When it comes to electronics, it's all about creating a sustainable system that's simple to use and easy to maintain. Here are seven of our favorite tips to help you get started.
1. Gather all of your electronics in one place.
There's no need to unplug items if they're actively in use, but take a mental note or written inventory of those items, so you have a complete view of what you own.
2. Group your electronics by their intended function.
Camera equipment, old phones, accessories, cables, manuals, etc. Breaking down your collection into smaller categories will make it easier to find patterns or opportunities to donate unnecessary duplicates.
3. Ask yourself if these items reflect who you are now.
Once you have your items grouped by their intended function, go through each category and ask yourself: If you didn't have this item now, would you buy this again? If you were moving, would you bring this with you? Have you used this in the past year? Will you use it in the next year? If you answered yes to any, it might be best to keep, but if you answer no to all, it's likely time to find another home.
4. Store items where you use them and how you use them.
While it does make sense to keep all of your electronics in one place, it's helpful to store them where and how you use them. For example, if you frequently use your camera in your home office, there's no need to keep it with the rest of your electronics in your living room. That said, it's also helpful to group items based on how you use them, so you always have what you need on hand.
5. Untangle your cables and cords, and match them with the corresponding electronic.
If you've been neglecting your collection of cables for a while, chances are they're a bit tangled. Take a few minutes to untangle each cord. This will make the next few steps much easier. Next, we're going to group each cord with the corresponding electronic. This will encourage you to be more realistic about what to keep in the next step.
6. Consider what you need.
Think about how you use your electronics and their corresponding chargers and accessories. Would you benefit from keeping a phone charger with the items you take when you travel? Would it help to keep a spare cable in your suitcase? Once you've identified how you're using these items, consider getting rid of the items that don't have a specific use case.
7. Store items in an appropriately sized container.
Take a moment to consider the container you're using to store your electronics. If items are loose and spread out on a shelf, find a Small Bin, or make a mental note to pick one up. If you're tossing items back into a drawer, our Drawer Dividers will help keep everything in place.
