Best Methods for Organizing and Storing USB, Power, and Audio Cables Indoors

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What is a good indoor system for storing and organizing USB, power, and audio cables so they are easy to find and retrieve?

Use wall-mounted slotted trunking for cables you access often, and bags or boxes for cables you rarely need [#21682949] [#21682963] The trunking works without the lid: the slots hold the cables, you can hang long leads doubled over, and you should choose slot sizes that keep the plugs from sliding through [#21682951] [#21682954] Make sure the trunking is fixed securely with enough screws, and use washers as well [#21682954] For less-used cables, store them in cheap zip-lock bags—quart or sandwich size for smaller leads, gallon size for larger ones—or in plastic boxes to keep them from tangling [#21682957] [#21682955] Larger cables can be coiled and secured with Velcro straps, twist ties, or tape, and very large coax can simply hang on a hook [#21682963]

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#1 21682948 12 Jul 2019 04:02

Aubrey Kagan Aubrey Kagan

Anonymous

Post #1
21682948 12 Jul 2019 04:02

Help! My wife is keeping her pledge that now she is retired she wants to de-clutter our house. She has started with the area we use as a charging station. As we have progressed through multiple electronic devices we have accumulated many cables of differing power, USB and audio cables and whilst only some of them were at the charging station she wants to work down to my workshop in the basement. I once wrote a blog called Tidy your wiring, but I now have a new challenge.
Does anyone have a system of “filing” cables for storage and easy location and retrieval ( and outdoor shed is not much of an option up here in the Frozen North)
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#2 21682949 12 Jul 2019 04:08

David Ashton David Ashton

Anonymous

Post #2
21682949 12 Jul 2019 04:08

Aubrey...gotta love tidy wives :-)One option that we use at work is slotted trunking (below). Take the lid off and mount a length horizontally on the wall. You can then hang cables in it - the plugs hold the cables from falling, or you can double them round two slots. Easy to grab what you want as well, and no undoing birds nests. Doesn't take much space either. Have a look at your cables and buy trunking with suitable sized slots (the one shown may be a bit big).
#3 21682950 12 Jul 2019 04:15

Aubrey Kagan Aubrey Kagan

Anonymous

Post #3
21682950 12 Jul 2019 04:15

DavidGreat idea. Means some wall space, but I think I may get away with it. My only problem is it can but painful opening the ducting if you don’t have room to slide the cover.
#4 21682951 12 Jul 2019 04:21

David Ashton David Ashton

Anonymous

Post #4
21682951 12 Jul 2019 04:21

Don't use the lid - you don't need it here, the slots hold the cables. You see that the tops of the slots are wider and there's very little gap between them. So as long as the cable plugs don't slide thru the slots (hence take care when buying it) you're in business.
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#5 21682952 12 Jul 2019 04:41

Aubrey Kagan Aubrey Kagan

Anonymous

Post #5
21682952 12 Jul 2019 04:41

I think I have a compromise idea. Use short pieces of cover, say 6” (15 cm to you) that slide up and down, just to keep the cable within the trunking and not poking out.
#6 21682953 12 Jul 2019 05:11

David Ashton David Ashton

Anonymous

Post #6
21682953 12 Jul 2019 05:11

I'll try take some pics at work and post them later. You really don't need the lid.
#7 21682954 12 Jul 2019 17:06

David Ashton David Ashton

Anonymous

Post #7
21682954 12 Jul 2019 17:06

Aubrey...a few pics...
Mains cables - the trunking here could do with a few more screws holding it up

showing 2 ways of hanging cables - the ones at left are long so hung doubled.

This was a purpose-made rack using the same principle.From all the above you can gather that(1) we're a messy bunch and (2) if you do this make sure you use enough screws to hold the trunking up, I'd suggest washers as well.I can see where you are going with the lid, only using the bottom slots?
#8 21682955 12 Jul 2019 20:11

Max Maxfield Max Maxfield

Anonymous

Post #8
21682955 12 Jul 2019 20:11

I'm very limited for space in my new office, so I have stacks of plastic boxes under my desks -- one is marked "cables" and it's filled to the brim as seen below -- when I occasionally need a cable, I just have to root around in this box.
#9 21682956 12 Jul 2019 20:47

Aubrey Kagan Aubrey Kagan

Anonymous

Post #9
21682956 12 Jul 2019 20:47

Max
ThanksHmm, yes I used to do that with my power tools and oversized Tupperware, until my son became better at wielding power tools than I ever was. He has “inherited” most of them including the 220VAC transformers to run them (those of South African origin). I now have to ask if I can borrow them back.More compact and less visible than David’s solution, but less accessible. Yet another decision to make.
#10 21682957 12 Jul 2019 21:58

