Don't let anyone take away your big box of cables (blog.jim-nielsen.com)

Article summary

The article discusses the importance of keeping a collection of cables, known as a 'Big Box of Cables', and the value it holds in providing the right cable or adapter when needed. The author shares a personal anecdote of finding a needed cable in their own box after 10 years. The article emphasizes the satisfaction of having the right cable on hand to solve a problem. The author also shares their method of organizing and labeling their cable box to make it more useful.

Main themes

• cable organization
• big box of cables
• self-sufficiency
• problem-solving
• clutter vs. preparedness
• creative storage solutions

What commenters say

• Having multiple boxes for different types of cables is a good way to stay organized.
• Some people have very large collections of cables, making organization a significant challenge.
• There is a debate about the best way to categorize and organize cables, with some people using broad categories and others using more specific labels.
• Double-ended USB-A cables, although non-standard, have been used in various applications, including powering external hard drives and laser cutters.
• The usefulness of a big box of cables is not just about having the right cable, but also about the satisfaction of being prepared and self-sufficient.
• Some people have developed creative systems for organizing their cables, including using zip bags, labels, and custom storage solutions.
• The big box of cables can be a source of conflict between individuals who value keeping cables and those who see it as clutter.
• Organizing cables can be a dynamic process, as new cables are acquired and old ones are discarded.