Box of USB cables needs a better partitioning system

[icedwater]

It took me a while to find a USB-C cable I could borrow when I needed it, and there's a bunch of random cables that I haven't been able to sort out.

For now, I've separated Lightning cables and Micro-USB cables each into their own bags, with all the other assorted cables other than USB-C at the bottom of the box.

Not only do there need to be better partitions to make the cables easier to access, we should probably also take the time to sort through them and test which are still working. I don't think we need about 40 Micro-USB cables lying around which are between 15cm and 1.5m, we might do well enough with about half of those, I guess?

Also, maybe a 22L box isn't the best option for storing these cables, but we'll need to think about this.

[GIANTCRAB]

For long term solution, I think we can explore using these boxes?

They are more compact and can fit into the Kallax shelves. You can fit about 3 in one shelf box. Good for separating stuff out as well.

Unfortunately, I do not know where these smaller boxes are from and their costs.

[GIANTCRAB]

Found these boxes lying around and washed them. I don't know where the lids are. In any case, I sorted them into these smaller boxes. The bigger 22L box contains other rare/uncommon cables.

[valentine]

I was at Daiso earlier today and thought of stocking up on the hardware room boxes before the price increase, but decided to give it a day to think it over.

6 boxes fit perfectly into one slot if put in this way:

I am not sure if it's practical to have boxes hidden on the inside, and there would be a bit of wasted space in the Kallax if we had only three of them in one slot. The boxes will not fit side-by-side with the short side facing outwards.

An alternative is to buy two of the 11L Samla ($6 x 2), or four of the 5L Samla ($4 x 4).

[icedwater]

I will probably forget to hunt down boxes that fit perfectly into the shelf like this, but I think we should look for more alternatives. At least maybe partition the shelf into three sections so that the six boxes can be removed without touching the others.

Would it be easier just to buy corrugated plastic poster board like this or this to make vertical partitions in the 22L box which can be adjusted as needed?

[valentine]

IKEA sells dividers for the 22L boxes for $5 each. Not sure if they're good value for money.

There are also inserts for the Kallax shelves.

Corrugated board could be more economical for us as they seem to be around $1 each.

[valentine]

I noticed some unused drawers in the hardware room, and we're picking up some more from a donor on Sunday.

@icedwater maybe you could assess their suitability for cables?

[valentine]

Discussion from 2022-05-24 plenum:

• Artboard to be purchased and cut to fit by end of May (KH @icedwater)