Otis Singleton
Messy electrical cords and plugs can be unsightly and even hazardous. To keep them organized, you can use cable management boxes, sleeves, or flexible bundlers to group them together and reduce clutter. You can also install outlets with built-in USB ports or use power strips and surge protectors to keep cords tidy. Additionally, labeling cords and using cable raceways can help keep things organized and safe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cable management boxes | Hide bulky power strips and minimize the look of multiple plugs |
| Cable raceways | Narrow plastic strips with an open channel that adhere to walls, baseboards, and furniture edges to corral cords |
| Cord bundlers | Inexpensive, can be cut to length, hold 6-8 cords, and have pre-cut slits for plugs and connectors |
| Cable ties | Velcro or zippered sleeves that bundle multiple cords together |
| Cable clips | Included in some cable management kits |
| Cable sleeves | Can be cut to fit the desired length |
| Power strips | Help keep cords tidy |
| Built-in USB ports | Eliminate the need for charging bricks |
| Cable management trays | Well-ventilated to prevent electronics from overheating |
| Cable management systems | Divided turntables, bread plastic closures, plastic container storage, etc. |
| Cable storage | Unused drawers, filing cabinets, file boxes, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
- Use cable management boxes, sleeves, or flexible bundlers to group cords together
- Install outlets with built-in USB ports to reduce the need for charging bricks
- Label cords with plastic closures, electrical tape, or a handheld label maker
- Store extra cords in a drawer, filing cabinet, or box, ensuring they're secured and labelled
- Mount power strips inside drawers or cabinets to hide them from view
Use cable management boxes, sleeves, or flexible bundlers to group cords together
Cable management boxes, sleeves, and flexible bundlers are all great ways to group cords together and keep them organised.
Cable management boxes are perfect for hiding bulky power strips and minimising the appearance of multiple plugs. You can place one under your desk or near your TV stand to keep your space looking neat and tidy. They are also useful for temporary holiday decorations, helping to hide unsightly cords.
Cable management sleeves are another effective solution for bundling multiple cords together. The Kootek 118-inch Cable Management Sleeve, for example, uses Velcro to stay tight and can be cut to fit the desired length. The Joto Cable Management Sleeve system, on the other hand, uses zippers to seal cords inside.
Flexible cord bundlers are an inexpensive option that can be cut to the desired length. They typically hold six to eight cords and have pre-cut slits that allow plugs and connectors to be exposed.
In addition to these options, you can also use cable clips, cord ties, or cable wraps to group cords together neatly. These tools help to simplify your cord situation, making your space look tidy and organised.
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Install outlets with built-in USB ports to reduce the need for charging bricks
If you’re installing or replacing an electrical outlet, consider upgrading to one with built-in USB ports. USB ports are the charging connector of choice for most modern laptops, tablets, phones, wireless headphones, and other everyday electronics. By installing outlets with built-in USB ports, you can easily charge these devices in any room of your home without the added clutter of a USB wall charger or charging brick.
USB outlets typically come with one or two USB ports alongside the traditional power sockets. The Leviton T5635, for example, has two USB-C ports and two standard AC outlets. This allows you to charge two devices using USB and two larger appliances using the standard power sockets.
When choosing a USB outlet, consider the types of devices you'll be charging, how many devices you plan to charge simultaneously, and the charging speed requirements for your electronics. USB ports come with different amp ratings, typically ranging from 1.4 to 2 amps. The higher the amp rating, the faster the charging capability. However, the actual charging speed also depends on the outlet's capacity and your device's requirements.
Before installing USB outlets, ensure they are compatible with your home's electrical system. Some older homes, particularly those built before 1940, may have unique challenges. These include shallower outlet boxes that may not accommodate combination USB receptacles, outdated wiring systems, and a lack of proper grounding. Additionally, if you plan to install USB outlets in areas where water may be present, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas, consult an electrician as many USB outlets lack GFCI protection, which is required in these locations.
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Label cords with plastic closures, electrical tape, or a handheld label maker
Labelling cords is a great way to keep your cables organised. It can be frustrating to dig through a pile of tangled wires, trying to find the right one. Labelling makes it easier to identify and retrieve the right cord when you need it.
