Concealing Cables, Wires

A professional organizer shows how to untangle the mire of entertainment-center wires.

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Filed under: Wire, Organization, Decluttering, How To

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.

One of the best ways to condense CD clutter is to load them into individual sheet protectors.

Used fabric-softener sheets are the perfect lint and static-free rags for cleaning CDs and DVDs. Handle CDs by the rim to cut down on fingerprints. The back side of the CD carries the information and is the side that needs cleaning. Use the dryer sheet and stroke out to the edge from the center of the (instead of in a circular motion.)

Create a custom container for DVDs by covering a cardboard box lid with fabric.

Stacking equipment makes the most efficient use of space in an entertainment center. Be careful not to stack any equipment with venting on the top (such as amps or satellite receivers) directly on top of each other because they might get too warm. They need room to breathe. Use chair-leg protectors (small plastic cups) as spacers between these pieces of equipment when stacking.

To clean a TV screen, use a lint-free cloth such as an old T-shirt. Spray the cloth with water (instead of spritzing the set itself) and wipe clean. Never use an abrasive substance on the screen.