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How do you organize unused cables + other computer stuff

Bacchus1

Bacchus1

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Sep 18, 2013
7
0
Doha, Qatar ... for the moment!
Hi Everyone,

Like many of you, I have a bunch of cables, adaptors, plugs, tools, HDs, accessories, etc, that I use specifically for electronics and computing. I have them unceremoniously distributed in disordered piles in cardboard boxes. It has gotten to the point where order is needed. I was thinking of getting a toolbox, or a Stanley style organizer, but wanted to see what solutions other people had for organizing their stuff. I want it to be mobile, as sometimes I'm on the go. So ... the challenge ... if you have a good system, post a pick here and describe it.

I hope to get inspiration from someone out there :D
 
Not mobile, but junk drawer for the win! :D

junk-drawer-before.jpg


Seriously, a tool box or even a tackle box would work if you are looking for a mobile solution. Although, it's hard to imagine needing to take all of your cables with you. At our house I have a plastic storage bin with multiple drawers in the office closet and the various cables and adaptors are organized into the drawers. If I need something I know where to get it and throw it in my backpack or laptop bag for mobile needs. When I get home it goes back into its specific drawer until the next time I need it.
 
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mscriv said:
Not mobile, but junk drawer for the win! :D

junk-drawer-before.jpg


Seriously, a tool box or even a tackle box would work if you are looking for a mobile solution. Although, it's hard to imagine needing to take all of your cables with you. At our house I have a plastic storage bin with multiple drawers in the office closet and the various cables and adaptors are organized into the drawers. If I need something I know where to get it and throw it in my backpack or laptop bag for mobile needs. When I get home it goes back into its specific drawer until the next time I need it.
Click to expand...

I have a desk drawer that looks nearly identical, though mine isn't quite as jam packed and is perhaps a tad neater. The key is to go through your stuff and find the cables, adapters, and other accouterments that you use with some frequency and get rid of or move everything else. It's good to be able to find the cable you need without having to weed through 20 year old SCSI cables, power supplies for flip phones, and the like. I store drives and other storage media in more sheltered surroundings.
 
Ha! I used to use the random junk drawer, but since I move around a lot (I've lived in 3 different countries in the last year), and constantly re-organizing and fishing through layers of junk is becoming a pain, I wanted to get something more permanent, that I can just grab and put on any shelf whenever I move.

I was thinking of something like this:

71KJhjSKH8L._SL1500_.jpg


Cables in the bottom, HDs etc in the top, and little connector pieces at the very top. Its only like $20 on Amazon ...
 
I made two investments in this area recently 1. Was a bunch of velcro ties and 2. A cable tidy that I keep near my laptop for frequently used cables.
 

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Drawers like the above. Except I got mine from Staples and Office Depot. I also use those awesome velcro ties instead os zip ties.
 
I have an old vinyl box like in this picture. Just stuff everything in there. Recent threw a lot of stuff away that I know I'll never use again and I try not to have more than 4 of the same type.

_mg_4048-copy.jpg
 
In addition to computer cables and adapters, I have a crap-ton of audio/video cables. I looked high and low for drawer solution, and gave up. Nothing would fit what I had.

I ended up using gallon and quart sized ziploc bags, printing out a label for each one, and storing them in a cardboard box. Cables are packaged by type (USB A to USB B is a bag unto itself, DVI cables, HDMI...all get separate bags).

Not exactly a portable solution, but I have waaaay too many cables to create a portable solution. In my laptop computer bag, I carry 3 USB A-B, 1 USB hub, 1 Cat5, 1 Stereo 1/8", a DVI cable, a DVI to HDMI adapter cable, and a VGA cable, in addition to a bunch of adapters, all in pockets. Rarely have needed anything else, so the rest of it stays in the bag/box system.
 
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