Decluttering Your DVD Collection in 2024

Introduction:

If you’ve found us here, then you’re likely curious about, or have committed to a more simple life – perhaps minimalism, essentialism or just simpler living with less clutter. If you were a consumer preceding the streaming era, you’ve likely got a DVD or Blueray physical collection that you’re now wondering what to do with. Just a few years ago, the advice on this would have been to aggressively declutter these – “Sell them, maybe digitise them or who cares, it’s all online anyway”.  In 2024 the landscape has changed, streaming has become more fragmented, leaving you less certain that you’ll be able to find that tv show or movie you just have to watch again. In today’s article, we’ll look at practical steps to decluttering your DVD collection, while navigating the complex landscape of digital media consumption.

Physical Media Ownership

At the turn of this century and through the early noughties many of us accumulated collections of our favourite movies or tv box sets. We were replacing those old VHS tapes of our childhood, and had fallen for the allure of bonus discs and directors cuts. We’d display them on shelves in prominent parts of our homes, just like a library of books. We were turning our spaces into physical representations of the stores that we spent so much of our weekends, parading and consuming.

Who we really are? Who we think we are?
Or, Who we want others to think we are!

Sometimes we were filling in a category, perhaps getting films by our favourite or cool directors like Scorsese or Tarantino, other times it would be that difficult 4th season of a show that should have wound up so much earlier. As our collections grew, those discs started to tell a story of who we were or at least who we wanted people to think we were. We had good taste — we were cultured. But what were those rows of plastic boxes, and does it matter that you own “Mean Streets”, when you would far rather stick on “Goodfellas”. Perhaps the collection spoke less about who we were and was simply just a collection after all.   

Limited value – get intentional

In time that collection outgrew our spaces, we started putting them in boxes, in cupboards — no longer in sight. Once they were out of sight, did they still speak to who we are or were?  Today, those discs seem passé, and of little to no value. Just take a look around one your local used retailers (CeX for us in the UK) and you can see rows of those treasured collections, complete multi-series box sets selling for just a few dollars or pounds. A search of common titles via online selling platforms like Music Magpie or Ziffit, show that these treasured items are now virtually worthless. However, changes in streaming services has seen some reacquire hastily decluttered items. In 2024 we need a more intentional approach to decluttering these once prized possessions.

The Streaming Landscape: Opportunities and Challenges:

Changes in the streaming platform market mean that you should consider the following when looking to declutter your DVD collection in 2024.

1. Content Fragmentation:

• Multiple streaming platforms with exclusive content – They want to hook you into their space – the exclusive content that you can only get from them. A long way from the initial benefit of subscribing to a service like Netflix. 
• Titles frequently moving between services – As streamers vie for your attention, titles are no longer static and move between the platforms.   Companies like Disney choosing to retain their own IP and making them exclusive on their service Disney+.
• Increased total cost to access a wide range of content – This level of fragmentation can lead to you acquiring multiple subscriptions to be able to cover the same range that was once possible via Netflix.

2. Availability Uncertainty:

• Streaming rights changes can lead to sudden content removal – What seemed unthinkable to those early adopting media declutter pioneers, is now regular occurrence. You sit down to watch your favourite movie only to find it’s been removed from the service(s) you subscribe to.
• Limited-time availability of certain titles – A cost saving exercise on the part of the streamers.
• Regional restrictions on content – Not all Netflix, Prime or Paramount+ are created equal. Depending upon which country you are in will affect what you can see, unless of course you subscribe to a VPN service such as ExpressVPN where you can change your location. In the UK, you may want to check location specific streaming platforms such as BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub or Channel 4 in addition to global services. Keep in mind UK-specific content or BBC productions that might not be as readily available on global streaming platforms.

3. Quality Considerations:

• Streaming quality varies based on internet connection – Depending on where you live and your home broadband connection, the quality of your experience could be severely hampered by your internet speed.
• Some platforms may not offer the highest audio/video quality – If you like to watch your movies in 4K with fully Dolby surround sound then some streaming services and tiers could fall way short of your expectations. Some streamers chose to wind down the quality in the pandemic to cope with increased demand.
• User experience – Many streamers are now moving to ad models which either leave you having to pay for a higher ad free tier or continue to pay for the cheaper tier but with suffer the ads forced upon you. The lack of ads was one of the early positives of signing up to streaming services over commercial tv, but those days are sadly coming to an end.
• Special features often missing from streaming versions – If you enjoy the extras that’s come with some discs and special editions, then you’ll find that much of that content never makes it to the streaming services.

4. Preservation Concerns:

• Risk of titles becoming unavailable on any platform – If your strategy was to rely on streaming services for access to a title you plan to declutter, be prepared for the very likely scenario of these disappearing. 
• Potential loss of less popular or niche content – Remember the streaming services are a business. Their goal is to capture your eyeballs for the longest amount of time, offering a range of content that maximises this goal, all while managing the bottom line. They are not an archive or a library operating to preserve cinema and tv. If you own niche films or shows, that you know with certainty you’ll want watch again and again, then those are likely the discs that you’ll want to retain when we get to decluttering. 

These factors may influence decisions about which DVDs to keep or discard during the process of decluttering your DVD Collection .

So why Declutter your DVDs? 

Understanding the need for DVD Decluttering:

For many of us our collections represent years of purchases and gifts, making the decluttering process emotionally challenging and leading to:

• Overcrowded shelves and storage spaces
• Difficulty finding specific titles
• Outdated or unwatched content taking up space in your home

What’s the benefits of decluttering your personal media collection?

