Tips To Organize Your Sacramento Media Center
If you are like most modern families today, you have a whole host of electronics and gadgets taking up space in your living room, family room or den. High-definition televisions, video game consoles and stereo surround sound enhance entertainment equipment, but the clutter that comes with storing them does little to improve a room's design. A mess of wires is not only unsightly, but can also be a potential fire hazard. These simple tips can help you organize and clean up your entertainment center.
Take Everything Out and Clean
The first step in organizing your entertainment center is to take everything out and give it a thorough cleaning. Get rid of those dust bunnies by wiping down electronics, including wires and cables. Vacuum behind the entertainment unit. Dirt and dust can shorten the life of electronics so ensure they are cleaned thoroughly.
Purge Unnecessary Devices
Once everything is laid out and sparkling clean, take stock of what you use and what it might be time to get rid of. That dinosaur of a VCR can most likely be tossed, along with the stacks of videotapes taking up space in your entertainment center. Many components serve multiple entertainment purposes. Both an Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 can play standard DVDs as well as video games. Keep only the necessary devices.
Control Your Cables
After all the components you want to keep are back in place, start connecting the wires and cables. Wrap similar cables together, such as all cords that connect to the TV. Shorten cables to their minimum length, ensuring just enough room to connect to the power strip. Tie them up with twist ties or pieces of Velcro. Stick labels on each to easily reference their corresponding devices. Place labels near the end of the plug so they are easy to locate.
Swap Out Fiberboard Backing
Most entertainment centers have fiberboard backing, which can be removed easily and replaced with peg board. Smaller cords can be fed through these holes, and the peg board allows you to easily hang and organize cords.
Hide the Power Strip
You've organized the cords and situated everything into place, but you still have a bulky power strip full of cables. Consider purchasing a box that can hold your power strip and hide all cords. If you are a DIY type, a cover can easily be fashioned from an old shoe box or other small box.
The following local business should be able to help you get started:
E-Waste Recovery Systems
11500 Sunrise Gold Circle
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
(800) 635-1486
ewaste411.com
Hours: Mon to Fri - 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The best way to get rid of unwanted electronics is to take them to a recycle center that can dispose of them properly. E-Waste Recovery Systems is your Sacramento solution to these outgrown items.
Capitol Ace Hardware
1815 I St
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 446-5246
acehardware.com
Hours: Mon to Thurs - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fri - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Located in the heart of downtown Sacramento, Capitol Ace Hardware has everything you need to organize and clean an entertainment center. Find twist ties, peg boards and a variety of cleaning supplies.
Metro Electronics
1831 J St
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 442-1512
metro-electronics.com
Hours: Mon to Fri - 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Metro Electronics is a full-service electronics store in Midtown, stocking a large selection of cables, power strips and other electronic components.
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For more great tricks, tips and advice about your home, visit CBSSacramento/YourHome.
Karen Boruff is a freelance writer living in Sacramento. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
