Organizing electrical and electronic components at home requires a systematic approach to prevent clutter and make it easy to find what you need. Start by sorting, then focus on containment, and finish with a labeling system.
1. Wires and Chargers
The most common source of electronic clutter is tangled wires and mismatched chargers.
- Declutter first. Gather all your cables and chargers from around the house. Discard any for devices you no longer own. For the rest, coil each cable neatly and secure it with a Velcro cable tie, a zip tie, or even a bread bag tag.
- Create a charging station. Designate a single location, like a drawer or a box, for charging devices. Use a multi-port charging station or a power strip to reduce the number of wall adapters you need. A cable management box is a great way to hide the power strip and all the associated cords, creating a clean, minimalist look.
- Label everything. This is crucial. Use a label maker, colored electrical tape, or small paper tags to label each end of the cable with its purpose (e.g., “Phone Charger,” “Laptop”). This prevents you from having to trace a wire back to its source every time you need to unplug something.
- Control the mess behind the TV or desk. Use adhesive cable clips to route wires along the back of furniture or a wall. For a tidier look, bundle multiple cables together with a cable sleeve or raceway to create one single, thick wire.
2. Small Components and Parts
For hobbyists or anyone with a collection of small parts like resistors, screws, LEDs, and circuit boards, specialized storage is key.
- Sort and categorize. Begin by sorting components by type (e.g., resistors, capacitors, LEDs, wires, connectors). This makes it easier to find what you need.
- Use multi-drawer cabinets. These are the gold standard for small-part organization. They come in various sizes and have clear, pull-out drawers that are perfect for holding different components.
- Repurpose everyday items. You don’t have to buy dedicated storage. Tackle boxes are excellent for their multiple compartments and portability. Clear plastic pill organizers can be used for very small parts, and Altoids tins are great for storing small, loose screws or washers.
- Label your drawers and bins. Write the name of the component, its value, or a brief description on the outside of each drawer. This saves a lot of time and frustration.
3. Larger Electronics and Appliances
For items like power tools, spare routers, or speakers, a different storage approach is needed.
- Shelving and cabinets. Use dedicated shelves or cabinets in a garage, a closet, or a basement. A wall-mounted pegboard is a great solution for hanging tools and other larger items.
- Contain with clear bins. For items that don’t hang well, use clear, stackable plastic bins. This allows you to see the contents without having to open every box. Label the bins with a simple, broad description (e.g., “Computer Parts,” “Audio Cables”).
- Store in a cool, dry place. Ensure that all electronics are stored in an environment that is not subject to extreme temperatures or humidity, as this can damage them over time.
Organizing electrical items, electronics, wires, and chargers can feel like a daunting task, but a systematic approach can make a huge difference in reducing clutter and frustration. Here’s a breakdown of how to tackle the job, including tips for other items like metal and iron.
1. The Core Principles for Electrical and Electronic Clutter
A. Declutter First: This is the most important step. Gather all your loose cables, chargers, and small electronics from around the house. You’ll be surprised at how many you find. Then, sort them into three piles:
- Keep: Cables and chargers for devices you currently use.
- Donate/Recycle: Cords for old or broken devices you no longer own. Many electronics stores or local recycling centers have e-waste disposal programs. Don’t just throw them in the trash!
- Uncertain: Cables you can’t identify. If you haven’t used it in a year or more, and don’t know what it’s for, it’s likely safe to get rid of.
B. Label Everything: Once you’ve decided what to keep, labeling is the key to long-term organization. You can use:
- A label maker: The most durable and professional-looking option.
- Colored electrical tape or washi tape: Wrap a small piece around each end of the cable.
- Bread tags or paper tags: Write on them with a permanent marker and attach them to the cable.
- Label both ends: Labeling the end of the cable that plugs into the device and the end that plugs into the wall helps you easily identify what you’re unplugging without having to trace the entire cord.
C. Contain and Secure Wires: Loose, tangled cables are the main source of clutter. Use a variety of tools to keep them neat:
- Velcro cable ties: Reusable and adjustable, these are great for bundling cables you frequently move.
- Zip ties: A more permanent solution for cables that stay put, such as those behind a TV stand or computer desk. Be careful not to overtighten them.
- Cable sleeves: These flexible tubes zip or wrap around multiple cables to create a single, neat bundle.
- Binder clips: A cheap and effective DIY solution. Clip them to the edge of your desk and feed the cable through the metal loop to prevent it from falling to the floor.
2. Organizing for Different Areas of the Home
A. The Charging Station: Instead of having chargers scattered everywhere, create a central charging station.
- Cable management box: These decorative boxes are designed to hide power strips and all the bulky cords that come with them. You simply feed the cables through small holes in the box.
- Multi-device charging station: A docking station with designated slots for phones, tablets, and smartwatches can keep all your devices and their cords in one place.
- Drawer organizers: Use a cutlery tray or a small plastic organizer with compartments inside a drawer to keep each charger and its cable separated.
B. The Entertainment Center / Desk: This is often the most challenging area due to the sheer number of cords.
- Under-desk cable management tray: Mount a basket or tray under your desk to hold power strips and excess cable slack. This keeps cords off the floor and out of sight.
- Adhesive cable clips: Stick these to the back of your desk or along the baseboards to guide and secure cables.
- Wall-mounted raceways: For a very clean look, use a cord cover or raceway to hide cables running down a wall. These can often be painted to match your wall color.
C. The “Junk Drawer” (or a dedicated bin): For cables and chargers you don’t use every day, create a storage system.
- Toilet paper or paper towel rolls: A classic DIY hack. Coil a cable and slide it into a cardboard tube. You can write the name of the cable on the outside.
- Plastic shoe boxes or clear bins: Use separate containers for different types of cables (e.g., HDMI, USB, audio cables).
- Small plastic bags: Put each coiled and labeled cable in its own Ziploc bag to prevent it from tangling with others.
3. Organizing Iron, Steel, and Other Items
The principles of decluttering, containing, and categorizing apply here too.
- Tools and hardware:
- Pegboards: Perfect for hanging tools, hardware, and other metal items. You can easily see everything at a glance.
- Magnetic strips: Mount a magnetic strip on a wall or inside a drawer to hold small metal tools like screwdrivers, wrenches, and drill bits.
- Stackable bins with labels: Sort screws, nails, washers, and other small items by type and size into clear, stackable bins.
- Kitchenware and appliances:
- Pot racks: Hang iron or steel pots and pans from an overhead rack to save cabinet space and make them a visual feature.
- Drawer dividers: Use dividers in your utensil drawer to keep steel cutlery, can openers, and other kitchen gadgets from getting jumbled.
- General items:
- Decorative boxes or baskets: Use these for items you want to keep out of sight but within easy reach. For example, a decorative metal box can hold extra batteries or spare keys.
- Wall hooks or racks: For items like brooms, mops, or large outdoor tools, a wall-mounted rack is a simple and effective way to get them off the floor.
