TVs that can surf the internet, computers that fit in your pocket – technology today is constantly changing and evolving. Most of it has been invented to make life easier, but even the most user-friendly devices can leave us with new problems to try and solve. For instance, what are we meant to do with the jungle of wires behind the TV, or under the desk? Or what about those phone charging cables always wearing thin before we’re done with them? These five surprisingly simple tech hacks using everyday objects show even the most sophisticated technology can be helped along by a little old-school ingenuity, and some inventions just never lose their usefulness!
1. Put Lego figurines to work
Lego figures have exactly the right sized hands to hold cords securely out of the way. So next time the grandkids leave their Lego figurines behind, don’t be in such a rush to give them back – they might be just the folk to sort out the birds’ nest behind your TV. Their tiny, grasping hands can hold onto cables and keep them neatly organised, eliminating the mess of tangled wires that often accumulates behind entertainment units or desks.
For an even more creative twist, you can add more pieces of Lego or customise the figurines to match your decor or create an amusing scene for next time the grandkids visit, making them both functional and decorative cable organisers.
2. Music out of cup
If you need a quick sound system or want to put someone on ‘speaker phone’ while you go about an activity, try placing your phone into a glass or ceramic bowl to amplify the volume. The concave shape of the bowl acts as a natural amplifier, making the sound of your phone’s speaker louder and clearer. This hack is perfect for when you want to enjoy some music while cooking in the kitchen or when you need a hands-free conversation without using a Bluetooth speaker.
You can experiment with different types of bowls or cups to achieve various sound effects.
3. Protect your charger
About to toss an old pen into the trash? Before you do, salvage the spring from it and wrap it around your phone’s charger cord. This hack will help protect the cable from bending and breaking at the most vulnerable points, near the connector and the end that plugs into your device. The spring adds extra durability to the cable, extending its lifespan and saving you from having to replace chargers frequently.
Moreover, this technique is cost-effective and environmentally friendly, as you are reusing an old item that would otherwise end up in a landfill. It’s a win-win for both your wallet and the planet!
4. Clips to organise your wires
Tired of untangling a mess of cables behind your desk? Use bulldog clips to bring some order to the chaos. Attach the clips to the back of your desk or any flat surface, and then thread your cables through the handles of the clips. This simple hack keeps your cables organised, prevents them from falling behind the desk, and makes it easier to find the right cable when you need it.
You can label the clips or use different colours for different cables to make identification even more straightforward. No more crawling under the desk to retrieve a fallen cable!
5. Trusty toilet rolls
Ever bundle up a cord, only to have it uncoil as soon as you put it down? Don’t worry; the solution is within arm’s reach – grab an empty cardboard toilet roll. Use these cylindrical wonders to hold your cords in place when not in use. Simply wrap the cord neatly around the toilet roll, and it will stay put, preventing the annoying tangles and knots that often plague our headphones, chargers, and other cords.
Additionally, you can get creative with these toilet rolls by decorating them with scraps of wrapping paper or wallpaper to add some personality to your cable management. It’s an inexpensive and effective way to keep your cords organized and your space clutter-free.
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