Concealing Cables, Wires

Professional organizer Tom Nevermann shows how to untangle the mire of entertainment-center wires with simple labeling and bundling techniques that make it easy to keep track of equipment--especially important when a repair is needed.

• Use mailing labels, which are available at office-supply stores, to make a label for each cord. Fold it back on itself around each cord so it sticks (see photo at right). Don’t forget to label the cords that connect different components to each other as well as the cord to the electric supply.

• Bundle like wires together to cut down on cord clutter. For example, keep speaker wires with speaker wires and electric wires with electric wires.

• Eliminate the urge to surge. Use a surge protector for all delicate electronic equipment. Check the back to make sure it is UL listed and is a transient voltage surge protector. High-end protectors are built with replaceable fuses and will last longer than less-expensive models that might not work after a large surge.