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Organizing Electrical Cords

Storing appliance cords in toilet paper tubes to keep from tangling.Cords for small appliances, chargers for batteries or electronics, media and computer cords can become tangled and easily misplaced. This is a guide about organizing electrical cords.
     

Solutions: Organizing Electrical Cords

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Mark the "Up" Side on Electrical Plugs

Do you have cords to plug into an outlet and are always trying to plug it in upside down, because of one prong being wider than the other? In the correct position, put a dab of white out (liquid or tape) on a dark-colored plug or draw a black spot with a permanent marker on a light-colored or white plug. I always do a tiny heart. Sure has made my life easier - sometimes it's the little things!

By Vicky from Central KY

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Use Old Cassette Cases to Organize Cords

Cords in Cassette CaseI have a lot of cords laying around ,so I decided to roll them up and put them into some old cassette cases we had around. It makes them easier to store and find. Great for earphones, phone cords etc. It also keeps them from tangling.

By coville123 from Brockville, Ontario

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Organizing Electrical Cords

Take empty toilet tissue or paper towel cardboards and use them to store extension cords, Christmas string lights, or any cords in them. They work great.

By Patricia G. from Brewton, AL

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Store Cords in Toilet Paper Rolls

Another use for a paper towel cardboard holder is to put your appliance cords in them. Even if the cord doesn't disconnect from the appliance, it will protect the cord and keep it from getting tangled in the drawer.

By webduck from Port Orchard, WA

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Mark One Side of Electric Plug

Add a dash of White Out to a black electric plug or a black marker to a white plug, and you will always know the correct side to stick it into the wall outlet.

By Tarlo from Trinity, FL

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Organizing Electrical Cords on Small Appliances

Tired of your electrical cords getting tangled, like your curling iron hairdryer or other bathroom apparatus with a cord? Save the cardboard holders from the toilet paper tube and insert cord into empty cardboard tube place on shelf or wherever. No more tangles of cords! This is better for the appliance also.

By Paula from Lexington, KY

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Organizing Computer Cords

Tired of getting all of those computer cords that come out of the computer mixed up, one for the phone, one for the camera and more? I seem to always have one or two labels left on a sheet of labels; I take these single labels and fold them in half over the cord close to the end that goes into my device (camera,etc.) and label it. At my computer I have put a cup hook right above the computer under the desk top and the ends of those cords lay in that hook right in easy reach, labeled for me to get easily.

I also make a bright dot of fingernail polish on the front side of the plug so I know I am starting the cord correctly into my device. If you have ever broken the pegs off in your camera or computer and had to have it repaired you will understand why.

I do the same with electric appliances, put a dot on the top side since there is only one way the cord will go in the outlet, saves me having to turn it over.

To save batteries on my camera I found it has a sound telling me when my pictures are deleted after transfer. I was constantly forgetting the camera was still on and getting so involved in the pictures that I was running batteries down. You might want to check yours.

By latrtatr from Loup City, NE

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Disguising WiFi Box and All Wires

I watch TV from my chair and seethe at the constant blinking WiFi box. I hate all those wires too. Recently I restored a fabric covered storage cube. It is the fourth of a set, three of which are now under my kitchen sink. It has been sitting in front of me waiting for me to find tape to secure the bottom.

Suddenly last night, everything came together. I popped the box, without a bottom over the WiFi and tucked all the nasty wires inside. Now I have a decorative cube near my TV, which by fortunate coincidence is colour coordinated with the tables in the rest of the room.

Wow, do I feel good about this. I am going to do something similar with all the other obnoxious wires we have to live with, under my desk for all the computer spaghetti.

By Joan from France

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Organizing Cords

Have lots of cords for your electronic devices, computer equipment, etc. and constantly forgetting which cord goes to what? I was until I came up with this simple solution.

I take the stick on labels that they sell to label your files with. Very inexpensive and easy to work with. I write what the cord is for on a small piece of the label, cover the label with tape. I use the clear plastic packaging tape because it's bigger and also sturdier--- and fold it over and secure it onto the end of the cord that plugs into the wall.

