A guide to managing your desk cables and wires.

A clear desk resembles a clear mind, we are often reminded. Organisation is a key player on the productivity team, and in particular a tidy workspace. Considering we spend on average, over 50% of our time at our desk, it’s important that it is organised effectively so that time is not wasted searching trying to find the right cable to charge your computer for example. Equally, we all know what it’s like to work with that stubborn wire in the way, that just won’t budge. It’s easy to spend so much time trying to work around the cables on your desk, rather than finding an efficient way that works for you.

The first step would be to unplug all of the wires that you currently have plugged in. Sort through them all and assess whether you actually need all of them and if they are all necessary. Once this has been identified, it’ll make it easier to find a solution to work around your needs. You may find that some items could do with being replaced, maybe your keyboard or your mouse. Try going for wireless options as obviously this is the perfect solution for having less cables however don’t worry if you are not planning on replacing all your equipment for the wireless option – read on for some cheap and efficient methods of keeping your desk area cable free and tidy.

After you have replaced what you need to, and decided on what you need to keep, see how many of your wires need to be plugged into a power source. Try mounting this power source under your desk, as this will hide the excess plugs. Using Velcro or cable ties can help keep them together and secure. This way, you will never have to feel self-conscious about how many plugs you are using, and they can stay hidden and neat whilst having an easy access point. If this doesn’t work for you, try using a source that is between the desk cabinet and wall, or behind other furniture objects. These can be difficult to get to but are effective at keeping wires hidden out of sight.

If the mounted power source option does not work for you, then maybe the under desk cable tray will be a better answer. With various different options to choose from such as mesh, perforated or the solid bottom type you should be able to find one that suits your needs – whether these be practicality, easy instalment or strength and durability. They are easy to purchase off the web and are a cheap method of lifting those pesky wires up so that they are around by your feet putting both your feet and the wires at risk from harm.

Wires that need to trail along the floor, not only pose a health and safety risk but do not aid in keeping the office looking streamline. A cheap solution for this is the cable cover, as not only does it avoid a bundle of knotty wires, but also covers them in an inconspicuous but safe manner. Not only do they provide protection for the wires as they will no longer be stood on, but also protect the floor underneath.

Another cheap, effective method is to clip the wires to the edge of your desk so that they are available whenever you need them. Using items such as a binder clip can do the job suitably, or you can buy something which suits your needs better. Shortening those wires that easily get in a tangle can help keep those earphones neat whilst equally, taping your wires together can keep them together and can have a significant impact on the appearance of your desk. Finally, an effective practise is to label each wire so that it can be easily identified. This can be done with simple tools such as a bit of duct tape and a permanent marker – even better get some different coloured duct tape to make it even easier to identify the different wires.