Cables are a real pain, but they are still necessary despite the increasing number of wireless options. Therefore, since they cannot be eliminated without further ado, we are going to show you the keys to improve the cable management. And by the way, some accessories that will help you in this task and improve the aesthetics in your work or leisure environment.
The three keys to effective cable management
After many years of fighting against cables, looking for the best way to have them perfectly organized so that it is comfortable to add or remove some, the conclusion is reached that it is easier than it seems if you take into account some basic details. In addition, combined with some accessories, most of them very cheap, you not only achieve better management but also a more aesthetic finish.
The three keys to improving cable organization and management are these:
1. Eliminate unnecessary cables
If you look around you, you will find cables that you don't really need on a daily basis or that you simply have repeated on your desk. For example, two USB cables for synchronization and charging of mobile devices, various chargers, etc.
Well, the first step to effective cable management is remove unnecessary. Stick with those that you actually use every day. If not, disconnect it and keep simplifying everything until you get what is just and necessary.
2. Group by types and uses, then identify them
When you start to organize cables it is common to try to make them all "one cable". This is a mistake, because if you need to replace one, it becomes a very heavy and annoying task, especially if you use plastic ties.
Therefore, the best advice is group according to types and uses. That is to say, on the one hand, those fixed cables that you are unlikely to need to change, such as those for powering the computer and the screen, the HDMI cable, network cable, etc. The cables that do are more likely to need changing are best left loose and easy to access.
3. Hide all cables as much as possible
Cable management also involves hide them from view whenever possible. With this you get a cleaner work or leisure space and you also reduce the stress caused by seeing cables on the desk continuously.
If you are one of those who connect the phone to charge or synchronize data and you leave that cable on the table, you will know what we mean. In addition, it is also very uncomfortable to be messing with cables when you are going to pick up something or move from location.
Accessories to improve cable management
Following the three previous indications or advice, cable management improves substantially. Still, having some accessories always helps. And no, you don't have to spend a lot. There are solutions that are as cheap as they are effective.
Of course, if in addition to being practical you want to improve the aesthetic aspect you can also. The only thing you will have to prepare the portfolio, because you are already starting to add accessories and accessories. The ones that I consider as basic would be these:
- Clips or flanges: They are an economical solution and allow several cables to be grouped to form "only one". In addition, they also give the option to be able to fix them to the leg of a table, etc. The plastic ones are great and there are different lengths, but if it is to group cables my recommendation is the Velcro ones, how are you here They are also useful to control the cables that you will have stored in the drawer.
- Base for adhesive cable ties: These small adhesive bases allow you to use the ties or clips to group cables and then be able to carry them glued under the table, for example. For €10 you have 100 pieces.
- Cable clips: This is another one of those inexpensive accessories that improves cable management. Ideal for keeping track of the ones you usually use to connect your phone to your PC, cameras or similar. Considering the price, number of clips and usefulness, they are almost a must. In addition the There are different types, for one cable, two or several.
- Conduit to hide cables: These are the classic conduits that are used to hide the cables that go from one point of the room to another. They are widely used for television installations or the like, but they are also useful if you stick them under the table and feed the cables through it. Cheap and effective solution to hide the wires.
- cable organizer: It is the classic cable that allows you to group several cables inside it and get a "single cable". For fixed cables it is a good option and very aesthetic, they are not expensive at allbut with flanges and a bit of control you get the same thing and it may be easier for a future mod. beware that there are also fabric models, in case you are interested.
With the previous ones you will already be able to improve the management and order of cables in any area of the home or office. But as we said, if you want to go one step further, pay attention to the following ones.
- Cable management box: There are many types, sizes and prices. Here it is a matter of looking for the one that best suits your needs. Whether it is to hide a power strip with power adapters or to create a "charging zone" on the desk, they are very practical. An example, this D-Line, which only costs 13,99 euros.
- Desktop Cable Tray: This is a kind of solution that allows you to hide and keep a check on the cables without sacrificing the convenience of being able to remove one when needed quickly. In addition, you can also take advantage of them to place the power strip there. There are many types, for fix under the table or on one of the edges or back panel if the table has
The benefits of a tidy workspace
With all this plus some basic order tasks, you can get important benefits at work. Logically, everything will depend on each one, but it allows me to be calmer and eliminate certain distractions. In addition, when preparing a video recording or if I need to take a photo, it is also easier for me.
If, on the other hand, everything is messed up, it's easier for me to end up delaying homework, not being able to focus because I'm thinking about how to clean and organize the desk, etc. So here are some tips that I hope you find useful. And if you have any trick of your own, tell us about it.