Cable Management Tips to Reclaim Desk Space and Productivity

No matter where you work, a tidy workstation that applies good cable management can make all the difference. There is no need to waste time crawling around under desks plugging in this and unplugging that. No confusion over the cables spreading across your desktop. In this article, we’ll look at the “why” and “how” of desk organization and some expert cable management tips.

“Why do I need cable management tips? My desk is fine!”

According to a workplace organisation survey by Brother, 41% of those surveyed said a tidy workspace makes them more productive. Also 21% of the office workers said that having a cluttered desk has somehow increased their workload. That goes to show that a well-organized desk counts for much more than aesthetics alone. Research on mental health shows that you can also increase the potential for:

• Improved mood
• Better sleep
• Improved focus
• Reduced stress

With all that potential to feel better, what do you have to lose? Let’s get into some of the specific cable management tips you can use to reap the benefits.

Cut back on cable length

Do you ever have a cable that’s just 3 feet too long? What do you do with all that extra slack? It can be an eyesore, a tripping hazard, and a general nuisance. Ethernet cables, power cables, and USB cables are often the main culprits. If you can replace long cables with smaller cables and still reach an outlet, go for it. Excess bulk makes managing cables much more difficult.

And, of course, if you have any unused cables or extension cords, get rid of them or store them. You don’t have to have a fancy box for that! Toilet paper rolls make great small cable managers. Just neatly fold them, slide them in, label the roll, and store them securely in a plastic storage box.

For cables that you can’t replace with shorter ones, reduce the length by wrapping the cable around itself and securing it with a cable tie.

Use cable ties

Also known as “zip ties,” these are pressure-resistant plastic fasteners that can be broken only with a sharp object. They can allow you to move your feet around without bumping into any stray cables. Cable ties made of strong plastic will be the most durable. You can also choose cable clips or Velcro cable ties if you need something a bit less permanent. These helpful tools also come in a variety of colors and labeling tags! This can help as you organize wires and make secure bundles.

Use power strips and surge protectors

Power strip and surge protectors have become common in our offices and homes. Power strips are essentially splitters that allow you to harness one outlet to power multiple devices. Surge protectors take this a step further by also defending against possible voltage spikes that could damage your electronics.

Whichever you choose, you can attach Velcro or double-sided tape to the back. Then, you can affix the unit to the underside of your desk. That way, you’ll free up legroom and prevent any chance of accidentally kicking it. You can also cover your strip or surge protector with a cable management box. This helps hide all the cables you have plugged into the strip.

Use cable sleeves and trays

Like heat-shrink tubing, cable sleeving is used to protect wiring. It insulates wires against damage from extreme temperatures and abrasion.

With cable sleeves, your goal isn’t to pack all your cables into a sleeve. Instead, you only route the cables you always leave plugged in. For a PC with a monitor, your peripheral, data, and display cables should be routed through the sleeve. Don’t overfill the tube and avoid running multiple master cables if possible. It’s also recommended that you group cables that are a similar length.

Workers in settings like commercial and industrial construction use cable trays to run cables with higher voltage. But these cable trays, scaled down for desks and tables, are a great asset for any office. Some are even designed to attach to a table so you can add or remove them as necessary. They help to keep cables safe, out of the way, and properly routed.

Organize your workspace

Now that you have all the right ideas for desk cable management, it’s time to get to work! If you’re looking for one of the sleekest cable managers, look no further than Sedus’ products. The design of theirstate-of-the-art monitor arm minimizes the appearance of your monitor’s messy cables. As a bonus, it can help to create a more ergonomic workstation. You can also add great cable management features to a custom desk or table design. Contact a representative at Sedus today to find out how you can craft your sleek, tidy, and modern workstation without a cable in sight.