Organizational Ideas for a Charging Station

Essential Cords and Cables

• Different types of technology require different cords and cables for recharging the devices. The kind of cord that works for one manufacturer may not be universal or compatible with another manufacturer's technology. One organizational idea is to provide the essential cords and cables at each charging station, so that people who use the charging station have an option of the type of cord and cable that works effectively for their type of device. Additionally, providing the cords and cables saves people from having to tote them around in their purses or briefcases. Every cord and cable that is provided must be properly labeled for user convenience.

Station Layout and Design

• The actual charging station layout and design can benefit your goal to keep things organized. For instance, charging stations should be designed with a clutter-free layout in mind. A hole in the back of the station is one way to hide cords and cables, thereby reducing the clutter and tangling of wires on the station. Another station layout and design idea is to make multiple holes along the back so that people can charge more than one device at a time. A third layout and design idea is for the station to come equipped with a small storage compartment where users can keep extra wires, backup chargers or user manuals.

Charging Station Designation

• If more than one person will be using charging stations -- say, for example, in an office environment -- it helps to stay organized by designating the stations to particular manufacturers. For instance, you might have an Apple station for people who use iPhones and iPads, a Blackberry station and a station for Androids. This organizational strategy ensures that the proper devices are matched with the corresponding charging equipment. It also helps to alleviate crowding by spreading groups out among three or more stations.

Free or Fee

• If the charging station will be set up and offered publicly, one organizational consideration is whether to have the charging station a free service, or one that users pay a fee to utilize. A charging station that requires a fee is set up where the user inserts a token or a card to pay the amount asked, and then has access to the recharging kiosk. Such a system can keep the area around the charging kiosk orderly and organized.