5 Ways to Clean Your Computer Cable Clutter Under Your Desk

Cable clutter is the scourge of the modern desktop. Of course, we try to use as much wireless as possible, but there are still plenty of cords around our tables. Let’s organize them once and for all.

Naturally, computer cable clutter is more for a desktop than a laptop. However, even a laptop can have quite a few cables: a power cord, a USB hub for additional ports, and so on. And then there is the charger for your phone, and other difficulties.

You must attack the problem in five steps:

Hide the extension cord and plugs.
Gather and tie cables together.
Shorten the cable length.
Keep unused cables in place.
Define cables.

1. Hide the extension cord and plugs

The extension cord is for functionality, not to look good. Yes, you should use a surge protector, but the resulting cable clutter is an eyesore. This is the first place you start managing cable interference.

DIY Shoebox Power Strip

The easiest solution for this is to create a DIY extension cord box from a shoe box. The video below contains step by step instructions to make it beautiful. If everything is OK with the base box, just cut holes on both sides so that the extension cable and the cables of the connected plugs can come out from either side.

Cablebox and Cablebox Mini

Instead of making your own, you can even take it off the shelf. I would recommend BlueLounge Cablebox ($30) or Cablebox Mini ($30), depending on the size of your surge protector.

5 ways to clean up your computer cable clutter Cable clutter under your desk bluebox mini 670x445

It looks edgy and comes in a variety of colors. The Mini also comes with a surge protector so you don’t have to buy one yourself. This is one of the best ways to deal with MacBook cables. The best ways to deal with MacBook cables. The best ways to deal with cables

2. Gather and tie cables together

Now that the power strip is off, let’s deal with the many loose cords hanging around. First determine the cords that will stay there permanently or for a long time. Gather them together and collect. There are two options for this.

Lightning

A pack of 100 zip ties is only $5 on Amazon, so get one for yourself and start running cables all over your house. Make sure your cables are neatly separated, then tie them together and zip them up. It’s best to add zippers at multiple points so they stay tidy from the extension to the desk or PC. Once you’ve secured the tie, use scissors to cut off the end. Zip links are also great for organizing cables inside computers to prevent your computer from overheating.

Screeds have their pros and cons. Removing the cable from the lightning tie means cutting them all and re-securing the new ones. However, considering how cheap zip ties are, you can create multiple bundles of cables so that you can remove and attach a set of cords at the same time. And there’s always the option to spend a little more on reusable zip ties.

Cable glands

5 ways to clear your computer cable from clutter under your desk

I prefer cable ties over cable ties, for the simple reason that you can also add semi-permanent cables here. A zippered cable box ($15) holds all your cords together and you can easily remove or add cords. And maybe it’s a personal choice, but I think it looks a lot better than ties since you get a uniform color. If price isn’t a factor, I’d say cable boxes are better for hiding computer cables. .

3. Shorten cable length

Thanks to the extension box and cable sleeves or lightning ties, the cables under the table are now hidden. But cables sitting on the table are still a problem. You need them there, but you don’t need them to take up so much space. The solution is to temporarily shorten their length.

cable bone

5 Ways to Clean Computer Cable Clutter Under Desk Desktop from Cable Cable 670x348

A free DIY solution is Cablebone by Instructables. You will need a rubber mat, marker, cutter, glue, and a drill. On a rubber mat, draw small bone figures, cut them out and glue two. The resulting rubber bone should be about a quarter of an inch thick. Drill a hole in both ends of the bone and trim it a bit so the cord can go through alone. Now just wind the cord from one end to the other, winding it around the bone to make it as short as you need. Pure and simple!

Fancy Cordlets

5 Ways to Clean Your Computer Cable Clutter Under the Desk Work Cable from Cables Fancy Drawstring 670x383

Quirky shoelaces are great accessories for organizing your desk. to help organize your table. to help organize your table. You live Insert them anywhere on the table and pass the cable through them. The cordlet has a plus sign indentation so that the cable can be wound through these grooves or around the entire cordlet. Reel as much as you want to cut the cable. The manufacturer Quirky has officially discontinued the product, but you can still find it on Amazon or other stores.

4. Keep unused cables in place

There are many cables that need to be turned on and off, but not always. For example, the charger for your phone or tablet may not always be connected to the device. And here it sits on the table, adding to the clutter by getting tangled up with other wires. Instead, keep those unused cables in one place.

Sugru

Sugru’s versatile molding silicone putty has many nasty uses. Cable management is right on top of that. As shown in the video above, you only need to stick the Sugru ($12 for a pack of 3) on the table (or side) and make a groove with a toothpick. Within hours you will have as many custom cord holders as you need.

clamps

As with the Sugru, you can attach paper clips to the edge of a table and thread the cord through the hole. This is one of the best geek hacks for repurposing everyday objects. Geek Hacker Hacks: Repurposing Everyday Objects and Getting Geek Hacker Hacks: Repurposing Everyday Objects and Getting . The only problem with this is that your table needs a raised edge, and it needs to be thin enough to attach the clip.

Cable clamps

5 Ways to Clean Your Computer Cable from Cable Clutter Under Desks Desktops Cable Clamps 670x482

To solve the no-work problem, buy a package of adhesive cable clamps. These gizmos are similar to the finished version of the Sugru hack above, in which they stick to the table and you can run cables through them. There is a wide selection of cable clips on Amazon, but be sure to pick something with 3M adhesive.

Magnetic Organization System (MOS)

The $12 MOS Organizer is a geek, especially among Apple users. It looks like a shiny piece of metal and sits proudly on your desk. Attach the packaged metal tie to any cable and it will stick to the MOS. Many cables don’t even need a connection, since the metal of the port sticks to the MOS. It looks magical and works great. And if you don’t want to shell out 12 bucks, you can make your own MOS-like magnetic cable organizer.

5. Identify Cables

So, all your cables are neatly laid out. But while you’re getting rid of the clutter, this grouping has lost the ability to easily tell which cable is doing what. Don’t worry, there are simple hacks to remember this.

Bread Clips

The most popular solution is to use bread clips. Connect one to the cable, write what it is for. I’m not a fan of it though. Breadclamps don’t work for thick cables and the recording is unreadable from a distance. However, it’s free and easy.