As a lover for books, movies, and games I love a good bit of physical media! My collection consists mainly of games with a small amount of movies and books. If you also want to start a physical media collection, take a look at my tips!

Decide on specific types of media you want to collect

This breaks down into two parts: the general media you want to collect, and the specifics of what exactly to collect within that. When it comes to the general side of things, you can either stick to one or two active collections, or rotate between four or five. The choice really depends on what kind of person you are. Circling through different collections works well if you like variety and don’t want to get bored. On the other hand, sticking to just one or two is perfect if you prefer something more focused and structured. Either way, if you make it something you’re genuinely excited about, collecting becomes so much more fun.
Once you’ve decided on the general side, working out the specifics makes everything clearer. Do you want to collect hardbacks or paperbacks? Xbox or PlayStation games? DVDs or Blu-rays? These decisions will help you curate the type of collection you want to see on your shelves. And don’t worry too much about mixing and matching—sometimes you’ll have to, since not everything was released in every format. You can also narrow it down even more by choosing a subgenre, which is especially useful for the next step: budgeting.

Pick your budget

Having a collection is great—but actually living comfortably is even better. Always make sure you’ve got enough savings and money set aside for the month before spending on your collection. Defining exactly what you want to collect can make budgeting so much easier too. Newer releases usually cost more than older ones, and 4K movies are almost always pricier than DVDs. If you’re eyeing something on the expensive side, don’t settle for the cheaper version just for the sake of saving money. It’s better to wait, buy less often, and save up for the things you’ll really love having in your collection.
Another thing to keep in mind is the upfront cost. Some types of collecting need equipment before you even get started. Gaming requires a console, movies need a DVD or Blu-ray player, and CDs work best with a decent stereo. The good news is that game consoles can double up for movies or even music, depending on what you want out of them. There are also portable CD players you can carry around, or you can stick with a bigger stereo or console for home listening. My advice is to save up for that initial setup first, and then go smaller and steadier from there.

Shop around

Where you actually shop can make a big difference to your collection and your budget. eBay, CEX, HMV, Amazon, Waterstones, and small independent stores are all worth checking out—it really just depends on what’s nearby and how much you’re willing to spend. eBay is especially great for bundles and second-hand equipment if you know how to spot a good deal. Amazon often runs Black Friday discounts, while HMV (at least the one near me) does a £10 “movie of the week,” which is perfect for collectors on a budget. Finding little deals like that is one of the best ways to slowly build up a collection without overspending.
If you want to go down a different route, there are also subscription services—like loot boxes or monthly book deliveries—that can add a surprise element to your collection. You don’t know exactly what you’re getting, which makes it a fun way to discover new things you might not have picked up otherwise.

Invest in good storage (when you need to)

If your collection ends up growing bigger than you expected, it’s worth investing in some proper storage. This could be shelves, bookcases, or whatever suits your space best. Good storage doesn’t just keep things organised—it also gives you a way to display the things you’ve worked hard to collect. For example, I keep my books in a bookcase, Funko Pops on shelves, and my games in an Ikea Kallax unit. Finding what works for you (and your room) makes a huge difference.
Personally, I really rate Ikea for this. They’ve got such a wide range of shelves and bookcases that there’s usually something that’ll fit both your space and your style. Plus, their pieces mix and match nicely, so even if you go for different units they’ll still look good together. Of course, if Ikea isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other options—stores like B&M also carry affordable storage that can get the job done.

Join online communities for tips and tricks of collecting

Online communities can also be a surprisingly useful resource when it comes to collecting. Places like Facebook groups or Discord servers often have spaces for buying, selling, and trading, and if you find the right community, it can really pay off. Of course, there’s always some level of risk involved, but if you’re careful, it can be worth it. Beyond trading, these groups are also great for sharing tips, pointing out local boot sales, or highlighting community events you might have otherwise missed. Little things like that can end up being a real boost to your collection.

Thanks for reading and if you have any other tips let us know!