You can use plastic closures, such as bread bag tabs, to label your cords. Write on the plastic tab with a permanent marker, then tape over it to ensure the label doesn't rub off. You can also use electrical tape to label cords, especially if you want to colour-code them. For example, you could use different colours to differentiate between different types of cords or devices.
If you have a handheld label maker, you can use that to create labels for all your cables, cords, plug-in adapters, and transformers. Type out the item name or model twice, leaving three to four spaces between, then print. Fold the label in half, remove the liner, and place the end of the cord in the crease. Fold the label over so that the two halves stick back-to-back. If you have multiple devices from the same brand, you can add a second label with the user's name to differentiate between them.
In addition to labelling, there are other ways to organise your cords. You can use cable ties, cable sleeves, cable management boxes, or flexible cord bundlers to keep your cords together and reduce tangling. You can also install outlets with built-in USB ports to eliminate the need for charging bricks.
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Store extra cords in a drawer, filing cabinet, or box, ensuring they're secured and labelled
Keeping your home or workspace tidy and organised is important, and electrical cords and plugs can quickly become an unsightly mess. A great way to keep things neat and ensure you know where everything is, is to store extra cords in a drawer, filing cabinet, or box.
Firstly, gather all your extra cords and roll them up, ensuring they are not wound too tightly. This is important, as repeatedly winding cords too tightly can cause them to break or fray. You can use cable ties, reusable Velcro ties, or even painter's tape to secure them in a neat roll. It is also a good idea to label the cords, so you know what they are for and which device they belong to. You can use a label maker, or simply write on a piece of tape with a permanent marker. If you are using a drawer or filing cabinet, you can use file folders or separators to keep the cords organised and easy to find.
Using a box to store your cords is another great option, especially if you don't have a spare drawer or cabinet. A decorative box or basket can be placed on a shelf or in a cupboard, keeping the cords out of sight but still easily accessible. You can also purchase cable management boxes, which are designed to hide power strips and multiple plugs, reducing visual clutter.
If you have a lot of cords, it can be helpful to categorise them. For example, you could have one section for USB-to-iPhone cords, another for other small cords like iPad or headphone cords, and another for power bricks. This will make it easier to find the cord you need when you need it.
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Mount power strips inside drawers or cabinets to hide them from view
Keeping your space free from messy electrical cords and plugs can be a challenge, but there are some effective ways to tackle this. One of the best ways to hide power strips is to mount them inside drawers or cabinets. This keeps them out of sight while still providing easy access to power. Here are some steps to effectively mount power strips in these spaces:
Firstly, select a suitable drawer or cabinet near an outlet to mount your power strip. This could be a desk drawer or a bedside table drawer, for instance. If there is a gap between the back of the drawer and the furniture, you can simply set the power strip there and run the cable down through the gap and out the back. If there is no gap, you will need to drill a hole in the back of the drawer to feed the cords through. Ensure the back of the furniture is facing the wall to keep the cords discreet.
If you are using a cabinet, you can undermount power strips below it, keeping them hidden from view. You can also opt for thin-angled power strips, pop-down outlets, or plug moulds, which are designed to be hidden underneath. These come in a variety of colours and options, including USB charging and light switches.
Another option is to use adhesive command strips to stick the power strip to the underside of your desk or inside a cabinet. This method keeps the power strip secure and hidden.
To maintain a tidy space, it is recommended to use shorter cables to prevent excessive bundling and sagging. You can also use cable management boxes, cable clips, or cable sleeves to neatly bundle multiple cords together. These solutions are cost-effective and help to create a streamlined, organised space.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to keep your electrical cords and plugs organized. You can use cable ties, cable sleeves, cable management boxes, or flexible cord bundlers to keep them together and tidy.
You can hide electrical cords and plugs by mounting the power strip inside a drawer or cabinet. You can also use cable raceways, which are narrow plastic strips that adhere to walls and furniture edges to conceal cords.
Extension cords can be looped onto a wall-mounted rack or towel bar in a storage area such as a basement, garage, or shed.
You can use plastic closures, such as bread bag tabs, and label them with a permanent marker. You can also use a handheld electric label maker to create labels for all your cords, plugs, and adapters.
You can roll up extra cords and secure them with ties and labels. Then, store them in a large drawer, filing cabinet, or file box, using folders or separators to keep them organized.