Elizabeth Simon Elizabeth Simon

Anonymous

Post #10
21682957 12 Jul 2019 21:58

Max,I'd suggest that you invest in some zip lock bags for your cables. Quart or sandwich size for smaller cables and gallon size for larger. I get the cheap ones at the dollar store. It saves having to untangle cables to get the one you want.
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#11 21682958 12 Jul 2019 22:22

Aubrey Kagan Aubrey Kagan

Anonymous

Post #11
21682958 12 Jul 2019 22:22

Nice modification. I was thinking of smaller plastic containers inside, but bags are more practical and definitely cheaper alternative. Thanks.
#12 21682959 12 Jul 2019 23:11

Elizabeth Simon Elizabeth Simon

Anonymous

Post #12
21682959 12 Jul 2019 23:11

Hmm, I've got some oversized Tupperware and some power tools that need to be organized...
#13 21682960 16 Jul 2019 01:34

David Ashton David Ashton

Anonymous

Post #13
21682960 16 Jul 2019 01:34

So tell us do, Aubrey, what did you finally decide on?
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#14 21682961 16 Jul 2019 02:01

Aubrey Kagan Aubrey Kagan

Anonymous

Post #14
21682961 16 Jul 2019 02:01

DavidI was hoping that there would be more suggestions- it seems to be an area with innovation potential.I am currently recovering from surgery and incapable of extended logical thought (if I ever was!) to say nothing of extended outings. Once I am up and about I will visit my local surplus store to look at the trunking, but I must admit to be leaning toward a combination of Max’s Tupperware and Elizabeth’s zip lock bags. All the cables are stuffed onto two shelves on my old style computer desk at the moment. The Tupperware would fit there nicely. And when we decide to downsize to an apartment (shudder), the boxes can follow us without having to re-engineer the racking.
#15 21682962 16 Jul 2019 03:17

David Ashton David Ashton

Anonymous

Post #15
21682962 16 Jul 2019 03:17

Sorry to hear you've been "under the knife" Aubrey and here's wishing you a speedy recovery.The trunking solution is great when you are always taking and replacing cables - it is quick and easy. However I will admit that Tupperwares / Ziploks are neater, especially for cables you don't use too often.However I trust you'll get your containers from the $2 shops - proper Tupperware tends to be expensive!
#16 21682963 16 Jul 2019 05:38

Elizabeth Simon Elizabeth Simon

Anonymous

Post #16
21682963 16 Jul 2019 05:38

Aubrey,I also wish you a speedy recovery.As David says, the trunking solution is great for cables that get used frequently. I've got one of these Pomona Test Lead Racks that holds a few frequently used test leads. The trunking would make a worthy replacement if I needed more room. Most of my cables are in boxes. I've been getting the smaller cables into bags. The larger ones that don't fit in bags are coiled and held with velcro straps, twist ties or tape (depending on how likely they are to be used) The RG213 coax that doesn't fit in boxes is coiled and hangs on a hook in the garage.
#17 21682964 17 Jul 2019 01:43

Jack Grubbs Jack Grubbs

Anonymous

Post #17
21682964 17 Jul 2019 01:43

Also wishing you a speedy recovery.I had some TightMesh Wire Shelving left over from a project and used it to made a test lead rack.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Rubbermaid-TightMesh-4-ft-L-x-20-in-D-White-Wire-Shelf/3338622
Mounted it on the side of a bookcase near my work bench. The shelf wires are on half inch centers and the slots are 0.38 wide.
#18 21682965 17 Jul 2019 01:56

Aubrey Kagan Aubrey Kagan

Anonymous

Post #18
21682965 17 Jul 2019 01:56

J ack
Thanks. it looks good. I am always envious of people who can keep their stuff tidy. I have a Pomona (actually two) test lead racks at work mounted on the side of a metal cabinet (boss won’t allow screws in the wall) and a) there never seems to be an optimal organization for all the BNC to something variations and b) aside from the few banana plug to clips slots, it is always a mess.
#19 21682966 07 Aug 2019 13:45

Daniel George Daniel George

Anonymous

Post #19
21682966 07 Aug 2019 13:45

Also wishing you a speedy recovery. I had some TightMesh Wire Shelving left over from a project and used it to made a test lead rack. Mounted it on the side of a bookcase near my work bench. The shelf wires are on half inch centers and the slots are 0.38 wide.I am really happy to say it’s an interesting post to read. I learn new information from your article , you are doing a great job. Keep it up
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion addresses effective indoor organization and storage methods for various cables including USB, power, and audio types, particularly in limited space environments. One practical solution involves using slotted trunking mounted horizontally on walls to hang cables by their plugs, preventing tangling and allowing easy access. Modifications such as omitting the trunking lid or using short sliding covers help secure cables without complicating retrieval. For less frequently used cables, stacking plastic storage boxes or oversized Tupperware containers is suggested, offering compact and portable storage. Additionally, zip lock bags of varying sizes provide a cost-effective way to separate and protect cables, reducing tangling. Velcro straps, twist ties, or tape are recommended for coiling larger cables that do not fit in bags or boxes. Specialized racks like Pomona Test Lead Racks and repurposed TightMesh Wire Shelving can also be used to organize frequently accessed cables, especially test leads, by hanging them on hooks or slots. The choice of method depends on cable usage frequency, available space, and portability needs, with a combination of trunking for daily use and containers or bags for storage favored. Proper mounting with sufficient screws and washers is emphasized for stability of wall-mounted solutions.
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FAQ

