Quick answers
Keeping phone cords tidy can seem like a never ending battle. Here are some quick tips to help keep cords from getting tangled up into an unmanageable mess:
- Use cord wraps or clips
- Coil up extra cord length
- Use wall-mounted cord holders
- Tie cords together
- Route cords neatly behind furniture
Following some basic cord management principles will go a long way towards having neat and orderly phone cords. Read on for more in-depth strategies and solutions!
Why is cord management important?
Messy, tangled phone cords aren’t just unsightly – they can also be downright dangerous. Tripping hazards from cords are a real concern, especially for young children and the elderly. Cords that are strewn about haphazardly are also more likely to get damaged or frayed over time. Proper cord management helps mitigate these risks. Beyond safety and durability, neatly organizing cords simply makes your home or office look more tidy and professional. By taking a few minutes to wrangle those unruly cables, you can reclaim your space from cord chaos!
Use cord wraps and clips
Cord wraps and clips are inexpensive products that make it easy to bundle up excess cord length and keep everything neat and tight. Look for cord wraps made of Velcro, fabric ties, or plastic/silicone that can be tightened as needed. Clips come in basic spring-loaded pinch styles as well as spiral wraps. Use cord wraps and clips whenever you have some extra slack in your phone cord to quickly rein it in. Wrap up the excess so it stays put away from foot traffic. Place clips along the cord at various points to keep the cord held close against a surface. Combining cord wraps and clips gives you the most control over keeping cords precisely where you want them.
Coil extra cord length
One of the easiest ways to control cord clutter is to simply coil up any extra length. Rather than letting long stretches of cord hang freely about, take the time to wrap them around your hand to create tight coils. Start at the device end of the cord and work your way down to the plug end, coiling as you go. Securing the coils with a cord wrap or clip will help them maintain their tidy shape. When you need some of that extra length again, just uncoil more cord. This strategy helps keep unused portions constrained while still giving you access to the full length when necessary.
Steps for coiling phone cord:
- Hold the plug end in one hand and start coiling the extra cord around your other hand, keeping the coils tight.
- When you have coils as tight as you’d like them, wrap a cord organizer around the coils to secure them.
- If the coils are still loose, condense them by hand into a tighter bundle.
- Use clips along the coiled section as needed to keep coils constrained.
- When more cord length is needed, carefully uncoil more cord one loop at a time.
Use wall-mounted cord holders
Wall-mounted cord holders provide a simple and effective way to run cords neatly against baseboards and walls. Look for holders that blend into your decor and have clips or channels to securely contain cords. Plastic holders with adhesive backing are easy to install – just stick them where you want cords to run. You can also find holders that screw into the wall for a more permanent mount. Use wall-mounted holders to run phone cords neatly alongsidewalls behind desks and entertainment centers. The holders keep cords in place off the floor and contained.
Tips for using wall-mounted cord holders:
- Install cord holders where cords naturally run between outlets and devices.
- Press cords gently into the holding channels or clips.
- Leave some slack in the cord to allow opening doors and drawers.
- Consolidate multiple cords in one holder when possible.
- Pick holders large enough for connectors to pass through.
Tie cords together
For sections of phone cord that all run alongside each other, bundling them together with ties helps organize them. Look for plastic zip ties, twist ties, or hook-and-loop self-adhesive ties made specifically for cord management. Simply wrap the ties around all the cords to bind them together neatly. This prevents the cords from separating and crossing over each other in a messy way. It also consolidates multiple cords into one tighter bundle that is easier to contain. Re-tie cords whenever they become loose or disorganized again.
Cord tie tips:
- Try not to cinch ties too tightly – this can damage cords over time.
- Clean cords first to remove dust and dirt before tying together.
- Use proper cord tying accessories, not makeshift alternatives.
- Leave a little wiggle room in tied cords to allow some movement.
- Spot check ties periodically to ensure cords aren’t slipping loose.
