How do you organize bungees?

Bungee cords, or bungees, are elastic ropes used to securely fasten objects. They have many uses around the home, office, garage and more. When it comes to organizing bungees, there are a few key factors to consider:

Sort by Length

One of the most important aspects of bungee organization is sorting them by length. Bungee cords come in a variety of sizes, from just a few inches long to several feet. Sorting them by length makes it easier to quickly grab the right size bungee for the job. Here are some common lengths to sort them into:

• Small (6 inches or less)
• Medium (6 inches to 2 feet)
• Large (2 to 5 feet)
• Extra Large (5 feet or longer)

You can measure your bungees with a tape measure or ruler and separate them into piles or bins by the length categories above. Color coding the bins with length labels can also help for easy identification.

Separate by Thickness

In addition to sorting bungees by length, organizing them by thickness or width can be helpful too. Thicker bungees are stronger and can handle more weight. Thinner ones are good for lighter tasks. Consider sorting them into these thickness categories:

• Thin – 1/8 inch width or less
• Medium – 1/4 to 1/2 inch width
• Thick – 1 inch width or greater

Measure the width with a ruler and separate into piles or bins accordingly. Labeling the bins helps identify thickness at a glance.

Consider Hook Type

Bungee cords come with various hook types on each end. The most common are metal hooks, plastic hooks and hookless/flat ends. Metal hooks are the strongest while plastic hooks are lightweight. Flat ends allow wrapping the bungee tightly around an object. Consider sorting bungees by their hook type or combine this method with length and thickness sorting.

Color Coding

Using colors to organize bungees makes it easy to quickly find what you need. Here are some color coding ideas:

• Red = Small
• Blue = Medium
• Green = Large
• Yellow = Extra Large

You can also code by thickness:

• White = Thin
• Gray = Medium
• Black = Thick

Choose whatever colors work best for your needs. Be consistent across all bins and storage areas.

Store Vertically

Bungees can easily become a tangled mess if not stored properly. The best way to prevent this is to store them vertically rather than coiled or tangled horizontally. Hang them individually on hooks, a peg board, wall mounted racks, shower caddies or similar vertical storage. This keeps them neat, untangled and easy to access.

Use Clear Storage Bins

When using bins for organization, choose clear plastic bins so you can easily see inside. Label the bins to identify what type of bungees are inside – small, medium, large, thin, thick, etc. This allows grabbing the right bungee without having to dig around a jumbled bin.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Avoid storing bungees in places with extreme hot or cold temperatures. High heat can cause bungees to become brittle and crack. Extreme cold makes them stiff and less elastic. Store them in a room temperature area for optimal performance and lifespan.

Prevent UV Damage

UV exposure from sunlight can also damage bungees over time, weakening the elastic and causing discoloration. When possible, store them out of direct sunlight such as in a cupboard, closet or drawer.

Regular Inspection

Check bungees periodically for signs of wear and damage. Look for fraying, cuts, loose hooks and decreased elasticity. Retire damaged cords and replace them. Also reorganize as needed to maintain an efficient system.

Usage Tips by Length

Knowing the ideal tasks for different bungee sizes can help you quickly grab the right one. Here are some common uses for different lengths:

Small (6 inches or less):

• Securing wrapped items
• Gathering cables or cords
• Hanging lightweight items like towels or hats

Medium (6 inches to 2 feet):

• Strapping items to car roofs like coolers or luggage
• Cinching trash bags
• Binding items to camping packs

Large (2 to 5 feet):

• Securing furniture covers
• Tying luggage to roof racks
• Holding tarps or blankets in place

Extra Large (5+ feet):

• Securing large loads like mattresses or furniture to roof racks
• Holding a tarp over a wood pile or vehicle
• Temporary emergency fence repairs

Storing Different Types

In addition to general use bungees, you may have specific purpose cords with special storage needs:

Luggage straps:

• Coil neatly and hang on a luggage strap hanger or peg board in the closet

Zip ties:

• Store cut and unused ties together in a small parts organizer

RV/trailer straps:

• Roll up and store in a bin inside the RV or trailer

Cargo nets:

• Fold and place in a labeled bin in the garage or storage area

Shop Organization Tips

For workshops, garages and hobby spaces, here are some tips for organizing bungees:

• Mount panels, slatwall or pegboard to hold hooks and bins
• Label bins clearly for easy identification
• Sort by length and thickness for specific uses
• Color coding aids visibility
• Store vertically to prevent tangling
• Keep most used sizes readily accessible
• Use wall racks or holders for easy grabbing

Kitchen Organization

In the kitchen, bungees have many uses for organization. Here are some ideas:

• Small bungees to hold chip clips or bag closures
• Long bungees to secure towels or pot holders to oven handles
• Hook bungees around pot lids for hanging
• Attach bungees to doors or drawers to hold spices
• Use to bundle utensils or secure tablecloths
• Hang a small bungee rack or slatwall for easy access

