How to Organize Electronic Wires, Cables, and Cords

With technology advancing everyday it is no wonder that our walls and desks are cluttered with wires, cables, and cords looping and knotting at every turn. Confusing cables and cords can be time consuming, dangerous, and downright ugly. Try a few of these helpful tips to organizing and beautifying your electronic wires and cables.

Things You'll Need

• Permanent Marker
• Blank Sticky Labels
• Colored Markers (Optional)
• Velcro Straps

Instructions

1. IDENTIFY - The first step to organizing tangled electronic wires and cords is to identify what each one is, where it comes from, and where it goes. If it helps to keep the cords connected then leave them connected, however, if you are familiar with their look and function then it may help to disconnect them.

2. EVALUATE AND ELLIMINATE - Once you've gone through and have a good idea of what wires and cables you have connecting your various electronic devices, it's a good time to evaluate their necessity. If you find that you have some obsolete wires or cords, toss them away! That will cut down on the clutter all by itself.

3. LABEL - Once you have determined which electronic wires you have you can begin to label and organize. Start by writing the name or description of the connection on two address labels. You can also color code these labels. If you were labeling the power supply cord on a computer you could write "CPU POWER SUPPLY" in orange on two labels. Then wrap one sticker address label around each end of the cable. This way it is easy to identify matching ends of the cable and their purpose.

4. COMBINE - Your electronic wires and cords can often be organized by simply bunching them together based on the device they are connecting. Using your Velcro straps, wrap together common wiring at several points along the cables. You can also use the Velcro straps to bind longer wires in loops. Clutter can result from cords and cables that are extra long and loop out of control behind a desk or entertainment cabinet. By combining common cables and taming wildly looping long wires, you will see much organizational success!

Tips & Warnings

• You can experiment with different styles of labels, using colored labels for extra quick recognition.

• You can also try making a master list on your computer and use a number system for your wire labels. That way it can be easily changed or altered as you upgrade your electronics.

• Always use caution when working around exposed wiring to prevent electrocution.