If you suffer from a surplus of collected wires, cords, and cables, then this post is meant for you. Almost all of us own some sort of electronics that require the use of these electric snakes. The trouble is, without us knowing, they seem to multiple and engage in epic tangling wars when we are not looking. Plainly stated, they are a messy annoyance. Therefore, this Trash Day Tuesday is dedicated to purging and organizing our spare wires, cords, and cables! (Do not mistake this post for organizing solutions when it comes to cable management- that'll happen another day when I am brave enough to tackle my family's entertainment center. Yikes!)
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| We all feel this way when dealing with wires, cords, and cables. Source |
The Process //
Here's the step by step guide to getting your wires, cords, and cables in order:
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| Use this chart to help you organize your wires, cords, and cables. |
Wrapping Techniques //
Over-Under Method- creates a circular loop which is as easy to unravel as it is to wrap.
Daisy Chain- creates a braid by crocheting the wire into itself. Note, keeping the two ends together helps prevent knots from occurring.
Electrician's Wrap-creates a neatly wrapped and knotted figure. Instead of laying the cable on the ground, some people loop the cable over their forearm.
Storage Ideas //
Labeling
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| When it comes to labeling, the sky is really the limit. I personally like the idea of small tags, such as these ElastiNotes- simple and effective.Source |
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| Label each charger, wire, and cord if it belongs to a specific electronic. Never frantically search for a charger ever again. Source |
Storing
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| Use toilet rolls for storing cords and keep cords separated. Label each roll and store vertically in a container. No more tangles! Source |
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| Store small cords and wires in ziplock bags and label them accordingly. This method is so helpful when traveling because you can just grab and go. Source |
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| Use a plastic box with dividers to organize cords and wires into categories. These dividers are home made! Source |
For those of you wondering what my before and after looks like, here it is:
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| Where to start?! Our cords weren't so much tangled as they were improperly stored and not labeled. I had tried to tackle this mess once before so the cords and wires are relatively neatly wrapped- although, some were improperly wrapped. We also had a surplus of unused cables and electronics. To be honest, I didn't even know what half these cables were for or to what they belonged. |
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| Going through the process. Took about 15 minutes and I was able to get rid of 3 routers, and give some cords to my dad because he'll use it for work. Once I organize our entertainment center, I might toss more cords out. |
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| I used the same box, but implemented the ziplock idea. It looks very neat- it actually closes and feels light! |
Do you have a spare cord problem as well? What transformations have you made? Any clever storage ideas, like storing wires in circular tuber-ware?
