No matter what kind of mobile technology your family uses — smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, fitness trackers, gaming devices, laptops, portable speakers — the goal is to keep it safe and organized. Here are some useful tips and strategies to manage all those devices and accessories.
Keeping electronic devices organized at home
All devices eventually need to charge. Do you have a multitude of cords and adapters all competing for prime outlet space? Here are a few ideas to manage the chaos:
Centralize. Clear off a counter or desk near an open outlet and designate it as a “charging center.” If needed, add a power bar or outlet extender with enough ports to accommodate everyone in the family.
Go wireless. A charging pad or dock (where a device charges by simply being placed on the pad) can be a simple cordless solution for kids, or for well-worn devices with an unresponsive charging port.
Say goodnight. It’s too tempting for kids to have a device in their bedroom overnight, so choose a night-time charging location that is far removed from their sleep space. Set the device to quiet or “do not disturb” mode during sleep hours, to avoid distracting notification sounds. For very young kids, explain that the device needs to sleep and recharge just like them, to be ready to go tomorrow.
Specify a location. If family devices are frequently left lying around and are at risk of being stepped on, sat on or otherwise damaged, try using color-coded baskets as a home base for each one.
Avoid mix-ups. You can prevent unwanted arguments about adapters and cords by adding personalized name labels — such as the perfectly sized Mabel’s Labels Mini Labels — to all accessories.
Set a workspace. If your child uses a laptop for homework, establish a distinct work space for their computer, mouse, and other school supplies. If space permits, the ideal location is away from the high-traffic kitchen table but still in a common area of the house.
Keep it clean. To avoid sticky spills, keep devices away from food and beverages as much as possible. To sanitize, wipe down devices regularly with a disposable disinfecting wipe. Keep screens smudge-free by spritzing with an electronics-friendly screen cleaning spray and drying with a soft cloth.
Managing electronic devices on the go:
Of course, the whole point of a “mobile” device is to take it with you when you leave the house. Here are some strategies to keep devices safe and organized:
Do a case study. Regardless of the size, type and manufacturer of your device, you’ll need a high-quality protective case. For kids, avoid cases that are smooth and thus easier to drop. Instead, choose a rubber or silicone surface with plenty of grip. When shopping for toddler-friendly tablet cases, look for a rugged design with practical features such as a carrying handle and adjustable pieces that allow it to stand up.
Keep an eye on the earbuds. Wireless earbud-style headphones are an amazing invention. They’re also tiny and easy to lose! Purchase a brightly colored outer case for easy recognition and storage. Ideally, your child should have a system of always keeping them in a specific pocket of their backpack.
Zip it up. It can be a challenge for your child to manage their electronic accessories when they’re out all day at a sibling’s sports tournament, a sleepover, or a visit with their grandparents. Re-purpose a pencil case, toiletry bag, or lunch bag — anything with a working zipper — as an “electronics travel bag” to keep all their paraphernalia in one place.
Bring extra juice. Kids often inherit older devices with limited battery life. To keep everything powered up, consider purchasing portable battery packs that can be pre-charged and stashed in their bag.
Label it. A custom name label ensures that a device can be easily identified if it is left behind at school, activities, sports, or a friend’s house.
Strap in. If your child regularly uses a device in the car, a bit more setup may be required. An extra-long cord is a good investment if your vehicle’s charging ports are only in the front seat. For younger kids who want to watch a show on their tablet, there are a variety of innovative products to enable hands-free viewing, including:
- A case with a fold-out, easel-type stand
- A triangular pillow with elastic straps that holds the device at an angle
- A headrest mount designed to secure the tablet to the back of the driver or passenger seat
When it comes to organization, this isn’t the time to leave the family “to their own devices.” By taking charge and implementing a few simple steps, you’ll be protecting your valuable mobile devices and ensuring that everyone in the family has access to the technology they need.
