The WIRED Guide to Wiring: How to manage cable clutter around your desk

There is a reason We’re calling WIRED. If there’s one thing most of today’s gadgets have in common, it’s that they usually need to be plugged in from time to time. But it can be difficult to manage all those cables, cords, and cords. They don’t have to end up in a tangled nest under your desk; You can bring order to the chaos of cables.

As an appliance reviewer, I have more wires than most people, which is why I also have a strict cable management strategy to keep everything organized. Here are my tips and product recommendations for hiding those cords and power strips and keeping your desktop tidy.

Planning and preparation

Start by scanning the scene, separating and disentangling everything, and removing anything that doesn’t need to be there. You may be surprised to find a stray USB-B or Micro-USB that you haven’t used in years in the mix. Before you start managing cables, take a slightly damp microfiber cloth and wipe down all surfaces and cables. Now, you can start planning the routes and figuring out which cables would make sense to group them together.

Ideally, the cables will be exactly the length you need, so if you have spares or don’t mind breaking down some new cables, it’s worth swapping out and getting as close to the specified lengths as possible to minimize excess cables you have to hide. If you have a standing desk, remember to take into account the length of cable required for standing mode (trust me, dear reader, it’s no fun having to hit the standing desk and have your computer tower pulled into the air by a DisplayPort cable that’s now forever stuck in that port).

Cable management

Tidying up your technology often comes down to cable management, but there are several ways to keep those wires out of sight. Many desks have built-in electrical channels, grommets, and strip trays, so take a quick look to make sure you’re using what’s available. Some monitor arms also have built-in cable management. You probably also have a bunch of cable ties in your junk drawer or tool box, so get them together.