The modern home entertainment center is a huge step up from the old days. It’s amazing to see what advancements have been made. The biggest downside to today’s entertainment is hooking it all up. The number of wires needed to hook up even the most basic systems remains more overwhelming than expected. It’s easy enough to simply get everything working and then shove all wires behind the main console. However, there comes a point where you need to stop ignoring the clutter and get that entertainment center organized.

1. Find where the wires are coming from: Start at the root of the problem. Those wires are coming from somewhere, so assess the situation. Unplug all electronics and see what you’re working with. You will likely end up with a DVD player, video game console, television, cable box and a handful of other miscellaneous items. Which of these do you still use? Choose those that are important and store away the remaining leftovers.

2. Clean your electronics: Now that you have laid all electronics out in the open, clean them thoroughly. These items are usually only given a mediocre surface cleaning because it’s too much of a hassle to disconnect wires. Wipe each electronic inside and out without damaging any equipment. Also, clean every cord because they have likely built up residue from long term neglect.

3. Clean behind your center: There’s no sense in returning the newly cleaned wires to their original hidden spot if it remains dirty. This is an opportune time to vacuum in the corner or along the wall where your entertainment center usually rests. Ensure all base boards are wiped down and the space under which the center sits is given considerable attention.

4. Find a good spot: Find a good spot for each electronic device on the entertainment center. Make sure they are displayed in a way that is easy on the eyes. Disperse evenly throughout the allotted space to avoid a cluttered appearance. Step back and see if you’re happy with the set up.

5. Tidy it up: Going back to the root of the problem, avoid the frustration later by organizing your wires now. Plug each electronic in once you have determined its permanent location on the center. Clump wires together that run to the same power source. Duct tape is safe to use as a wrapping device and conveniently functions as a label as well.

The following local businesses should be able to help you get started:

Easy Living with Technology, LLC
15201 Roosevelt Blvd, Suite 111
Clearwater, FL 33611
(813) 831-8551
hometheatergallery.com

Hours: Call to schedule an appointment

Mike Stram of Easy Living with Technology installs home theater systems in Tampa Bay homes. He is a great resource when looking to update your home entertainment center.

TB Electronics
12311 Highway 301
Dade City, FL 33525
(352) 521-0168
tbelectronix.com

Hours: Mon to Sat – 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sun – Closed

TB Electronics in Dade City is a full service sales and repair shop that has what you need for fixing damaged electronic equipment. If you discover something isn’t salvageable, browse their collection for a replacement.

Temple Terrace Ace Hardware
13108 N 56th St
Tampa, FL 33617
(813) 988-3488
acehardware.com

Hours: Mon to Sat – 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sun – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Temple Terrace Ace Hardware can provide you with all necessary tools for cleaning up your entertainment center. Consult their experts for helpful tips.

Related: The Best Household Cleaning Product: Salt
Related: Best Movie Theaters in Tampa

For more great tricks, tips and advice about your home, visit CBSTampa/YourHome.

Mike Hennessy is a veteran news man who has won Florida AP awards for feature reporting and covered almost every kind of story imaginable from on-the-scene coverage of Hurricane Andrew, to some of the highest profile murder and corruption trials in Florida history. Mike is versatile and has the curiosity it takes to get to the bottom line of any story. His work can be found at Examiner.com.