A Simple Guide to Organizing Your Electrical Cords
Do you have a drawer of messy cables like this one? You are not alone!
Do you have a drawer or box filled with tangled cords that you’re frankly a little scared to open? You’re not alone! One of the most common organizing challenges I see is a mountain of unmarked cables that seem to multiply overnight. It's frustrating, time-consuming, and often leaves us buying replacements for cords we already have—just because we can’t find them. Let’s tackle this together!
In this guide, we’ll identify the main pain points of cord clutter and provide an easy step-by-step solution to keep it at bay.
Why do cords get so messy?
It starts innocently—an extra phone charger here, an HDMI cable there. Before long, you’ve got a jumble of cables from old devices, mystery chargers, and "just in case" wires you never use. Here are some situations that may sound familiar:
Tangled cords: Wasting time untangling them when you actually need one.
Unidentified cables: “What does this even go to???!” followed by possible swearing.
E-waste buildup: Cords for devices you no longer own often sit in a pile, creating clutter.
A Visual Cord Guide
Wouldn’t it be helpful if you could immediately tell what each cord is for? I’ve got you covered!
Pro Tip: Print out this guide and store it with your cords. Having a quick reference handy will save you time and frustration!
The EU’s Move to a Universal Plug
Here’s some fun news: By the end of 2024, the European Union is requiring all mobile phones, tablets, and cameras sold in the EU to use a USB-C charging port. Laptops will follow suit by 2026. This will fewer cords to manage and less e-waste, as a single universal charger will replace multiple types.
Imagine how much easier it will be to stay organized when you no longer need a separate cable for each device. While this rule doesn’t yet apply globally, it’s a step in the right direction for simplifying our lives and helping the planet!
Step-by-Step Guide to Organizing Your Cords
Gather Everything in One Place:
Pull out every cord you can find and lay them out in a single space.Identify and Sort:
Use the visual cord guide to identify each cable. Group them by type: phone chargers, HDMI cables, USB cables, etc.Test and Declutter:
Test each cord to make sure it works. Recycle any broken cables and donate extras that are still in good condition but you no longer need. (Check your local e-waste recycling programs!)Label Everything:
Use labels, zip ties, or even masking tape to label each cord. Write what device it belongs to and store it with that item when possible.Store Smart:
Cord Wraps: Use Velcro ties or reusable zip ties to keep cables neat and tangle-free.
Dividers: Place cords in small bins, drawer organizers, or even Ziploc bags labeled by category!
Stuck? Let Me Help!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your cord chaos, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Reach out to me for a free 30-minute consultation, and let’s get your home organized—one step (and cord!) at a time.
Happy Organizing,
