Toilet paper rolls are the secret to an organized cord drawer. I love that they are essentially free and that you are reusing something instead of tossing in the garbage. Pair that with paper and my favorite crafting medium, Sharpie markers, and you ready to create an organized space that will be easy for anyone to use. I seriously may own Sharpie markers in every size they make. I can’t get enough of them. Needing more of these organizers was just the excuse I needed to head into Staples and buy more Sharpie markers.
You will need:
- Empty Toilet Paper Rolls
- Fine Sharpie Markers (Starting August 10th, all Fine Sharpie and Ultra Fine Sharpie Markers are on sale at Staples while supplies last!)
- Paper
- Tape
- A messy cord box or drawer like the one below
- Scissors
Love my mess? I swear the soda can is something for another craft project, not garbage. The bowl on the other hand, I have no idea what that is doing in there.
Line up your toilet paper roll on the edge of your paper. Mark where the roll ends on the paper and cut one long strip the paper.
Write a name of one of the cords that you need to be organized, such as the printer, a camera cord, and charging cords for various electronics. Decorate around the words with Sharpie markers.
Tape one end of the paper on a toilet paper roll. Wrap around, making sure to not cover up the label. Trim off the excess paper and then tape down the other side.
Wrap your cords so they are snug inside the rolls. I have found the best way to do this is to wrap your the cord around your hand several times. This make it just about the right size to slip into the cardboard tube. For most cords, there isn’t any need to use a rubber band. The tube will hold them tightly, for a few cords, such as our smaller chargers, I added a rubber band.
What about the cords that have larger plugs on them? No problem. Wrap the cords the same way as above and stick the cord in the tube with the box hanging out. Just make sure to put it box side down in the drawer if you are standing them up.
How will you get organized for back-to-school with Sharpie at Staples?
Masshole Mommy says
That is such a neat idea!! Love it.
Jenn says
This is a great idea, if only I was so organized! Gotta work on it!
Catherine| Fit Armadillo says
Love it! I finally have my cords in a box, but not untangled. Will try this for sure (if I can get my TP rolls back from my bunny!).
Colette S says
What a great idea!
I love it an will have to try this!
Debi @ Life Currents says
I love Sharpies. And this is such a cute way to use them. I've been doing this cord organization in my house for a long time now. I cover the rolls with contact paper. Works really well too.
Sam says
How friggin cool is this idea?! I lovve it!!!!
Caitlin Fore says
I love sharpies – and up cycling! What an amazing way to use all those old toilet paper roles and organize wires. So great!
Caitlin Fore says
I love sharpies – and up cycling! What an amazing way to use all those old toilet paper roles and organize wires. So great!
Ann B says
Cute idea. I am going to do this as we have cords all over the house.
Liz Mays says
Ok, this is pretty darn brilliant I have to say. Cords are a huge problem for me too!
Chrishelle Ebner says
That tangled mess looks like my husband's power supply basket. Great tip, will be getting crafty soon.
Chrishelle Ebner says
That tangled mess looks like my husband's power supply basket. Great tip, will be getting crafty soon.
Emily Ploch says
That is so clever! I hate boxes of cords!
Jenny says
Great idea, we have tons of cords that could be hidden with these cute little toilet paper rolls!
mail4rosey says
So totally smart! I hate having cords and having no clue what they go to. And we've got plenty of them. I don't even know how it happens in such mass quantity.
Jhady says
These are cool, never thought I could turn the empty tissue paper roll into something very useful. I think my kids can do this project.
Maddi'sMommy says
Awesome ideas! My cords are forever tangled.
Katrina Gehman says
I love it! i'm going to have to do this
Payal Bansal says
Great Idea to keep these wires neatly in place. I am so fed up of these wires, chargers and …. aaah! all over house, and when you need one, you never find the one
Debi@The Spring Mount 6 Pack says
Such a great idea. I love us TP rolls to craft and organize
Stephanie R says
This is a really good idea. I really hate opening up my drawers and having all of my cords tangled.
Amy AKA The Hippy says
What a cute idea! And so frugal! I love how you upcycled to make these. I will definitely be pinning this for later…
I know I cannot be the only one with a drawer full of cords that I really have no idea what they go to anymore. LOL
Thank you so much for sharing!