As technology advances, many of us find ourselves surrounded by more and more cables that need organizing. From smartphones and tablets to smartwatches and cordless headphones, even the most cord-free devices ultimately still need a cord or cable to be charged and ready to go for daily use. Whether it's for home or office organization, cable management plays a crucial role in keeping your space organized and ensuring your cables don’t become tangled or bent — which can reduce their lifespan or even create a potential fire hazard.
We’ve compiled some of the best cable management ideas that you can mix and match to help you get started on top-notch cord organization throughout your home.
Eliminate Cable Chaos with Cord Labels
Labeling your cables is a simple but effective cable management solution to keep things organized. By labeling each cord with its purpose, connected device, or even by someone’s name, you can avoid any confusion when it comes to unplugging, re-plugging, or identifying which cord needs to be replaced. This also allows you to easily move a device to a different location or power strip without having to plug in and unplug all of the cords.
There are many different types of cord labels to choose from. You can use simple sticky cable organizer labels or colored tape to identify each cable's purpose, or you can get creative by using zip ties with attached labels. No matter what labeling system you choose, improving your cord organization will take your cable management game up a notch, making it easier to troubleshoot when something goes wrong.
Get Organized with Colored Cable Ties
Colored cable ties are a great way to organize cables that are cluttered together. Using different-colored zip ties or markers for your cable management can help sort through the tangle of cords many of us encounter. You can assign specific cable tie colors to different types of device cords so you can easily identify them when you need to power or charge an individual device.
Cable ties come in various sizes, and many are adjustable, so you can easily find one that fits your cables perfectly. You can also use them to bundle up cables that share the same destination, such as your computer or television, to help prevent them from becoming tangled. As a bonus cable management idea, try colored cable ties that also have a label option!
Install A Docking Drawer In-Drawer Outlet
Image via Docking Drawer
For the ultimate convenience when it comes to desk cable management, look no further than Docking Drawer in-drawer outlets. From kitchen junk drawers and nightstands to bathroom vanities and custom closets, installing an in-drawer outlet keeps your cables concealed inside the drawer and your surfaces completely free of cord clutter.
A concealed docking station or power strip can be a sleek way to charge multiple devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops simultaneously. Maximize cord and cable management throughout your entire home by creating your own bedside charging drawer, kitchen junk drawer charging station, and customized hot tool storage drawer. Docking Drawer in-drawer outlets are easy to install and are a smart, simple, and safe solution for any of your cable management needs.
Hide Cables from Sight with Cord Covers
If you want to eliminate the visual clutter of exposed cables, cord covers can help camouflage the cords and store them neatly. Cord covers are an excellent cable management solution for those looking for discreet cable management ideas.
Cord covers come in various sizes, styles, and colors — there are even styles that you can paint to match your walls to help the cord cover blend in more seamlessly into your space.
Cord covers can be either surface-mounted or hidden behind baseboards or wall molding. They can also run along floors and help eliminate any tripping hazard of loose cords. While utilizing cord covers for your floors and walls is a great cable management tip, you can also adhere them to furniture if you want to minimize the appearance of cords on desks and nightstands (although, we would highly recommend utilizing an in-drawer outlet in this case).
Keep Cable Organization Simple with Binder Clip
If you’re looking for quick and inexpensive cable management ideas, try using binder clips to organize your device cords. These simple office supplies can be used to hold cords in place and prevent them from falling behind desks or TV stands. Simply clip them onto the edge of the desk or table and thread the cords through the handles.
Binder clips come in many sizes, so consider the thickness of the edge of your furniture when deciding which size will work best. They can also be used to shorten long cables by wrapping the excess around the clip and securing it. This helps to reduce the amount of cable clutter and prevent tripping hazards over power strops. As a bonus cord organization tip, label each binder clip based on the device each cord is charging.
Organize & Protect Cords with Cable Sleeves
Similar to cord covers, cable sleeves are flexible tubes that fit over bundles of cords. Cable sleeves offer insulation and protection from bending or twisting cables and other factors like water spills or pets that decrease the lifespan of your cords and cables. Cable sleeves hide the cords and protect them from wear and tear.
These sleeves can be cut to the desired length and come in a variety of colors, making it easy to cable manage while keeping cords organized. They come in different materials like interwoven plastic or braided nylon and are designed to cover cables entirely. Unlike most cable covers, cable sleeves are flexible and adjustable, enabling cables to be routed more easily in a tight space.
Create Flexibility with Magnetic Cable Clips
Magnetic cable clips, along with a magnetic base, can be attached to the bottom of a desk or table and used to hold cords in place. Cable clips are useful for charging cables as they keep them lined up and ready for your device, and they reduce the chance of tripping or damaging cables so they stay connected properly. Not to mention, magnetic cable clips are especially helpful in areas where cords often need to be moved, replaced, or adjusted due to different needs.
Magnetic cable clips are available in different colors and can be incorporated into your overall decor seamlessly. This cable organizer blends in well with most surfaces, making your cables appear less obtrusive and messy. When attached to an adhesive magnetic strip or base, magnetic cable clips can be mounted onto various surfaces, making them a versatile cable management solution for any space.
Centralize Cord Organization with Cable Management Boxes
A cable management box offers an attractive way to store and organize power strips, chargers, and cords. Most cable boxes come with multiple access points and cable channels to keep cords and cables separate and easy to manage. They usually have different compartments to house various types of cables, such as power cords, HDMI cables, USB cords, and ethernet cables.
Cable boxes can be closed or left open, depending on your preference. No matter how you choose to use your cable management box, simply concealing the cables inside the box helps to maintain an organized and clean look in your home. This solution is especially suitable for entertainment centers, offices, and nightstands where multiple cords attached to a power strip tend to cluster.
Tidy Up with a Cable Tray
Photo by Thomas Jensen on Unsplash
A cable tray is an excellent way to keep messy cords organized, particularly the impossible computer cords under your desk. This cable organizer neatly contains all your cables, keeping them off the floor and out of sight. This simple desk cable management solution makes cleaning easier and prevents the cords attached to your computer or power strip from becoming a tripping hazard.
Mix & Match Cable Management Ideas
Implementing simple and effective cable management is essential in maintaining a neat and organized home and workspace. Each cord organization tip has its own unique benefits and uses, and combining them can provide the perfect solution for your organizational needs.
For example, eliminate cord clutter in your home by installing a Docking Drawer outlet and use cord labels or colored cable ties for the multiple cables collecting dust in your home. By implementing these cable organization tips, you can slash the cord chaos in your home and achieve a clean, streamlined space.
Have you already installed a Docking Drawer in your home? Submit your photos showing us how you organized your device cords within your Docking Drawer for a chance to earn up to $500!