To make it easier, I use bright green ones for all my computer cords. Also, to make it easier to break down and re-plug in everything on the back of my computer tower, I put a label on the end of the cord that plugs into the tower, plus one on the other end that plugs into the device, and one on the tower itself and on the device where the cord goes in, plus a 4th label identifying what the cord goes to. All 4 of these are labeled with a number. This way, when I go to re-plug everything in, I know what cord goes to what and how and where to plug everything back in.

It used to be really frustrating for me whenever I had to take the tower in for repair or whatever, but now it only takes my a couple of minutes to set everything back up again when I get it home!

By Cricketnc from Parkton, NC

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Use Colored Price Stickers to Mark Accessory Cords

I found an inexpensive way to mark the multitude of wires behind my computer. I had read about using colored tape at each end of the cords, to trace which plug belongs to which accessory (printer, modem, etc) but I didn't want to go out and buy several different colors of tape.

So I used the small round colored pricing stickers I had left over from my last yard sale. I wrapped matching colored stickers around each end of each peripheral that I needed to identify.

Even if you don't have the stickers, buying a pack of them for about $2 is a lot cheaper than buying 4 or 5 rolls of tape to use a few inches of each!

The same method could be used for TV/Home theater systems with surround sound, DVD and cable box setups.

If you have more items than colors, you can use two or three color combos when you run out of different colors.

By Mary T

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Label Your Cords to Prevent Pulling Out Wrong Ones

Behind my entertainment center you will find a variety of cords running to power bars. Pulling the wrong one when changing something can start a chain reaction of having to reset everything.

I use labels of any kind or masking tape to write big on it and label the end of the cord. I usually put the label about 3 inches before the power bar so I can read what it is I am searching for. It saves so many headaches and time undoing mistakes!

By Joyce from Benson, MN

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Preventing Tangled Cords

I found a great tip to keep computer cords or any cords organized. Hook a bread tag to each cord and label what cord it is. This will keep you out of a tangled mess of all those computer cords we have!

Source: mrsjanuary.com

By coville123 from Brockville

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Organizing Extension Cords and Other Wires

I bought a 50 cent tin to match the decor of the room and cut a square hole in the back. We pushed all the phone cord and extra computer line through, hooked it all up, put the lid on the tin and now all the mess is "contained". I do have to dust the tin once a while.This looks great and could be done in any room or even on the floor.

By kurtzfolk from Van Wert, OH

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Store Electronic Chargers In Ziplock Bags

I have 5 chargers for my electronics. I keep from getting them mixed up and tangled up by sticking them in their very own ziplock. The quart size is perfect. I put on the front in marker what device the charger is for and they get stored nice and neat in my desk. You can also put the handbook in there if you need to.

By Debradj from IL

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Labeling Small Appliance Cords

This is more of a time saver, but sometimes saving times saves money. Anyway if you have several small appliances sharing an outlet in the kitchen like I do, just use a permanent marker to label which cord prong goes to what for example: can opener, blender, toaster etc. then no more guessing which one to plug in.

By Melanie
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Store Kitchen Appliance Cords in a Coffee Can

I have various electrical appliances with detachable electrical cords. I didn't really like storing the cords inside the appliances because of scratching and didn't like them lying around in my cupboards or drawers. So, I was looking at this pile of electrical cords and was trying to come up with something to store them in. I had just finished off my coffee and had an empty container sitting there. The lightbulb went off! I cleaned out the container and put all the electrical cords inside. I wrote "electrical cords" on the outside of the container and now whenever I am using my rice cooker, one of my electric skillet, my fry daddy, etc.; I just pull out the container and get the appropriate cord and plug in my appliance.

This way the inside of my appliances don't get scratched, the cords are not laying around in my cupboards or drawers, and there is one less coffee can in the landfills. Plus, I don't worry about my toddler getting the cords and hurting himself with the pokey ends. It works for me, maybe this could work for you.

