The Challenge: To easily (and surefootedly) disconnect and reconnect pieces of equipment plugged into power strips and other multiple outlets.

To the Rescue: Sturdy and sticky tape in assorted colors (about $4 for a 60-yard roll of one-inch tape, at hardware stores) or colored file-folder labels and matching dots (about $2 for 248 labels, $4 for 760 dots, at office-supply stores).

Installation Savvy: Follow each wire from the component to the outlet, and wrap pieces of the same color tape at either end (or wrap a label at the plug end and stick a matching dot on its component).

Strap Happy: In a rainbow of shades, Velcro Get-A-Grip Straps ($4 for five eight-inch strips, www.organize-everything.com) securely restrain wayward cords. They can also be used to bundle light sets after the holidays.