How to Organize Your Cables and Electronics

Do you have a drawer that looks like this?

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2. Label Everything

The key to staying organized is knowing what everything is at a glance. Labeling your cords and electronics is a simple but highly effective method.

You can use:

• Label makers for sleek, professional labels.

• Colored tape for easy identification (e.g., use one color for power cords, another for data cables).

• Tag-style cable labels that allow you to write directly on them.

By labeling cables and power adapters, you’ll always know what belongs to what, making troubleshooting easier and reducing the chances of unplugging the wrong device.

3. Use Cable Ties and Velcro Straps

Cable ties and Velcro straps are essential tools for organizing cables neatly. They prevent tangles, reduce clutter, and make it easy to bundle up cables that aren’t in use.

• Velcro straps are reusable and adjustable, perfect for power cables, HDMI cords, and other frequently used cables.

• Cable ties can be used for more permanent setups like behind your entertainment center or computer desk.

Tip: Avoid pulling cables too tightly when bundling them—leave some slack to avoid damaging the internal wiring.

4. Invest in a Cable Management Box

Cable management boxes are lifesavers when it comes to hiding messy power strips and excess cable length. These boxes keep everything out of sight and prevent dust buildup around power strips. Many models have slots for cables to exit, so your devices stay plugged in without the clutter of exposed cords.

You can place these boxes:

• Under your desk for your computer and charger cables.
• Behind your TV to contain streaming device power cords and HDMI cables.

• Adhesive hooks are useful for running cables along the back of furniture, keeping them out of sight but easily accessible.

Tip: Use these in combination with Velcro straps to keep your workspace clear of stray cables.

• Cable pouches with mesh pockets are great for travel and home use, making it easy to store extra chargers, headphones, and smaller accessories.

Tip: Store cables in a Ziploc bag or use a twist tie to prevent them from tangling before placing them in the pouch or organizer.

7. Keep Cords Off the Floor

Loose cables lying on the floor not only look messy but can also be a tripping hazard. Use cable trays or under-desk mounts to keep cords off the floor. These trays attach to the underside of your desk and hold cables, power strips, and adapters.

For smaller setups, cord bundlers can be stuck to the back of your desk or furniture, keeping the cables out of sight.

8. Bundle Cables with a Cord Wrap or Sleeve

If you have multiple cables running in the same direction, consider bundling them together with a cord wrap or cable sleeve. These flexible tubes or wraps keep your cables in a single bundle, reducing clutter and making your space look more streamlined.

Cord wraps are perfect for:

• Bundling TV, monitor, and speaker cables behind an entertainment unit.
• Organizing computer and gaming setup cords that lead to a single power source.

9. Organize Electronics in a Drawer or Shelving Unit

If you have a lot of small electronics (chargers, adapters, batteries, etc.), designate a drawer or shelving unit to keep them organized.

Use drawer dividers or stackable bins to sort items by type, ensuring you can quickly find the cable or accessory you need.

For frequently used items, consider open shelving or labeled baskets to make access easy and keep your space tidy.

10. Use a Charging Station

A dedicated charging station can help you manage the growing number of devices you need to charge, from phones to tablets to smartwatches.

Charging stations keep your cords and devices in one place, eliminating the need for multiple power outlets and reducing cable clutter on your desk or counter.

Look for models that:

• Have multiple USB ports.
• Include dividers to hold each device separately.
• Can charge several devices simultaneously.

Bonus Tips

• Hide cords with cord covers: If you can’t avoid running cables across the floor or along the walls, use a cord cover to keep them neat and out of sight.

• Use Bluetooth and wireless devices: Reducing the number of wired devices can dramatically cut down on cable clutter. Where possible, switch to wireless keyboards, mice, and speakers.

Tip: Depending on the model of your smartphone, you can also use a wireless phone charger:

• Store batteries separately: Use a dedicated battery organizer to keep track of different types and sizes of batteries.