Source: Me, myself and I.

By kurlyque from Northern California
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Keeping Track of AC Adapters

All of my AC adapters are black and all belong to different items. I purchased a white permanent marker and wrote on each one (i.e. cell phone). Then I used Velcro strips to secure the cords and store them all in a storage container that I got at a yard sale. They're on my list each time I go to get one. Big money saver. Now, I'm not guessing which goes to what, they're organized in one place and in a Thrifty container.

By keeper60 from NC

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Keep Electrical Cords From Tangling

Tired of your electrical cords getting tangled, like your curling iron hairdryer or other bathroom apparatus with a cord? Save the cardboard holders from the toilet paper tube and insert cord into empty cardboard tube place on shelf or wherever. No more tangles of cords! This is better for the appliance also.

By Paula from Lexington, KY

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Recharger Cord Labeling

We all have those "rechargeable" appliances. Sometimes the cords all look the same. I could not match up cords to appliances when we relocated. Not only was it frustrating to match, but also time consuming and expensive to replace. There was also to fear that the wrong charger would damage the appliance. To solve that problem, I add a "tape label", duct tape folded over the cord and the name of the appliance written in permanent marker on the tape or use a silver permanent marker to write on the plug if there's room. as soon as I remove the item from the box. No more mismatched cords.

By Gena from Elkview, WV
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Cord Maintenance

Do you have any electrical cords hanging around your house and you don't know how to keep them neat? Fold them up and insert them into an empty toilet paper tube, then store them in the utility drawer.

By Spooky J from Fitzroy Harbour, Canada

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Use Hair Bands to Secure Electrical Cords

Wrap up excess electrical cord and use a hair band (thread covered rubber band) to keep in place. It keeps it neat and out of the way.

By Jamish from Ransom, KS
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Mark Electronic Cords When Moving

When moving electronics, I find it helpful to mark my cords so that when I am ready to set them back up, the cords are not a tangled puzzle. I mark each cord with a different colored dot of nail polish. Then, I mark where it plugs into with a dot of the same color. This makes setting them back up a breeze - even if just moving a TV and VCR from one room to another.

By April from NW, MO

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Keeping Cords Under Control

My pet peeve is the cords hanging behind my TV or an open table. Recently we had some problems with a bad cord and had problems making them all neat and out of the way.

I went to my kitchen to get a zip tie and found the child safety lock used to put 2 cabinet doors together and keep the baby from opening the cabinets. The long plastic slider was perfect to put a group of cords together and then snap close the ends. I rolled the cords up, fastened each with a zip tie then slid them on to the safety latch. Then I was able to hang the safety latch on the back of the table. This can be opened easily to replace or remove cords and closed again to keep them neatly and out of the way, out of site.

By susan

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Questions

Here are questions related to Organizing Electrical Cords.
Hiding Electrical Cord Clutter

Does anyone have a nice way to hide all the electric cords behind the TV?

Thank you.

By Daniel from Ontario

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Most Recent Answer

By duanedv10/18/2009

The best method is looping then into a loose 'figure 8' which you can them zip tie into a bundle. DON'T make them into coils as that has the chance of generating a magnetic field. I had a problem with my vcr that would get wavy lines in anything I recorded but worked perfectly at the repair shop. The guy asked how I had the excess wire arranged and when I told him I had 'looped' them in a circle, he told me to 'figure 8' them . I did and the problem disappeared!

Archives

Toilet Paper Tubes for Electrical Cords

I use toilet paper rolls to slide in electrical cords so they aren't messy in my junk drawer. Everyone has a junk drawer so why not make it a tidy drawer!

By Glenda from Coldwater Michigan

Answers:
RE: Toilet Paper Tubes for Electrical Cords 02/03/2006
I also write the length of the extension cord on the roll.
By wallflower


Toilet Paper Tubes for Electrical Cords

I take empty toilet paper rolls and cover them with wall paper samples to make "covers" for the cords on our small appliances. If you go to the wall paper stores and ask if they have outdated wall paper sample books, they most likely will give you a few, for free.

