This is always a problem for people: wrangling cords and cables because electronic wiring for computers, gadgets and home entertainment systems can quickly become a jumbled mess of chaos.
Solutions to managing that wired chaos & manuals
1. The Labeled Ziploc Freezer Bags Solution
Use a Ziploc bag for every appliance or electronics item you own.
Store extra cords, batteries, warranties and the other stuff you don’t know what to do with.
Then put the bags together in a bin.
2. Tip: Label your wires
Use a coloured tag to mark each wire right by the plug. Trace it to your computer, and put that same coloured dot to mark where you are supposed to plug in the wire
Use a white sticker folded in half over your cable to write down exactly what the cable is used for.
3. The Velcro Strip Solution
What you need
Grab a pack of velcro strips (they come in black, grey or coloured), a pack of large white label stickers and a case.
In case you don’t know what they look like, this is the way they come in a pack:
Wrap your cords
I took a piece of velcro strip like this……
…..and I wrapped it around the cords to keep them tidy.
You have to wrap the cords as larger loops to avoid destroying the cord and bending it out of shape.
Stick the velcro strip in the middle, and pull it tight, but not so tight that it bends the cord permanently.
Finish by labelling your plugs and cords
For plugs, I took a white sticker, cut it in half, wrote what it was used for, and labeled the plug.
For cords, I took a full white sticker, folded it in half around the cord, and labeled it.
Anything that was easily identifiable by either colour or plug connector, I didn’t bother labeling.
All my Apple Macbook cords are left just the way they are, because they’re all white and easy to understand what it’s used for.
Throw them in a bag and call it a day.
3. Tip: Download your manuals
I download all the electronic manuals in PDF form (go to the manufacturer’s website) and I only keep the warranty with the original hardcopy receipt stapled to it, along with a scanned copy.
4. Storing Hard drives
Case Logic makes these little harddrive cases with a hard shell top under the fabric. $12 each.
5. Tip: Do not use these 2 things to wrap your cords
1. Plastic Cable Ties
They will bend your cords and not be as flexible or as forgiving as a velcro strip.
You can also undo a velcro strip.
You can’t undo these things unless you cut them, as I so happily found out once.
I struggled to get my scissors underneath the cable tie and almost stabbed myself in the process.
When I got it free, the cord was so twisted out of shape from being bent so long, it was unusable.
2. Huge Paper Clips.Do not use clips like this, to keep your wires together. They also bend, and hurt the wires.
Personally, the second option with the velcro ties is the nicest option for me. I don’t like going through lots of labelled plastic bags, and if I accidentally remove a cable from one bag but forget which one it’s from, I’m hooped.
Labeling your cords and organizing the wires will help cut down on stress and screams of “what the HELL is this black cord for?“
Tweets that mention Saturday Project: How to manage and organize cables, cords & electronics | The Everyday Minimalist -- Topsy.com
on Oct 17th, 2009
@ 1:10 pm:
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Northmoon
on Oct 18th, 2009
@ 11:13 pm:
I already do the label thing with my charging devices so I can tell my blackberry charger from my camera charger. Need to be more diligent about marking the other computer connecting cords though. Have a bunch in a bin that I’m not sure of anymore.
Your velcro tip looks great – what kind of store carries this? I don’t think I’ve ever seen it before. I just use elastic bands, but they aren’t the best, and eventually they break.
PS thanks for your comment on my blog!
everydayminimalist
on Oct 19th, 2009
@ 11:17 am:
@Northmoon The velcro strips were found at Canadian Tire. I think you can pick them up in any hardware store.. or department store.
I didn’t find it particular hard to find, which was surprising
Elastic bands scare me, as I have a little phobia about them snapping on my hand or breaking and slapping my face.