• Improved organisation and accessibility
• Freed-up physical space
• A curated collection that better reflects current interests
• Potential financial gains from selling unwanted DVDs. That’s probably limited to rarer or niche titles that are hard to source

Step-by-Step Guide to Decluttering Your DVD Collection:

1. It starts with an intention

Just like so much of what we do here, it all starts with an intention. 

• What does done look like? – Before considering decluttering your DVDs, you need to think about your end position. 
• Is your aim to get rid of everything other the essential DVDs
• or perhaps to trim your collection down so that fits into the available space? 
• Maybe you’re looking to digitise the full collection. 

Here at Barefoot Intention, we look to remove all things that no longer serve us, what has become the unnecessary in our life.

2. Establish Decluttering Criteria:

Now you know what you are looking to achieve, it’s time to determine the criteria for making this happen.

1. What does this mean to me? 
2. Is this associated with the tradition in our family?
3. What memories do I have associated with this? 
4. Is this associated with the time my life that I’d rather move on from?
5. Have I watched this in the last two years? (Note: If the question is have I ever watched it, then this a clear sign to declutter it. It’s already been tested!)
6. Can I see a time when I want to watch this again? Be honest with yourself here.
7. Would I replace this if this was lost as in does this mean so much to me that I would need to permanently own it. (Note: If the answer is yes – then this is a keeper and do not rely on a streaming service to be your back up here)
8. Is it the type of content that is evergreen? — I’m thinking Friends or Only Fools & Horses.
9. Is it a collectors item? (Note: These might have a good resale value for those looking to generate a little cash from this exercise)

By answering each of these questions it will become clear to you the purpose these discs serve in your life. Likely something from “What is this? — through to I absolutely love this! With this knowledge you will be in a position to know whether it’s time to declutter.

3. Assess Your Current Collection:

• Clear a space to work in and set aside some quality time to make this successful. 
• Start with taking all of your DVDs out from the shelves, cupboards or boxes. As these can be sentimental we’re suggesting you adopt the part of the KonMarie method here of going through each DVD one at a time holding it in your hand as your review.
• Duplicates – This happens more than you think, perhaps you’ve received copies from a loved one or combined collections with a partner.  These can be decluttered but remember to involve your partner if you are planning on decluttering what they may view as their things.
• Damaged discs – These can be decluttered as there is no point in retaining them.

4. Sort DVDs into Categories:

As you work through the step 3 handling each item in turn, carefully consider the questions we established in step 2 and sort into the following categories. It can be helpful to use some of those boxes or containers to differentiate the categories:

1. Keep (not available on streaming or personally significant)
2. Sell 
3. Donate
4. Digitize and discard
5. Recycle (for damaged discs)

5. Research Streaming Availability:

For those of you committed to decluttering your DVD collections and relying on the streamers you may find the following helpful to assess this option.

• Use services like JustWatch or Reelgood to check current streaming options
• Consider the stability of streaming rights for favourite titles. Remember if a specific title is widely available, it’s a good sign that the content is evergreen, can be decluttered whilst retaining easy access in the future.
• Identify rare or unavailable titles
• Evaluate the cost-effectiveness and environmental impact of keeping vs. streaming. You ideally want retaining an ongoing streamer cost for the sake of a few key titles that it would better to own
• Stay informed about upcoming changes in streaming rights for favourite content

6. Digitise Selected Titles

Choosing to declutter can be a good opportunity to digitise those that you want to retain for the long term, saving you space in your home and preserving them for the future.

• Choose a digitisation method (ripping software, professional services)
• Explores software solutions like HandBrake or MakeMKV for personal backups. Do some research to ensure compliance with copyright laws by familiarising yourself with fair use regarding personal backups
• Consider storage needs as you’ll need lots of space. 1 DVD can be between 4-8 GB when digitised
• Store digital copies securely with backups and ensure you have a reliable backup system

7. Organise Remaining Physical Collection:

Now you’ve decluttered, it’s time to store those that truly add value to your life.

• Implement a logical organisation system (alphabetical, genre, etc.)
• Utilise space you already have but where necessary invest in appropriate space-efficient storage solutions
• If your decluttered collection is still larger than what could be considered typical, you might want to consider using a media cataloging app for easy reference. We’re thinking this is only going to be needed for the most serious of collectors.

8. Responsibly Dispose of Unwanted DVDs:

When decluttering your DVD collection please approach this responsibly.

• Sell valuable titles online or to local media stores
• Donate to libraries, schools, hospices and charities – Remember to call ahead to check they are taking DVDs. Avoid making your decluttering problem someone else trash problem.
• Research proper electronic waste disposal in your area. Many communities accept DVDs in curb-side recycling

9. Develop a Hybrid Approach:

It’s inevitable that ownership of our media collections in 2024 and beyond will involve adopting a hybrid approach.

Consider:

• Balancing physical media, digital copies, and streaming subscriptions
• Keeping physical copies of favourites or titles with uncertain streaming futures
• Rotate streaming subscriptions to access different content libraries saving you money and maximises their value while you have them.
• Regularly audit your streaming subscriptions for value and content overlap across Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max and Apple TV+
• Using aggregator apps to track where titles are available
• Keep an eye on industry trends and upcoming service changes
• Consider digital purchase platforms such as iTunes, Google Play, Vudu or Amazon Prime.
• Consider a personal media server like Plex Kodi or Emby for your digital collection

Conclusion:

Decluttering your DVD collection is an ongoing process in the ever-changing media landscape. By thoughtfully curating your physical collection and staying informed about digital alternatives, you can create a more manageable and enjoyable entertainment setup. Start small, be honest about your viewing habits, and remember that the goal is to optimize your access to the content you truly value.

Before you go

if you found this content useful then take a look at our other articles on decluttering photos and books.