By Great Granny Vi from Moorpark,CA


RE: Toilet Paper Tubes for Electrical Cords

That is a terrific idea! And also a great crafting projects for kids and their bedrooms (all their electronics). I hate cords being seen, but if they were decorated with paint, buttons, whatever decor, it wouldn't be such an eye sore. Thanks for giving me an extended idea for a long time problem. Saffy (03/06/2006)

By saffy

RE: Toilet Paper Tubes for Electrical Cords

That's a great idea. I would've never guessed that it was a toilet paper roll! Great job recycling also! (06/06/2006)

By luv2craft

RE: Toilet Paper Tubes for Electrical Cords

Pretty and cool ideas too (06/06/2006)

By dsbaby14

RE: Toilet Paper Tubes for Electrical Cords

Do not leave the paper covers on the cord while an appliance is being used. Coiled cords heat up and the paper could act as an insulator holding the heat in and causing a fire. It is a wonderful idea though for storing cords. Be Safe. (06/06/2006)

By FireMarshal Bill

RE: Toilet Paper Tubes for Electrical Cords

OK, however, I would take the paper off a new roll and do this, not a roll used in bathroom. (06/06/2006)

By meoowmom


Store Cords in Toilet Paper Rolls

Store Cords In Toilet Paper Rolls
Store Cords In Toilet Paper Rolls
When storing those extra extension cords, just fold them several times and insert each one into an empty toilet paper roll. You can also use the toilet paper rolls for the cords on your irons, lamps, etc.

By Carol from Spring Hill, FL


RE: Store Cords In Toilet Paper Rolls

Nifty idea. I too have done this for years. (01/08/2009)

By LITTLE SUZY

RE: Store Cords in Toilet Paper Rolls

Great idea. Thanks for sharing! (01/08/2009)

By Maryeileen

RE: Store Cords in Toilet Paper Rolls

I have been doing this for years and love it. (01/08/2009)

By Biblequest

RE: Store Cords in Toilet Paper Rolls

I use the new silicon baking sheets. When they are washed and dried, I roll them up and stick them in either toilet roll or paper towel rolls. The sheets flatten right out, they don't hold the roll so this is a great way to store them. I have also used the toilet rolls for wrapping gifts. You can put tissue paper on them and twist the ends, put on ribbon and they look like candy pieces, large ones! (01/09/2009)

By MsWolfe

RE: Store Cords in Toilet Paper Rolls

I always used rubber bands which would dry out and break eventually. This is a great idea! (01/13/2009)

By Lynn


Organizing Extension Cords and Other Wires

Tips for preventing extra cords and wires from becoming a tangled mess. Post your ideas.


RE: Organizing Extension Cords and Other Wires

I use an empty toilet paper tube to enclose a coiled extension cord or a long appliance cord. It shortens it while plugged in and keeps it tidy. (12/09/2004)

By Katie A.

RE: Organizing Extension Cords and Other Wires

I'm an old guitar picker, and as such we always had a lot of cords which HAD to be kept untangled. Mic cords, extension cords, speaker cable, etc. What we did is take one end of the cord in one hand, crook the elbow to about a 90 degrees, then wind the cord between hand and elbow until it was a nice, tight roll. Tie it off with the last end of the cable itself, and toss it into the case with all the rest of your cables. Next gig we didn't have to untangle all that mess. (12/10/2004)

By Alph

Storing Extension Cords

Use a toilet paper center cardboard tube to store your extension cords - you can write on the tube so you know what's inside. Keeps your wires neat. By tandek589 (03/01/2005)

By ThriftyFun

RE: Organizing Extension Cords and Other Wires

I saw this on another post and here's the short version of what I said there. I did this as well, used the cardboard roll. Until my father-in-law, a certified master Electrician, told me that it was a major fire hazard of which he knew personally had cost human lives. He said it's the equivalent of putting kindling on a flame if the cord should spark. I now use a twist tie from the bread bag. Please be safe and consider what I've said. Nothing can replace a life once taken, but a little thought can prevent it all together. (03/01/2005)

By Suzanne S.

