Hardware Binder: Organizing Chargers, Cables and Instructions..

We are drowning in cords, chargers, USB cables, ear buds, flash drives, instruction booklets and all of the accessories that go with each of them. Unfortunately it takes us at least 15 minutes to locate chargers and cables and trying to figure out which cord goes to what is a nightmare.   I put an end to that today and thought I would share my nifty little hardware binder for organizing chargers and hardware project with you all just in case you could use this idea as well.

This project is such an easy and great way to store cords, cables, chargers, instructions and accessories all in one compact and accessible place in a 3-ring binder. I used a 4″ large binder that I found at Office Depot to organize each of our family’s electronic device hardware. There are only three of us in our little family and the 4″ binder was the perfect size for all of our hardware and accessories. I used 12 small quart size ziploc bags and two large gallon size bags and cut a manila folder to fit perfectly inside the bag and printed out labels of each family member’s device and I then placed the label on the folder in the bag and punched two holes with a 3 ring hole punch.

The bags need to have something sturdy to keep the plastic bags in place which is why I cut up manila folder. This will also help long term to make sure that over time as we go in and out of the bags that the holes will not tear. I also punched the holes at the bottom of the bag so the bag opening was positioned to the opening of the binder so it would be accessible:

As I placed the bags into the binder, I alternated placing on bag at the top two rings and then the next bag in the bottom two rings since the bags only had two holes. This distributes the bulk better and it also helps to see my labels:

In the back of the binder, I used two large gallon size bags for unknown cables, chargers and accessories and I also created a bag for “other instructions” that I’m going to add instructions for other household electronic items:

I added everything I could to each device bag including instructions, USB cables, chargers and any accessories for that specific device. I put our most frequently used bags at the front of the binder and I am now storing it on a shelf in my kitchen for easy access for all of us. The best part of all is when we travel, all we have to do is grab our binder and go and we all have everything we need!

I cannot tell you how happy I am that I can now throw away all of the boxes that I kept because of the instructions and we no longer have to search high and low for what cable or charger goes to what. If you have a large family and need more than 14-16 bags, I would suggest using a smaller binder and giving each person there own.

The 4″ binder was perfect for 12 small bags and two large bags filled with chargers, cords and everything else. The 4″ inch binder will be perfect for traveling and only takes up about the same amount of room as a pair of folded jeans.

Well friends, I hope you all have a wonderful New Year and I am so excited to jump into 2012. I am looking forward to getting back into my regular blogging routine this week and I have a long list of projects that I’m getting started on today.

Have a wonderful week!

Cheers!

Cyndy