Do you have a box of cables, cords, chargers, and the like that you’ve accumulated over the last decade or more? What about old computers and other electronic devices?

I can help you consolidate and declutter your collection. I briefly mentioned this service in Mac Mondays: Random Benefits in 2018 and expound on it today.

How Many Kinds of USB Are There?!

In the last 20 years, USB has come in a variety of flavors. There are letters A, B, and C that describe the connector, numbers like 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 that describe the maximum speed, and there have been Mini, Micro, and other versions as well. Plus, USB cables between the connector ends are unequal in their capabilities of passing data and/or power.

Besides USB, you might have old FireWire cables, adapters for SD cards, or cables for networking. You might also have power adapters that came with various devices over the years and provide more or less charging capacity than is ideal for some of your devices. And you might need an expert like me to tell them apart and decide what would benefit you.

What to Keep? What Not?

The most important consideration is the devices you use now. What printer, cellphone, and other electronics do you have? Can you account for the charging adapters and the cables that connect each device to your computer and/or power?

Additionally, you probably don’t need a dedicated cable or adapter for each device. One of each type might be sufficient. For example, I keep one each Lightning, USB-C, and Micro USB cable connected to my Mac for an array of devices I periodically connect to charge: iPhone, iPad, trackpad, keyboard, shaver, bike lights, etc.

For better cable management on and around your desk, I highly recommend investing in the lowly twist tie to wrap excess cable and set it out of the way. The electronics you buy often come with them already wrapped around charging and connection cables. Over the years, I have accumulated a healthy collection of these to keep my cables in check.

What to Do With the Waste?

You have some options for what to do with all your accumulation. Don’t put it in the garbage! If the volume is small and I’m visiting you in the Bay, I might offer to bring it home. If you have a old computers and/or a large amount of electronics to get rid of and you’re in the East Bay, you can visit the El Cerrito Recycling & Environmental Resource Center.

Another option is to schedule a free pickup by Tri Valley Recycling, a regional processor of such materials. I partner with them and would be happy to help coordinate your pickup.

If you need to find an agency near you, visit Earth 911.

What did you discover in the depths of your closets and cabinets?

You truly might not be able to do this alone. I can be pretty quick to identify the cables and accessories that would be most useful to you, which ones might be worth holding onto, and which ones you probably will never need.

I recommend hiring me for this expertise so you can declutter your space.