Switch to wireless devices: If you have a mouse, keyboard, or other peripherals that come in wireless varieties, you can eliminate cables entirely by switching to Bluetooth models.Clear your workspace With Command Strips, you can adhere all sorts of ugly desk stuff to the surface’s underbelly. It’s a small improvement that can make a big difference. I wrap these around bundles of cables every foot or two along the runs under my desk, as well as behind my desk, where they can keep stray monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other cables from flapping about. I use velcro-esque reusable ties like these. I’ve also started using these stiff rubber ties around my house, and really like them. Alternatively, you can run your cables through a long zipper sleeve like this one. Zip ties are the cheapest option, though I find them kind of a pain for anything I might disconnect later, so I currently use velcro-esque reusable ties like these ones instead. Mounting some cable trays will hide a lot of the mess, but if you want to keep things a bit more organized-especially on the top side of your desk, where PC and monitor cables run a little wild-invest in some cable ties to bundle them together. In that case, you may want to mount the surge protector to the underside of your desk on its own, either using some Command Strips or the included screw mounts on the back. (Bonus tip: grab a couple of these short extension cables for devices with large, annoying power bricks, and you’ll be able to make use of every outlet on the strip.) If you have a larger surge protector-like the Smart Strip I’m using-it may not fit on a SIGNUM or in a rain gutter. If you have a normal, skinny surge protector, you can probably fit that on your cable management tray to get it off the ground as well. But at least they’re hidden.) No longer a trap for your Roomba. (I tried very hard, and you can see I still failed. The more you can keep them separated from one another, the easier they’ll be to manage later on, but don’t stress out too much-it’s very, very difficult to keep things neat and tidy under there if you have a lot of cables. Mount your tool of choice on the bottom of your desk, re-run your cables through it, and you’ll be on your way. You could even use pegboard, or a shallow wire basket if you have one lying around. I currently use the $15 IKEA SIGNUM cable management tray to mount my cables to the underbelly of my desk, though I’ve also used rain gutters with good results. There are a number of ways to remedy this rat’s nest.
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