In my recent decluttering frenzy, I determined to get the lamp cords and tangled computer cables off the floor and out of sight, preferably without nailing, drilling, or buying any expensive gadgets.

The tool: Velcro. 

Get a small amount of “industrial strength” (yes, that’s how they market it) self-stick Velcro tape. Untangle the cords and gather them together neatly. Measure out enough Velcro tape to generously cover the wad of cords when held up against the back of a piece of furniture. Cut Velcro to length and separate the pieces. Stick one piece of Velcro to the back of the desired piece of furniture. Place the cord or gathered cords over the stuck-on Velcro and then press the other piece of Velcro firmly over the cords. This will hold the cords in place.

Remember that if you apply heavy-duty Velcro to drywall, it may pull the paint and drywall paper off when you remove it, requiring you to apply spackling compound and touch up paint. And of course, never apply Velcro to any visible part of fine furniture.

In my office, where the computer and its ancillary gear occupy a large table with a two-inch apron all the way around the tabletop, I screwed cuphooks to the inside of the apron and tucked the cables in them, guiding the cables toward the electrical outlets and power strips. This gets a lot of clutter off the floor.

household hints