How do you store cables when not in use?

Author: Dolly Von  |  Last update: Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Use cable ties or rubber bands to roll them up neatly. Place your cords into boxes labeled by type. I repurposed old circular plastic takeout containers, as they are the right shape for coiled up cables.

How do you hide unused cable wires?

You can have the ultimate entertainment center and hide TV wires for a seamless look that attracts all your loved ones to your home.
  1. Conceal Cords Behind the Couch. ...
  2. Place Wires in Decorative Baskets. ...
  3. Utilize Small Clear Clips on the Backs of Furniture. ...
  4. Hide Wires in Plain Sight with a Cable Raceway.

How to store cables without damaging them?

2. Roll up your cable - loosely. When you're storing your cable, don't bundle it up in a big tangle - knots are bad news - but don't roll it up too tightly either. Instead of winding the cable around your hand, hold one end and create loose circular coils.

What to do with cables you don't need?

Take them to your local scrap yard. There are valuable metals in the cords and you can make a little bit of money.

How to store unused cables?

Place your cords into boxes labeled by type. I repurposed old circular plastic takeout containers, as they are the right shape for coiled up cables. We now have a row of easy to access containers bearing legends like HDMI, USB-C to USB-C, USB-A to Micro USB, and so on.

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What can you do with wires not in use?

Capping electrical wires is the safe, code-approved way of dealing with terminated electrical cables. It's important to cap electrical wires for fire safety, to prevent electrical shocks, and to prevent short-circuiting or damage to the electrical system.

How to declutter cords?

How to corral all your cords
  1. Affix cords to your furniture.
  2. Give power strips a home.
  3. Disguise TV cables.
  4. Put drawers to work.
  5. Recycle unneeded cords and chargers.

How do you store cords to prevent strain?

Drape electrical cords in a loose bundle
  1. Double the cord. Collect the male and female plug ends together. ...
  2. Tie the cord. ...
  3. Create a loop for storing. ...
  4. Start with a simple knot. ...
  5. Every other coil is reversed. ...
  6. Strap for storage.

How do you store a lot of extension cords?

An old diaper caddy, garden organizer, or tool bag with large pockets can make the ideal cord storage system. Or try reusing a rotating tie or belt organizer to keep cords in line. Drape each cord on the individual hooks and hang it where it's out of reach for little ones.

How do you store cables in a drawer?

If you want to stick to your predesignated cable drawer/box, toilet paper and paper towel rolls are a great way to keep cables in their place: Loosely wrap them, stuff them in a roll, and then store them upright in the drawer.

Is it OK to fold cables?

Our advice is to loosely fold or coil a cable where there are only minimal points where the cable touches. Do not tightly coil the cable and do not coil it around anything.

How do you hide cables that are too long?

  1. Wrangle your cords with cable ties. Velcro cable ties are cheap and easy to remove. ...
  2. Label your cables. ...
  3. Buy new (shorter) cables. ...
  4. Conceal those TV cords. ...
  5. Hide surround speaker wires by skirting the floor molding or laying down a rug. ...
  6. Mount your power strip to get cables off the floor.

How do people hide their cables?

You can be creative with ways to hide the wires of your home electrical devices: Bind power cords with tubing or cable ties. Place a decorative basket next to a table and insert the bound cords into the basket and out of sight. Use dark-colored plastic zip ties to attach power cords to furniture legs.

Is it okay to use two extension cords together?

No – you should never run two extension cords together. Connecting two or more extension leads together (sometimes known as 'daisy-chaining) is unsafe for several reasons. Only use one extension lead per socket and never plug an extension lead into another extension lead.

How do you protect cords?

Armor cords with tubing

There is an easy way to protect them from little munchers. Buy a roll of clear vinyl tubing, make a slit down one side of the tubing and slip it over vulnerable cables.

How do you keep cords from getting tangled?

Once the entire cord is rolled up, secure it with a velcro strap and hang it properly to mitigate any trip hazards. By coiling an extension cord this way, you can release the cord without tangling. This will reduce crimping, knotting and other damage that would increase the risk to employees safety.

How do you organize cables not in use?

The best way to organize cables under desk is by using cable trays, adhesive clips, or zip ties to keep everything neatly secured. Effective solutions for messy cable management can also include under-desk cable sleeves or dedicated cable channels to prevent clutter and hazards.

Should you throw away cords?

Radu Vrabie, founder and marketer at Power Bank Expert, always makes it a point to recycle old wires. “Chargers, cables, and old wires shouldn't be thrown in the trash can along with other types of home waste,” he says.

What can I do with old unused cables?

Retailers will take back old cables and leads

And many stores will take your old tech even if you're not buying.

How do you make unused wires safe?

Electrical tape is the simplest method of making electric wires safe. You also use tape on capped live electric wires as an extra precaution. Tapes can be used on loose live wires that do not fit the cap.

What is the national code for abandoned cable?

An abandoned cable is one that is installed, but not terminated at equipment other than a termination fitting or a connector and is not identified for future use with a tag.

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