Clutter Challenge for the week of Oct. 19th '09

Cords and cables are a nightmare. They collect dust, get in the way and are an eye sore.
There are plenty of products on the market in various office supply stores and home improvement stores.
I recommend you research these for the larger cables behind your computer and television.
But for the simple electrical cords for your laptop, lamps, kitchen appliances etc... here is a basic, inexpensive solution. Velcro.
You can purchase small amounts of velcro in packages at sewing locations (like JoAnns). Make sure you Do NOT buy the sticky brand.
Cut  a 12" piece from the smooth velcro.
Next cut one 2" piece of the rough velcro.
With a sewing machine or sewing by hand, attach the piece of the 2" velcro on one end of the smooth velcro with the roughness facing down or the opposite direction of the smooth velcro.
Gather in your cord and with your thumb holding the end of the smooth velcro, begin wrapping your velcro arpound your gathered cord. Secure it with the rough piece on the end.
Additional Tips:
You may want to make a small loop on the opposite end of where you have attached the rouch velcro. You can use this loop to go over one end of the cord. This helps you keep track of your velcro strips by keeping it on the cord and holds it in place while you are securing your gathered cord.
The length of your velcro strips can vary depending on the length and width of the cord you are going to secure. Premeasure your gathered cords to get the desired length.
Please add your ideas for organizing cords to the comments link below.