While I’m definitely not the most organized person you’ll ever meet….one thing that really drives me nutty is CORD CLUTTER. I detest all the tangled power cords that tend to accumulate due to my family’s affinity for gadgets.
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When I came across this idea to make a “charging station” for electronic devices, I knew that this could cure my cord clutter woes. So I took an hour last week to put it together, and have been loving it ever since!
First, you’ll need a few supplies:
- a shoebox (or similarly sized box with a lid)
- a power strip or surge protector
- decorations for your box, like wrapping paper, washi tape, etc. (optional, but strongly encouraged!)
I started by decorating an old shoebox with some adorable floral wrapping paper I found at Paper Source. I used one 19.5″ x 27″ sheet for the bottom of the box and another sheet for the top, then used washi tape to cover the corner of the box where the lid bends.
Once my box was decorated to my liking, I cut a hole in the lower corner of one end of the box, big enough for the cord of my power strip to go through. Side note: If you need a power strip, I found this cute, curvable one at T.J.Maxx for $10!
Next, I cut (5) 1-inch holes in the front of the shoebox for the power cords to pass through. (If you have more outlets on your power strip, make as many holes as you’d like!)
All that was left to do was to plug in our chargers, feed the plugs through the front holes, and plug in the power strip to a nearby outlet.
Now the cord clutter is neatly contained, and I can stop fretting! :-)
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What is your clutter pet peeve?
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I would appreciate tips how to cut such neat circles through the cardboard and wrapping paper please.
I used an x-acto knife! Like this one: http://amzn.to/1K8Ol9m
I am thinking that the holes in the box do not need to be so big since you can string it from the inside out. GREAT IDEA, GOING TO DO TODAY!
You’re definitely right, Kim! Hope you love it!
Wow this is so cute! I don’t know when it started but I really don’t like having cluttered surfaces. This will be a terrific addition to my home! Thanks!
Glad you like it Rachel!
This is a really cute idea, but instead of a power cord on the inside, I think I would put a USB multi-port hub instead of a power strip. Many of my devices have a cord with a USB plug on one end so that the device can be charged through a converter or through the computer. Depending upon the size and configuration of the USB hub, the options for box sizes could be different, as well.
Clever idea Donna!
This is just too clever and attractive, too! Cord clutter is the worst and this solves that problem. I think I have a box that would work perfectly, too. Thanks so much for sharing!
We have a tv tray that we recharge our phones on etc. I hung 2 command hooks on the wall above the tray and they work perfect to keep the cords off the floor and more accessible. The other plus to this is that the command hooks are clear and almost invisible…………………….
This is a great idea Stacey!
Love your help but this time I have concerns about your idea. Both the little Transformers, and the power strip may create a risk of fire. They heat up and could create more heat in a small flammable enclosure. Best to let the cords and heat disperse in as much air as possible. A pricy charging station costs less than a home.
I love the idea, but will make one about twice the size!!
Adding a Quirky cord keeper would be a bonus. I love the little device ($5.00 at Walmart)
Great idea!
This is so funny. I did almost the same thing a few weeks ago. But I didn’t use a power strip. I just cut a rectangle in the back of the showbox which sits right in front of the outlet. It sits right against the use th wall and covers the box and we only have two phones plugged in.