If you’re anything like me, your carry-on bag is usually packed with a rat’s nest of cords and cables. You’ve got chargers for your notebook and cell phone, USB cables for various devices, earbuds for your iPod, and heaven knows what else. Obviously the more gear you travel with, the more cords you need to manage. Instead of trying to wrap them (which never works) or just leaving them to get all tangled (which is a major PIA), borrow an idea from Productivity501: Carry your cords in Ziplock bags. The benefits are threefold:
- The bags keep the cords contained and tangle-free.
- They make it easy to see the connectors, so you can quickly tell which cord is which.
- They’re dirt-cheap. (Get a few different sizes to accommodate different cord lengths.)
Interestingly, the author didn’t envision this as a solution for travelers; he bagged his cords when moving to Mexico. But it’s an absolutely ideal way for road warriors to keep things neat and tidy. Give it a try!
