GoKawiilSomewhere in your home is likely a twisted, writhing mass of cables for all manner of devices -- I know because I have multiple caches of cords dating back at least 20 years, if not older. For my spring cleaning this year, I'm getting rid of everything I no longer need, so I'll share a few helpful guidelines along with what I'm sending to the thrift store.
Tips for cutting cord clutter
Don't be afraid to toss less common cords -- even if you accidentally throw out a cord before finding your vintage iPod -- replacements are readily available at thrift shops and specialty stores. John Carlsen/CNET
Let's start with a few essential steps to help you determine which cords to keep and which to toss. Orphan cords are an easy target because they no longer have a compatible device to power, charge or connect to a computer -- think smartphones, internet routers, desktops, CD players, etc.
Next, you want to target extras and backups. There's no reason to hold on to every Ethernet cable from every router you bought since time immemorial. This is especially true when all the devices using that cord type already use one. For example, I use many Ethernet cables in my smart home testing to connect various hubs and base stations to my router. They all came with cords of their own, so I didn't even need the five backups sitting in my junk drawer.
That said, I don't see a problem with keeping one spare of a specific type around just in case, which leads me to my third recommendation: a little organization goes a long way. Store spares individually in bags, using twist ties or rubber bands to keep them from sprawling around the junk drawer. This way, you can avoid creating a tangled mess as you rummage for batteries or pencils that share the same space.
Conducting an inventory of your cable collection
Start with an inventory of your cords, cables and adapters. John Carlsen/CNET
What you choose to discard depends on your personal circumstances. Most people likely won't need to keep as many cords around as tech reviewers, retro electronics enthusiasts or tech preservationists. Still, here are a few categories of cables and adapters to consider putting out to pasture -- this isn't an exhaustive list.
Power adapters and cables
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