How to declutter and organize the cables on and under my desk? [closed]
Solution 1:
I saw the Monster Cable-it system the other day and thought it looked intriguing. Warning: video at that link plays automatically.
The difference from other cable management systems is the zipper device that makes it look easy to install.
The product is available in three colors (black, white, gray), three diameters (S, M, L) and two lengths (8 and 16 feet). The diameters are rated for S: 3-5 cables, M: 5-8 cables, and L: 8-12 cables.
While most spiral wrap that I have seen is truly spiral, this is more of a zig-zag wrap-around arrangement with a straight slot down its length.
Solution 2:
Lifehacker has a ton of ways to organise cables - my personal favorites:
- Using under-the-desk basket thing from Ikea: Go!
- Using a rain gutter as cable and power pack management. This is my favourite Go!
- This guy used several techniques, maybe you can make use of them? Go!
Solution 3:
Another organizing tool (one that I've used myself) is hook-and-loop strips (more familiar as Velcro). They are available from a number of sources. I've bought Case Logic brand at $1 a piece in a six pack (although Provantage has them for a little over half that at $3.26). I bought an eight-pack of no-name ones at a dollar store* the other day for, you guessed it, a dollar.
I like these better than zip ties, since they're easier to remove and won't cut into insulation (if you overtighten zip ties). The advantage of zip ties is that they're much less expensive (and I think easy-to-remove versions are available). I use zip ties for longer term installations and where expense is an issue.
* Are there Euro stores in Europe?
Solution 4:
Maybe I'll get downmoded, but my advice is to throw away. Maybe some gadgets do not belong there.
If you can't throw away, maybe try running shorter cables (generic power cables, CAT5 ethernet, audio are the easiest to tacle IMHO). 5 extra feet of printer cable is pointless waste and by definition can't be organized. The picture above shows many such cables.
[whatever is left should be organizable with most of the wrapping and zipping system above]
Solution 5:
A long time ago I read an article on reducing cable mess behind your desk.
The poor man's solution was to use an old CD spindle, cut gaps in the sides of the lid and 'flow' the cables through it. (I can't locate the article)
Similar pics:
To give you an idea of what I'm talking about. Except the cables came in one end, were all rolled up inside, and then exited on the other side.
I haven't tried this myself.