Garage and Shed Uses

Bungees are indispensable around the garage, shed and workshop. Some tips:

• Use thick bungees when securing items like lumber, ladders or tools to vehicle roof racks
• Have a variety of sizes to strap items down in truck beds or trailers
• Attach bungees to the ceiling or beams to hang hoses, extension cords and tools
• Wrap bungees around handles of yard tools like rakes and shovels for hanging storage
• Secure tarps and drop cloths to cover equipment, vehicles or supplies
• Attach bungees to garage door tracks to hold spray bottles and dusters

Office and Supply Closet Uses

There are many ways bungees can be used around the office or supply closet:

• Gather and organize computer cables neatly under desks
• Attach bungees inside cabinet doors to hold office supplies
• Hang clipboards, whiteboard erasers and calendars from bungees
• Secure stacks of paper and files on shelves or in boxes
• Hold pens, scissors and other desk supplies in coffee mugs
• Strap stacks of paper or notepads together neatly
• Bind multiple folders or binders together for easy carrying

Outdoor and Camping Applications

Bungees are extremely useful when camping or working outdoors. Some ideas include:

• Secure tents, tarps and rainflys in windy conditions
• Lash down coolers, water containers or other gear to trucks or trailers
• Attach tools or lighting to ladders, overhead poles or trees
• Fasten padding or insulation onto trailer and RV pipes or hoses susceptible to freezing
• Hang towels, lifejackets or wet suits to dry at the campsite
• Affix camp lighting or insect repellent dispensers in optimal locations
• Replace torn cargo netting or broken backpack straps in a pinch

Boating and Fishing Uses

Here are some great applications for bungees on boats or during fishing trips:

• Secure gear like tackle boxes and nets to boat rails
• Lash down loose equipment to prevent shifting during transport
• Temporarily fasten boat covers at stress points
• Replace broken strap buckles on life jackets or ski vests
• Hang fishing rods perpendicular to boat walls to prevent tangling
• Attach bait buckets and other frequently accessed items to boat for easy access
• Bind paddleboard or kayak accessories like pumps, lights and seat backs

Automotive Applications

Bungees are extremely handy for vehicles and automotive uses:

• Secure items in truck beds like coolers, toolboxes or lumber
• Lash down cargo carriers, luggage pods or roof storage bags
• Temporarily replace broken suspension components to get home safely
• Hold pads and blankets in place over damaged windows
• Attach wheel chocks to truck beds, RVs or trailers
• Hold items like deicer spray bottles or mini tools kits to car interiors
• Replace torn cargo area cover straps

Tips for Bungee Care and Maintenance

Follow these tips to extend the life of your bungees:

• Inspect regularly for wear, damage, UV fading and loss of elasticity. Retire damaged cords.
• Wash in warm water with mild detergent using a soft brush to remove dirt and buildup.
• Allow to air dry thoroughly before storing to prevent mildew.
• Avoid leaving bungees under tension when not in use.
• Apply silicone spray lightly to the hooks to prevent rust.
• Store out of direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Unwrap bungees before storing to help prevent permanent deformation.

Safety Precautions

While extremely handy, bungees can become safety hazards if used improperly. Keep these precautions in mind:

• Inspect thoroughly before each use.
• Do not overstretch or exceed working load.
• Use multiple bungees to distribute load if needed.
• Pad sharp edges to prevent cutting and wear.
• Ensure items are securely fastened.
• Do not allow children to play with unattended bungees due to strangulation risk.
• Wear eye protection as hooks can snap back if disengaged while under tension.
• Avoid applying heat or chemicals which weakens the cords.

Purchasing Considerations

Here are some factors to consider when buying new bungees:

• Material: Natural rubber, EPDM or polypropylene. EPDM is more durable.
• UV resistance: Opt for UV treated cords for outdoor use.
• Temperature rating: Choose a working temp range suitable for your climate.
• Hooks: Steel, plastic or rubber coated hooks available.
• Working load limit: Match capacity rating needed for your applications.
• Length: Measure area of use and purchase appropriate sizes.
• Quantity: Buy multiple lengths and capacities for versatility.

Common Alternate Names

Bungee cords are known by many other names including:

• Shock cords
• Stetch cords
• Bungies
• Dynema cords
• Octopus cords
• Spider cords
• Cargo straps

They may also be referred to by their specific use such as luggage straps, trailer straps, anchor straps etc. But most are some form of elasticized cord or strap used for securing objects.

Conclusion

With proper organization and care, bungee cords can provide years of reliable service securing objects and binding items together. Sorting by length, thickness, hook type and color coding helps keep them tangle-free and easily accessible for a wide range of household, automotive, office and outdoor applications. Storing them vertically and inspecting condition regularly maximizes lifespan. Following safety guidelines and matching size and strength ratings to your usage needs ensures optimal performance. With a well organized bungee collection and knowledge of their diverse uses, you’ll be prepared to securely fasten just about anything.