It’s time to sort out your messy wires with our handy guide to cable management

There is a reason we are called WIRED. If there’s one thing most gadgets today have in common, it’s that they usually need to be plugged in every once in a while. But all those cables, cords, and wires can be difficult to manage. They don’t have to end up in a tangled nest under your desk; you can bring order to the chaos of cables.

As a gadget reviewer, I have more cords than most people, so I also have a strict cable management strategy to keep everything tidy. Here are my tips and product recommendations for hiding those cords and power strips and keeping your desk tidy.

Planning and preparation

Start by examining the scene, unplugging and untangling everything, and removing anything that doesn’t need to be there. You might be surprised to find a stray USB-B or Micro-USB you haven’t used in years in the mix. Before you begin cable management, take a slightly damp microfiber cloth and wipe down all surfaces and cables. You can now start planning routes and determining which cables would make sense to bundle.

Ideally the cables will be exactly the length required, so if you have spares or don’t mind hanging some new cablesit’s worth changing and getting as close to the exact lengths as possible to reduce the excess cable you need to hide. If you have a standing desk, consider factoring in the cable length needed for a standing position (trust me, dear reader, it’s no fun when you press down on the desk and it pulls your PC tower into the air by a DisplayPort cable that is now forever stuck in that port).

Cable management

Store your technology It often comes down to cable management, but there are several ways to keep those cords out of sight. Many desks have built-in channels, grommets and power strip trays, so take a quick look to make sure you’re using what’s available. Some monitor arms also feature built-in cable management. You probably also have a bunch of cable ties in your junk drawer or toolbox, so collect them.

This inexpensive kit from Ikea is good enough to cover a range of cable scenarios. There are three sizes of cable ties with studs and adhesive clips in black and white.

These Velcro-type cable ties are my favorite because they can accommodate any size cable or thick bundles of multiple cables (you can even combine two for larger bundles), and they are very easy to adjust or reuse.

This is the way to go if you have a bundle of cables that all run the same path. The mesh is easy to open if you ever need to change a cable, you can cut them to length and they look very neat.

These lengths of plastic cable tray come in various sizes and shapes, including elbows, so you can DIY a cable tray. There’s enough room for a few cables inside, they’re easy to open, and you can even paint them to help them blend in with your wall.

Hide power strips

You have several choices for hiding those ugly power strips. Many power strips have holes on the back so you can mount them on screw heads or hooks. You just need a good, out-of-sight spot behind your desk.

A tray under the desk is often the best option, especially if you have a standing desk. This clamping tray from Ikea fits most desks, but you should also check if your desk manufacturer offers something specifically designed for your desk.

I like these discreet boxes with easy-to-remove bamboo lids and openings on the sides for running cables in and out. They work great if you’re happy to put your power strips on the floor.

One last thing that can save you hassle later is to label the plugs, so you don’t need a trial and error approach to unplugging your monitor. Use a label maker if you have one, buy a sheet of labels, or just use white tape with a Sharpie.

Clear your desktop

I find it easier to work when my desk is relatively clear. I’m a big fan of securing things to my desk to conserve space, but you’ll probably want to have items within easy reach.

If you have an iPhone with MagSafe or a Qi2 phonethis handy wireless charger keeps it perfectly out of the way. It has a suction cup to stick firmly to your desk, a cable management system on the back, and some adhesive cable ties.

Maybe you need to charge a whole bunch of devices. I use this Anker charger, which gives me two USB-A ports and four USB-C ports. Combine it with some super short cables or a retractable cableand you can reduce cable clutter. You can also place it under your desk in a box or tray and route the cables to the brackets below.

These simple adhesive-backed plastic clips come in rows with two to four cable slots, perfect for keeping cord ends accessible. You can stick them to the side of your desk to keep cables handy but out of sight. There are many alternative styles that do the same job. I like the magnetic fabric finish Smart Cable Wrangler ($30).