also want to plan for plugs.
When it comes to media storage, include drawers and shelves that will fit the way you store things. If you're a binder person, create shelves around their height measurements. If you cannot let go of those DVD cases, plan for drawers or shelves that will accomodate DVD baskets or boxes.
More ideas for built-ins around the fireplace
Plan 2: A new TV cabinet, armoire or credenza with integrated storage. New media cabinets can be pricey; keep your eyes open at flea markets and garage sales for suitable pieces. You can breathe new life into vintage stereo cabinets and retro buffets with glossy paint and new hardware. These kinds of cabinets make great TV stands and have tons of potential for storing all of your media.
Reward: Pick a favorite movie you've unearthed, throw some popcorn in the microwave and pick up some Milk Duds — you're having a movie night. Personally, I'm going to have a Darrin's Dance Groove party.
Approximate time: 1 to 6 hours (depends on how many DVDs and CDs you own and how quickly you can alphabetize)
Materials needed: Cleaning supplies, box for recyclables, box for VHS tapes you'll have transferred to newer technologies, storage baskets/boxes, CD/DVD storage binders
Tip: Take some shots along the way to remember all of the crazy Betamax or ridiculous home video topics that used to hog valuable storage space.