It was a tip born out of necessity. While I traipsed around warm and sunny Chicago wearing my sunglasses this weekend, I noticed my iPhone cord—carelessly dropped into the bottom of my over-stuffed bag—kept getting tangled. What's a girl to do?
It turns out that an empty sunglass case (like the one that wasn't holding my glasses) is the perfect vessel for keeping small cords untangled inside a messenger bag or purse.
If you remember our post on the science behind tangled cords, you know that restricting movement is a great way to prevent messy tangles in your cables and cords. While you can spend a little cash to buy a manufactured cord wrap or case, using something you already own is always a great option. It's an especially handy tip if you're already out and about, and looking for a place to stash tangle-prone cords.
But your easy, re-purposed cord case doesn't have to be a sunglass case. Use whatever you have around the house or on-hand while on your travels. Here are some other common low- or no-cost vessels for carting your cords around for travel or every day:
• a makeup bag
• a pencil case
• an Altoids tin
• resealable plastic baggies
• jars, like mason jars or rinsed and dried pickle jars
• an empty CD-spindle case
Do you have any other easy ideas for cord storage and transportation? Share your tips in the comments below.
(Image: Taryn Fiol)
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Already doing this with my sunglasses case. Works like a charm.
I like to use ziplock bags as you mention in the list. Seeing the cords through the clear plastic reminds be they are there and makes them easy to find/see if I forgot them plugged into a socket somewhere!
This is a brilliant and attractive idea. I always have a tangled mess on my hands!
Good idea. I bought a decorative plastic box with matches in it - it has an art deco design on the front. I threw out the matches and put my iphone cord in it. Perfect size.
that's a great idea. i already use an Altoids Chewing Gum tin for my earbuds storage. fits in my pocket and easy to toss into a bag. CAVEAT: make sure you clean it out first before you store your earbuds in them. burning minty ears aren't exactly "fun".
Ha, I used to have the issue of not knowing how to take my veggie wrap to the office without it getting squished in my purse. It ended up commuting inside my hard sunglasses case (wrapped in plastic of course) :)
good idea. i do a similar thing with my kindle + cords. they all fit nicely in a cigar box which then fits nicely on a shelf. it keeps kindle stuff together and out of site.
I used to hide my cell phone in a glasses case to sneak it around school. They weren't allowed and teachers would threaten to search backpacks. I never got caught
I have always used an altoids tin
I use the colorful makeup bags you receive with purchase at the Clinique counter. One for my camera and its cords and accessories, one for my phone and Ipad cords.
Wish I'd seen this before my two week road trip - would have been so helpful!
I use an altoid tin to hold my earphones and carry all my pens and paintbrushes in my glasses case!
Great tip. Love clever tricks like this :-)