Organizing Cord Clutter

For many homes, the problem is the same: too many electrical cords running every which way, cluttering space and twisting through our lives. You can reduce that cord clutter in a few easy steps.

Taming the Cord Jungle: The Struggle is Real

I've noticed that we all seem to fall into the same cord clutter trap – whether it's phone chargers, tablet cables, or laptop cords. And it’s not just one for each device, each person of the household has their own chargers, plus we have extras for guests and for travel. And then there are those extras that no one is quite sure what they are!

Roundup and Sort: Getting Started

Step one is all about getting everything out in the open. Collect all those cords, cables, and chargers from every nook and cranny of your home. I'm talking about the bedroom, kitchen, garage – you name it. Spread them out and take stock of your collection.

Simplify and Toss: Declutter with Purpose

As you're sifting through the tangle, it's important to ask yourself some questions. Is that cord fraying or worn out? If so, it's time to toss it. And let's be real, if you stumble upon a mystery cable that you can't identify, chances are you don't need it. Don't be afraid to let it go.  Try to recycle whenever possible, there are many services that will pick up your e-waste for free.

Keeping it Neat: Organizing for Accessibility

Label each cord so you know which device it belongs to.

I keep all the extras in a bin, tucked away in a cabinet. This way, everyone in the household knows where to find what they need. 

I've found that organization doesn't always have to be elaborate. For instance, for my flash drives and SD cards, I use a small box to keep them from rolling around. It's all about accessible order rather than perfect aesthetics.

I also keep another container specifically for my travel chargers, extra mouse, and international converters, as well as a mobile battery pack.

For countertop space savers, use multiple-outlet adapters with 3 or 4 outlets per side.

Where cords are lying along the ground, especially in multiples, use plastic tubing around the cords to keep them from getting tangled, or in the way of pets and kids.

And there you have it, all your cords neatly organized - just don’t forget to go through this process every year!