RE: Organizing Extension Cords and Other Wires

All you need is to get a pack of zip ties. They should be in the hardware section of a place like Wal-mart. They look kinda like clear plastic twist ties. Work great and are cheap! My husband is a computer tech and always uses them. (03/01/2005)

By Becky

RE: Organizing Extension Cords and Other Wires

Rubber Bands work very well too. They are cheap, flexible, handy ,easy to store and easy to replace. (03/15/2005)

By darween

RE: Organizing Extension Cords and Other Wires

Use velcro strips, the stick on kind. Stick a strip of the hook side to a strip of a loop side, sticky sides together, cut the strips the same length that will be long enough to go around your cords. Then roll up the cords and wrap the velcro around them and stick the velcro end on to the other side hooking it together. This also works well for hooking a cord to a microphone stand, etc.(04/30/2005)

By suzq

RE: Organizing Extension Cords and Other Wires

One of the best ways I found to fix the cord mess is at Home Depot. For $1.99, you can get this cute little plastic gripper thing that adjusts to all different sizes and holds things perfectly. If you don't want to spend the money, then just turn to the good old fashioned shoe lace from a pair of old shoes. Fold your cord up however long you want it, and then wrap the shoelace around it a few times and then tie it off (08/08/2005)

By Annette

RE: Organizing Extension Cords and Other Wires

I have found the easiest way to store these are to buy those pony tail holders from the dollar store and use them like you would a rubber band. Rubber bands tend to break easily and they rot from heat and use. The pony tail holders last forever. (08/19/2005)

By Sandy P.

RE: Organizing Extension Cords and Other Wires

Based on a previous tip via a google search I coiled my 100 foot cord into a 5 gallon bucket, with the male end in first sticking out about 3 feet so I can plug it into the wall. Then I just pull out as much female end as I need. This particular cord was getting severely tangled every time I wanted to use it so I'm pretty stoked on this idea. I have seen some people wrap long cords up with these braided loop type constructs that can be de-looped as needed, but I can't figure out how to do it. (06/09/2007)

By Stu

RE: Organizing Extension Cords and Other Wires

There's a gadget I found at a site cablecordorganizer or organizedcablecord. I think they're better than clamps or other things that you wrap cords around. You wrap the excess cord around the gadget - the cord stays in place with a clever flap that folds down around the wrapped up cord. Works great! There's one for small cords too which I use on my mouse cord at home. I never tried using it on an extension cord - but I'm sure it would work on a thin, light duty extension cord. Maybe not on a heavy duty thick one. (10/04/2007)

By Steve

RE: Organizing Extension Cords and Other Wires

I use twisty-ties and when storing I also use baggies. For cords that I need for computer related items, I bought an over the door hanger (plastic) with clear pockets. This holds my USB cords for camcorder, camera, son's toys, mp3/ mp4 players, etc. I put these in baggies and then the holder and also label with a sticker attached to the cord - this makes it much easier to identify what equipment the cord is supposed to go to. (01/05/2008)

By Gina T.


Organize Cords

Does anyone have any suggestions for how to keep cords organized so you can use them, then roll them up and store them for quick reuse?