TL;DR: The average U.S. household now has 21 connected devices, and “41% of consumers dislike managing their devices.” Organize daily-use cables on wall slotted trunking; stash seldom-used ones in labeled boxes with zip bags. [Deloitte, 2023]

Why it matters: Clear storage cuts retrieval time, prevents damage, and keeps shared charging/work areas neat for families and small labs.

Quick Facts

Slotted wiring duct can hold cables without the lid if plug heads can’t slip through the slots; pick slot size accordingly. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682951]
Use enough screws and add washers so loaded trunking won’t sag or detach; long cables can hang doubled. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682954]
Tight-mesh wire shelving works as a test-lead rack; 0.5 in centers with 0.38 in slots fit many probe hooks. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682964]
Quart/gallon zip-lock bags sort USB/audio leads by length or type and stop tangles inside storage bins. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682957]

What’s the best way to store USB, power, and audio cables indoors?

Split by usage: mount frequently used cables on slotted trunking near the bench; file rarely used ones in labeled boxes with zip bags. This combo gives quick access while keeping clutter hidden. It’s the approach several posters converged on during the thread. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682962]

How do I build a wall slotted-trunking rack for cables?

Pick duct with slot width smaller than your plug heads. Mount a horizontal length on the wall. Hang cables by their plugs or loop them through adjacent slots. “You really don’t need the lid.” [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682951]

How do I make sure the trunking doesn’t rip off the wall?

Anchor into studs or suitable anchors, use more screws than you think, and add washers to spread the load. Double long cables to reduce leverage. One user noted under-screwed trunking sagged; extra fixings cured it. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682954]

Can I use the lid or partial covers on wiring duct?

You can skip the lid; the slots retain cables if you sized them right. If you want containment, slide short 6-inch lid segments where needed to keep loops tucked in. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682952]

Are plastic boxes a bad idea for cable storage?

Boxes are space-efficient and discreet under desks. They trade speed for compactness: expect to “root around” unless you bag and label contents. Use them for spares, not daily leads. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682955]

How do zip bags and straps reduce cable mess?

Bag small-to-medium cables by type/length in quart or gallon zip-locks. Coil large cables, then secure with Velcro straps or twist ties. This stops tangles and speeds selection from bins. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682963]

What if I can’t drill into walls at home or work?

Mount racks to furniture or metal cabinets. Pomona-style lead racks can magnet-mount, though mixed BNC adapters challenge neat grouping. Tight-mesh shelving also screws to bookcase sides. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682965]

Is wire shelving actually useful for test leads?

Yes. TightMesh or similar shelving with half‑inch centers and 0.38-inch slots holds hook leads and small probes well when mounted near your bench. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682964]

Why bother organizing now—how many devices do I really have?

Households average 21 connected devices, down from a 2021 peak of 25. More devices mean more cables or adapters. Organization scales better than ad‑hoc drawers. [Deloitte, 2023]

What is Tuya?

Tuya (Tuya Smart) is a global AIoT platform that brands and developers use to build and manage smart devices and apps across categories. [Tuya Inc.]

What is Arduino Nano?

Arduino Nano is a compact, breadboard‑friendly microcontroller board (originally ATmega328P) offering Uno‑like I/O in a smaller form factor for embedded projects. [Arduino Nano]

What is OpenBeken?

OpenBeken is open‑source firmware that replaces Tuya/Beken and other modules, offering Tasmota‑like setup and Home Assistant/MQTT compatibility. [OpenBeken GitHub]

What is CAN bus?

CAN bus is a differential, multi‑master serial network (designed by Bosch) widely used in vehicles; classic CAN runs up to 1 Mbit/s. [CAN bus]

What did the thread starter finally choose?

They leaned toward a hybrid: Tupperware‑style boxes plus zip‑lock bags for shelf storage, while planning to inspect trunking at a surplus store. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682961]

Any failure modes to watch for with wall racks?

Under‑fastened trunking can sag or detach when loaded. Use more screws, proper anchors, and washers to distribute force and prevent pull‑out. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682954]

Quick 3‑step: how do I set up a grab‑and‑go cable wall?

Mount slotted trunking level with ample screws and washers into studs.
Sort cables by type/length; loop long ones to halve their drop.
Hang by plugs; add short lid segments only where loops poke out. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682951]