I've finished extracting and encoding my CD collection (1400 discs) to flac files. I have the files on external hard drives and also backed up to DVD-R discs (which are kept in a safe deposit box).

The question now is what to do with all my original CDs.

Do I move them to sleeves and ditch the jewel boxes? I like the sleeve idea, but it always bugs me that those things have a place for the disc and booklet, but *not* for the shell insert paper. Are there any sleeves that hold all 3 things? I've never seen them.

Or do I put all the original discs on empty CDR spindle containers (out of the way in storage) and keep the booklets on hand for reading/browsing?

Of course not all my CDs are in jewel boxes. Some are digi-packs or box sets. What to do with those?

I'm sure I'm not the first to struggle with this.

Thanks!

Why don't you just keep them in their original cases... store them in boxes then.. so not too much weight rests on each one to not crack the case.. yes it takes up a bit more space but still not too much

I've researched this - this is the sleeve you are looking for:
Discsox

A little expensive compared to other sleeve options, but the only one I've found that can put all the parts in one sleeve.

Thanks for the link. I also found another one called Jewel Sleeve.

There's no way I could use them though, they're way too expensive. It would cost me $700 to house my whole collection.

I found some good sleeves at Micro Center for $3 for a pack of 100 but they only hold the booklet and disc.

Its a good chunk of money, but a pittance compared to the original cost of 1400 CD's,
maybe $20,000?

And an even smaller pittance compared to the GNP of Japan.

Seriously, for $700 I could buy another 40 - 50 CDs (which I'll eventually do anyway).

But I'm still not sure I need sleeves at all. Since I have everything backed up in lossless format and no longer need access to the disc, I'm currently toying with the idea of storing all the discs in cakebox spindles. Then I would just need some sort of cabinet for the booklets, like a card-catalog drawer or something.

I just went through the same process. I just put 'em in file boxes (any Office Depot), and stored them in the attic. Eight boxes worth!

Good luck!