Ward from Ontario, Canada


RE: Organize Cords

Use empty toilet paper roll to store appliance cords. It keeps them neat and you can write on the roll what appliance it belongs to. Hope this helps (02/11/2005)

By mncrystalina

RE: Organize Cords

I use empty toilet paper tubes. They're small enough to put in a shoe box for storage. What I do is label the roll (i.e. extension 2ft, phone cord, etc.) then I stuff it in then store in the shoebox. (02/11/2005)

By pilar1

RE: Organize Cords

I put computer cords that I connected to a stip plug into a basket on the floor under the computer desk. It is neater than the cords just lying loose. (02/13/2005)

By Joan Cooper

RE: Organize Cords

A good ole elastic band works too. However I do use the toilet paper/paper towel rolls too, that way I can write on it, what it is and which appliance it is used for. (02/13/2005)

RE: Organize Cords

I coil up my cords and hang them on nails inside my linen closet. (02/14/2005)

RE: Organize Cords

Twisty ties! (you get a bunch when you buy trash bags) If the cord is too long (ie. from computer to wall outlet) then bunch it up accordian style then wrap a twisty tie around it. You wont have excess amount of cords cluttered around your PCU! This works for phone cords, TV's, fans, etc! (02/15/2005)

By KristaLove

RE: Organize Cords

I wrap them like a figure 8 and put a rubber band around them, then I put them in separate bags, like what you get from Wal-mart, grocery where ever. I then put them in an old duffle bag. kn (03/11/2005)

By KAY N

RE: Organize Cords

Contact "Cable Clamp" on the Internet. They have the best answer to cable storage. (03/15/2005)

By Doyle

RE: Organize Cords

Hair clamps. They're available at dollar stores in various styles and sizes. I've been buying them to keep cords organized. Or you may already have some from your kids stuff that they don't use anymore. It's so easy to use and cheap too. (11/25/2006)

By Odette

RE: Organize Cords

Use Cable Ties! For cables that are rarely used, get ones in a nice color. For frequently used ones, get the releasable kind! They are re-usable and always stay in good shape. They come in various lengths and have been very useful for me. (07/07/2007)

By Anonymous

RE: Organize Cords

The way that cords come is a clue, I suppose.

Christmas lights come on a cardboard card with notches. One circled around, one notch.

Some thin plastic cords just won't be kept untangled by looping them and tying them off with shoelaces. The band equipment idea seems the same except for the 90-degree angle of the arm. 90-degrees. Remind me if that is the elbow is out straight?

I'm tempted to get something entirely different that resembles the Christmas cord idea. I don't suppose these big stores like Home Depot have such ideas? If not, I'm tempted to make some sort of small, non-sharp fork-end shape.

The way thin cords come in their packages is about as easy to duplicate as re-folding a very large map quickly while sitting at the steering wheel on a very hot day. Sometimes it's easy (if the chord is only 10 feet long... nearly impossible if longer than that.

The "twistem-shoelace-pony-tailholder" ideas only work for me with thick or short wires. The "figure 8" has not worked terribly well for me with long hoses or any other long cords. (09/12/2007)

By sherriff

RE: Organize Cords

Why can't all long, thin cords come in a device like a retractable measuring tape? Like the newer dog leashes in holders? Perhaps wound round and down a long plastic or light metal tube like tin-foil unwraps from a tube, but in tight circles... oy. There is likely a business that does nothing but make rewrapping devices.

Some 12-y-old inventor probably has the answer. (09/12/2007)

By sherriff

RE: Organize Cords

http://www.ehow.com/how_18801_wrap-cord.html

It says, "make it behave!" Train your cord! (09/12/2007)

By sherriff

RE: Organize Cords

I've tried keeping cords organized for years. I usually unplug everything and untangle. But i found a solution that reduces this problem. I found it at www.organizedcablecord.com Easy to use, inexpensive. I am using them to solve just about every cord problem in my house and office. Also www.cablecordorganizer.com Same site. You wrap the cord around the gadget and can have any length cord you want (except longer than the cord itself, of course!) You can even store the cords wrapped around this gadget. There's a thingy for both big and small cords. (10/04/2007)

By Steve


Organizing Electrical Cords on Small Appliances

One good way to keep them from being in the way is to get the cardboard roll, after you've used the paper, and store the cord in the roll.


Store Cords in Toilet Paper Rolls

Organizing electrical extension cords when not in use. Save empty TP rolls. Fold your cords in lengths of 8 inches and insert each one in an empty TP roll.

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