So after seeing pictures of the really organized vans, and me deciding to downsize to a Chevy uplander, I am working on trying to get better organized and control the inventory that ends up on my van.

I really wanted to go with Systainers or the Bosch L-Boxx but didn't want to spend that kind of cash right now.

I already had several of these: [Link: homedepot.com] -

I recently bought a few of these: [Link: homedepot.com] - these are great for small parts and adapters.

also picked up a few of these: [Link: homedepot.com] - i like that these can be stacked and connected together...plus i can pull the dewalt stickers off.

but for hdmi, patch, audio cables, i haven't found a good solution. Ideally i would like something like the dewalt box above, but at least twice as deep. I like having a clear lid so i can check inventory quickly if i'm in a hurry and hadn't had a chance to restock. so, what is everyone doing to store their cables?

Gallon ziplok bags in rubber maid bins, cheap and effective for me.

The only pre-made cables we use are HDMI (and rarely a toslink), so a big Rubbermaid box does a pretty good job of holding just about all we need to keep on a van.

We have a rubbermaid tub we carry in the truck upside down because one latch is broken. All kinds of goodies in there. Common stuff on the top, and stuff you never thought you would need but are very thankful you had on the bottom. :) I always grab a handful of stuff I think I might need on the way out of the shop to service calls or small jobs. Anything else gets ordered and picked per job (in theory anyhow). YMMV

this is exactly what i'm trying to get away from...and honestly probably will always have 1 or 2 bins with all the extra junk in it.

I grab stuff for service calls when i'm going out the door, but i always need that extra plate or cable or whatever and when i think i have 1 in stock on my van...its not there. then whenever i make time to reorganize the van, i find 25 1' patch cables and no 3' cables. i would like to have a 8 - 12" tall container box with adjustable dividers. i envision a file drawer, but with plastic dividers and a clear lid.

I'm glad you posted this and as I have so many loose cables, power cords, patch cables, HDMI, etc that its nearly impossible to keep them organized. If its at the bottom of the bin or bag its currently in forget it, turns into a disaster every time. I think I'll get these [Link: m.globalindustrial.com] in different colors with the clear lid. I'll do one for HDMI and patch and another for power and miscellaneous stuff like wall plates.

I actually have a bunch of these bins sitting in storage. I used to use them for cables and other items. The bin themselves are excellent. Very durable and rigid. The plastic lids were a little brittle and in the winter time and could crack / break fairly easily if you were rough on them. The dividers, in my opinion, were a little to flimsy.

I haven't used them in years, it may be time to drag them out and take another look at them. I think if I just use them for large items like cables they could work well. Originally I was using them for everything, including small items such as connectors, adapters, etc...

Good point on the lid, I can't tell you how many bins I have cracked. I just found these, clear all around and made in the us. [Link: akro-mils.com]