7 Ways to Organize Your Cords and Simplify Your Digital Life

The easiest way to cut down on cord confusion is to label them properly. With so many lookalike cables, it’s all too easy to grab the wrong one or forget which cord belongs to a specific device. A few simple labeling methods can make all the difference:

• Color-coded labels: Assign a different color to each type of cable (e.g., blue for phone chargers, red for laptop adapters). You can use colored electrical tape, cable tags or pre-made label stickers.
• Printable or handwritten tags: Use a label maker or write on small pieces of masking tape to mark each cord with its purpose (e.g., “Living Room TV” or “Work Laptop Charger”). Label both ends for even easier identification.
• Heat shrink tubing: For a more permanent solution, slip heat shrink tubing onto the cord and use a heat gun to secure it in place. This works especially well for household cables that don’t need to be swapped frequently.
• Digital inventory: Keep a simple list on your phone or computer, noting which cords belong to which devices (pictures are particularly handy).
• Plastic bags: If you have a bunch of rarely used or duplicate cables you’ve stashed in bins and drawers around the house, consider placing them in plastic bags with a sticky note or piece of paper inside that describes what they’re for.

Cords have a way of tangling themselves into an unmanageable mess, especially when multiple devices share the same space. Instead of letting them take over your desk, nightstand or entertainment center, invest in cable organizers to keep them neatly contained. Here are some options we recommend:

• Cable sleeves: A zip-up or Velcro cable sleeve gathers multiple cords into one streamlined bundle, keeping your workspace tidy.
• Velcro ties or twist ties: Use reusable Velcro strips or simple twist ties to keep excess cord length from sprawling everywhere. These are great for bundling long cables behind desks or entertainment centers.
• Cable clips and under-desk trays: Attach adhesive cable clips to desks or walls to keep frequently used cables within reach without cluttering the surface. For a cleaner look, an under-desk tray hides power strips and cables out of sight.
• Charging stations: Instead of letting chargers and cables pile up on tables or countertops, use a charging dock with built-in slots for phones, tablets and smartwatches. Some even have hidden compartments to store excess cable length.
• Cord winders: For headphones, laptop chargers or travel cables, retractable cord winders help keep them from getting tangled in bags or drawers.

Chargers, adapters and accessories tend to accumulate in random places — one in the kitchen, another in the living room and several lost somewhere in a drawer. Creating designated storage spaces for these items ensures they’re always easy to find when needed.

• Small storage bins or drawer dividers: Use labeled containers or drawer organizers to separate different types of cables and chargers. This prevents them from becoming a jumbled mess in a single drawer.
• Travel-friendly cases: Repurpose an old glasses case or a zippered pouch to keep travel chargers and cables neatly stored in your bag. Keeping a dedicated case for travel tech essentials prevents last-minute scrambling before a trip.
• Hanging organizers: Over-the-door shoe organizers or small hanging pouches can be repurposed to hold cords, power banks, and other accessories. This is a great solution for keeping everything visible and within reach.
• Magnetic or wall-mounted storage: A magnetic strip or pegboard near your desk can hold charging cables and accessories in an organized way, making them accessible but out of the way.

A cluttered countertop or desk covered in tangled charging cables and scattered devices can make any space feel chaotic. Creating a designated, discreet charging zone keeps everything in one place while maintaining a clean and organized look.

One of the best options to streamline your chargers is to put everything in a “charging drawer.” In other words, convert an empty drawer into a hidden charging station by running a power strip inside and using cable clips to route cords neatly. This keeps devices like phones, tablets and wireless headphones charged without adding to visual clutter.

You can also opt for furniture with built-in charging. Many modern nightstands, desks and console tables come with built-in USB ports or wireless charging pads, allowing you to keep devices charged while blending seamlessly with your decor.

If you want to hide unsightly cords near your work desk or an area where you don’t have a spare drawer, utilize a cable box or docking station, both of which can keep everything out of sight and organized. In small spaces, a floating shelf near an outlet can also serve as a discreet charging hub for everyday devices.

Old phones, extra monitors and outdated gaming consoles can quickly pile up, turning into unnecessary clutter. Instead of letting unused electronics take up valuable space, take the time to sort through them and decide what’s worth keeping. 

If a device hasn’t been used in over a year, it may be time to donate or recycle it. Many retailers even offer trade-in programs for older electronics, making it easy to clear out items while getting something in return. If your item is in good condition, you can also sell it on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or eBay — just make sure you’re following best practices when listing your item.

For the devices you do want to keep, organization is key. Store them in labeled, dust-free containers and make sure to wrap cords separately to avoid confusion when retrieving them later. Clear plastic bins with anti-static padding are especially useful for protecting small electronics like cameras, external hard drives and gaming accessories. Avoid putting your electronics in areas like the attic or basement, where temperatures and humidity levels can fluctuate dramatically throughout the seasons.

If you have larger electronics such as extra TVs, computer monitors or sound systems that you don’t need every day but are still valuable, long-term storage may be the best solution. In this case, choose a climate-controlled storage unit that can prevent any damage like internal corrosion and screen warping as a result of temperature fluctuations and humidity.

Unlike smaller gadgets that can be tucked away in bins, these devices require careful packing and care to ensure they stay in mint condition until the next time you need them. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Use original boxes if available: The best way to store monitors and TVs is in their original packaging, as they are designed to protect screens and internal parts. If the original box isn’t available, use sturdy boxes with ample padding.
• Wrap screens with soft padding: To prevent scratches and cracks, cover screens with microfiber cloths, anti-static bubble packs or moving blankets. Avoid using plastic wrap directly on screens, as it can trap moisture.
• Store devices upright: Unlike mattresses, lay TVs and monitors vertically, not flat, to prevent pressure damage to the screen. Secure them between soft padding or place them against a wall with minimal weight leaning on them.
• Keep cords and accessories together: Store power cables, remotes and mounting brackets in labeled bags or small boxes near the device they belong to so you avoid misplacing them.
• Avoid stacking heavy items on top: Even if a TV or monitor is well-padded, stacking other items on top can break the screen or lead to internal cracking over time.

When you need a specific charger, adapter or device, the last thing you want is to dig through drawers, bins and storage boxes trying to find it. Keeping an inventory of your electronics and cords — whether they’re stored at home or in a self-storage unit — makes retrieval quick and hassle-free.

A simple digital list can help you track what you have and where it’s stored. You don’t need anything complicated: just a basic spreadsheet, a note-taking app or even a shared document that you can access from your phone. Create categories for different types of items, such as charging cables, entertainment devices, work equipment and gaming accessories. Under each category, note the specific item, its brand or model, and its storage location, whether that’s a labeled bin in your closet, a dedicated drawer in your home office, or a self-storage unit.

For cords and smaller accessories, adding extra details — such as the type of connector (USB-C, lightning, HDMI) or what device it belongs to — will save time when you need a replacement or backup. If you store electronics in a self-storage unit, include a section in your list for any protective measures you’ve taken, such as anti-static bags or climate-controlled storage. Taking photos of labeled bins or storage areas can also serve as a quick visual reference.

Ready to find a storage unit for your cords and electronics? Use our Storage Locator to find a facility near you. For more tips on organizing items in your home or storage unit, head to the SmartStop blog.