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
Jodie Lynch says
Excellent idea! I am definitely going to do this. Thanks!
Deb says
What a brillant idea! Our hardware stuff is in crates – I really want to do a binder like you did……just hope my “unknown” chapter would not take up the entire binder!
pat says
Clever lady ~ what a good idea!! Thank you ….
pat wilkinson says
Clever lady – what a good idea – thank you !
Kristen@fit2feelbetter says
Great idea! We could have used this last night when I was searching all over for the extra ipod cord.
Anna says
This is a great idea! The “unknown” cords in your bag are for a camera. They will connect your camera (maybe an old one) to your computer. 🙂 The one for my Canon camera looks exactly the same.
I’m doing a 14 day Challenge to get Clean and Organized in 2012 and one of the things I’m going to talk about is storing extra cords. If you don’t mind I would love to link to this post, it’s a great idea!
Thanks,
Anna
http://www.askannamoseley.com
The Southern Product Queen says
Such a great idea, and love your blog! I would love it if you would link this up at my linky party as well! Here is the link http://www.thesouthernproductqueen.com/one-stop-shoppe-linky-party Happy New Year!
Shirley says
Hi Cyndy,
Thank you for featuring my glitter storage on your site! I love your blog. I’m pretty new at it, and plan to get back to it. I love all of your great tips and ideas! So inspiring!
Shirley
Carol says
This is one of the best ideas I have ever found! Thank you, Cyndy! Presently I have all our chords in a basket and it seems that the one we need is always at the bottom and tangled with the rest 🙂 Love your creative ideas!
Kate Heptonstall says
I am definitely going to implement this idea in my home! I have tried many ways and nothing worked for me. This is a great idea. Thank you!!
Sherry says
Wow! I am so unorganized, but it’s my goal for this year, to do! This idea will definitely be used! I too have so many boxes to be rid of and this will work! Thanks!