Route cords neatly behind furniture
Routing cords behind furniture keeps them out of primary walkways while still allowing access to devices. This prevents tripping and safety hazards from cords in high traffic areas. Whenever possible, run phone cords behind desks, entertainment centers, sofas, beds and other furniture placement. Keep them close to the wall so they are less visible. For maximum organization, combine routing cords behind furniture with other cord management solutions like wall-mounted holders and ties.
Tips for routing cords behind furniture:
- Leave ample slack in the cord to pull furniture away from walls as needed.
- Use tall furniture like bookshelves to more fully conceal cords.
- Coil up excess slack and secure it with ties or wraps.
- For sofas and beds, run cords under the furniture if possible.
- Arrange furniture to optimize neat cord routing.
DIY cord management solutions
You don’t necessarily have to buy specialized products to organize cords. With a little creativity and DIY spirit, you can make your own solutions with common household items. Here are some ideas to get you started:
DIY cord management ideas:
| Solution | Items Needed | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Twist ties | Plastic or paper coated twist ties from bags | Wrap ties around cords to bind them together |
| Fabric ties | Fabric scraps, ribbon, shoelaces | Tie fabric around cords to constrain |
| Paper clips | Binder clips, jumbo paper clips | Clip together cords to organize |
| Cable hooks | Command adhesives, cup hooks, binder rings | Adhere or screw hooks to walls to hold cords |
| Toilet paper rolls | Cardboard tubes, tape | Coil up cords inside tubes |
With some simple household items, you can build your own cord management tools. Let your creativity run wild! The DIY route offers plenty of possibilities for keeping cords in check.
Preventing future cord chaos
Once you’ve successfully organized all your phone cords, there are steps you can take to maintain order and prevent cords from descending back into chaos:
- When disconnecting cords, take time to coil them correctly rather than just letting them fall.
- Regularly inspect cords for damage that could lead to entanglement.
- Replace worn out wall plates and outlets that allow cords to slip free.
- Manage flow behind furniture to prevent cords from getting pinched and frayed.
- Allow enough slack in cords behind furniture to reduce tension.
- Use wire looms or sleeves to consolidate cords that all run the same path.
- Occasionally re-tie loose bundles and tighten wraps.
Staying vigilant once cords are organized is key. Don’t allow bad habits to gradually rebuild cord chaos. With regular maintenance and care, you can enjoy neatly managed phone cords indefinitely.
Cord management for pets
Pets like cats and dogs can unintentionally wreak havoc on your phone cords with chewing and claws. Here are smart strategies to keep cords protected from your furry friends:
- Use pet deterrent sprays made specifically for cables.
- Block access to tempting cords with furniture or wireless fencing.
- Cover cords in protective sleeving and tubing.
- Provide alternative chewing toys and scratching posts.
- Use cord organizers that fully enclose cords.
- Hang coiled excess cord up and out of reach.
- Avoid running loose cords on floors where pets walk.
With some planning and pet training, you can have neat cords and happy pets too! Identify tempting cords pets may target and protect those areas first. Provide appropriate distractions for chewing and scratching instincts on acceptable items.
Teaching kids about cord safety
Letting young kids help you manage phone cords is a great way to teach them about cord safety. Here are some tips when involving kids:
- Talk about dangers like tripping and chewing hazards
- Let them coil up excess cord using their hands
- Show them how to wrap cord ties correctly
- Discuss gently removing cords from pets’ mouths
- Have them stick cord holders on the wall at kid level
- Demonstrate how to drape a cord around furniture neatly
- Explain not to pull on cords aggressively
Turn cord organization into a learning opportunity. The habits kids build now will help them safely manage cords for life. Make it fun by letting them get hands-on and take ownership of their space.
Conclusion
Getting tangled, frayed phone cords under control is very doable with some simple solutions, patience and maintenance. Taking the time to properly manage cords improves safety, reduces trip hazards, saves money replacing damaged cords, and keeps your space looking neat and professional. There are many clever and affordable products on the market to aid organization, or you can DIY it with stuff you already have around the house. Establishing smart cord habits, and teaching those habits to kids and pets, prevents cord chaos from returning and makes cord management a breeze. So grab those unruly phone cords today and tame the mess once and for all!