We all have that one dreaded drawer. You know the one. You open it, and it’s a terrifying jungle of phone chargers, laptop cords, and mystery cables.
Every time I needed to charge my phone, I spent ten minutes wrestling with a knotted mess. I tried using cheap plastic zip ties, but I had to cut them off every time I wanted to adjust a cord.
Then, I finally started using reusable velcro straps. They completely changed how I organize my house, my car, and my travel bags.
If you are tired of cable clutter, keep reading. I’m going to share exactly how I use these handy little tools around my own home.
## TL;DR – Key Takeaways
* **Reusable velcro straps** are cheap, easy to use, and perfect for everyday cable management.
* They are vastly superior to zip ties because you can undo and reuse them hundreds of times.
* Look for rolls of continuous hook-and-loop tape for custom sizes, or pre-cut straps with buckles for heavier items.
* You can use them for organizing electronics, securing car trunk items, wrapping holiday lights, and even fixing temporary wardrobe malfunctions.
## Why I Threw Away My Plastic Zip Ties
Plastic zip ties are cheap, but they are incredibly wasteful. I used to buy them in giant bulk packs. But I felt guilty throwing away shredded plastic every time I needed to re-route a cable behind my desk.
Tape leaves a sticky residue that ruins expensive charging cables. Rubber bands dry out and snap over time.
Reusable velcro straps solve all of these problems. They wrap around your items, lock securely, and peel away instantly when you need to make a change.
## 5 Everyday Uses for Reusable Velcro Straps
You might think these straps are just for computer wires. Think again. Here are the exact ways I use them in my daily life.
### 1. Taming the TV Stand Cable Monster
My living room TV stand used to look like a spaghetti factory exploded. I had HDMI cables, power cords, and speaker wires everywhere.
I took five small velcro straps and bundled the wires by direction. I strapped the TV power cords together, and bundled the HDMI cables separately. Now, my TV stand actually looks clean.
### 2. Wrapping Holiday Lights and Extension Cords
Have you ever opened your Christmas decoration bins in December? Usually, the string lights are a giant, unbreakable knot.
Last year, I bought a pack of long fastening ties. I wrapped up each string of lights tightly before putting them away. When the holidays rolled around, I just unplugged the straps. Zero tangles.
### 3. Organizing the Car Trunk
My car trunk used to be a hazard. Every time I hit the brakes, my groceries, gym bag, and coolant jugs would slide everywhere.
I used heavy-duty reusable velcro straps to secure a few items to the trunk’s cargo net loops. I also used a strap to keep my roll-up gym mat from unrolling in the backseat. It saved me from a lot of rolling-around noise.
### 4. Keeping Board Game Boxes Shut
If you have kids, you know board game boxes take a beating. The cardboard tabs break, and suddenly you have Monopoly money scattered all over the closet floor.
I wrap a brightly colored velcro strap around each broken game box. It keeps the lids shut tight and actually makes the games easier for my kids to pull off the shelf.
### 5. Temporary Clothing Fixes
I was at a wedding last summer, and the hem of my dress suddenly ripped. I didn’t have a sewing kit.
I took a thin, beige-colored velcro strap from my bag and looped it through the hem to pin it up. It held the fabric securely in place for the entire reception. It’s a great little emergency life hack.
## What to Look for When Buying Cable Ties
Not all straps are created equal. I’ve bought some real duds that lost their grip after one use. Here is what you should look for before you buy.
### Rolls of Hook-and-Loop Tape vs. Pre-Cut Straps
If you have a lot of weird, custom-sized items to wrap, buy a continuous roll. You get a long spool of tape and a pair of scissors. You simply cut off exactly the length you need.
For everyday use, pre-cut straps are much more convenient. They have rounded edges so they don’t snag on your clothes.
### Look for Buckles for Heavy Items
If you are just tying up thin phone chargers, standard flat straps are fine. But if you need to secure heavy extension cords or bundles of wood, buy straps with plastic buckles.
The buckle acts like a belt. You thread the strap through, pull it tight, and then press the velcro down. It holds incredibly tight.
### My Go-To Budget Recommendation
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get organized. Recently, I grabbed a massive 50-foot roll of reusable velcro straps from BriskPick because I needed an affordable option for a massive house decluttering project.
I was honestly surprised by the quality for the price. The adhesive on the back of the roll was strong enough to mount a few bundles directly under my wooden desk. If you want to test out cable management without spending a ton of money, grabbing a bulk roll is the smartest way to go.
If you need heavy-duty holding power for larger bundles, I highly recommend looking at the heavy-duty adjustable cinch straps on BriskPick. They feature the plastic buckle design I mentioned earlier, and they cost a fraction of what I used to pay at the local hardware store.
## The Honest Pros and Cons
I love these things, but I want to give you an honest review. Nothing is perfect.
**Pros:**
* **Highly reusable:** You can undo and redo them endlessly.
* **Gentle on wires:** They don’t pinch or cut into expensive electronics.
* **Customizable:** You can cut rolls to whatever size you need.
* **Budget-friendly:** A few dollars gets you enough straps for your whole house.
**Cons:**
* **They collect lint:** If you drop one on a carpeted floor, the hook side will pick up hair and dust. You have to pick the lint out for them to stick properly again.
* **Fraying edges:** If you buy a cheap continuous roll and cut it with dull scissors, the edges will fray over time. Always use sharp scissors.
* **Not totally waterproof:** The soft loop side absorbs water. Don’t use them for long-term outdoor projects where it rains constantly.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**How strong are reusable velcro straps?**
They are incredibly strong for their weight. A standard 1-inch wide strap can easily hold a 5-pound bundle of heavy power cords.
**Can you wash hook and loop ties?**
Yes, you can. If they get dirty, just wash them by hand with warm soapy water. Let them air dry completely before using them again.
**Do they damage charging cables?**
Not at all. Unlike tight plastic zip ties, velcro is soft and flexible. It keeps your cables organized without crushing the internal wires.
**Will the sticky backing ruin my walls?**
If you buy adhesive-backed straps, the glue is designed to stick to smooth surfaces like metal or finished wood. They are not meant for painted drywall. Peeling them off painted walls might peel the paint off with it.