Learn how to assemble this easy office organization solution for under desk cord management that you can DIY in about 30 minutes. Your wires and cords can all be hidden, even the cords running to a faraway wall outlet.
This is what the cords and wires under my desk in my home office used to look like. An unsightly mess!
They cords and wires dangling all over are no more.
There are a variety of products available to help with under desk cord management, but did a little DIY desk cable management yesterday. All the needed, but pesky cables, cords and wires that go to my lamps, computer, and chargers are how hidden.
Cord management can help to prevent tripping hazards and improve the overall appearance of the space. I have been meaning to corral and manage all the cords since moving my desk to the middle of my office over a year ago and finally did it.
How to Declutter and Organize Your Work Space with Under Desk Cord Management
Most of the items you will need to make this organizer can be purchased at the dollar store which makes the price for this under desk cable management system budget-friendly.
It will help keep the cords organized, electrical outlet easily accessed, and the wires out of sight as much as possible.
supplies needed:
- Wire basket – I found mine at The Dollar Store
- Power strips or surge protector outlet strip
- Extension cord long enough for length needed to wall outlet
- Zip ties or Velcro wrap strips
- 4 – 6 cup hooks (You can use screws, but cup hooks are easier to use.
- Clear cord organizing clips with sticky back adhesive – 4 flat damage-free cord clips and 2 organizer clips from Command Brand
- Wire cutters
- Wire Mold cord protector – home improvement store
Note: When working with electrical cords, keep safety in mind at all times. Running a cord under or over a rug could become a tripping or fire hazard if not done correctly.
Time needed: 1 hour.
Installation Overview: The wire basket becomes a cable management station. It is going to hold the power strip and be hung upside down under the desk using cup hooks.
- Cut Wire Basket
Using wire cutters, cut one of the corner sections of wire off the basket. This will allow you to thread the cord and wire plugs into the side of the basket.
- Attach a Power Strip
Place power strip in basket so it is face up.
Once the power strip is in the basket, tie it down on both ends to the bottom wire on the basket using cable or zip ties.
- Optional: If running cords under a rug:
If needed, attach the power strip to an extension cord. I have an outlet on the floor under my desk so I didn’t need to run the cords to a wall outlet. Best invention ever that conceals the outlet under a rug or carpet.
To keep the cord from getting damaged under the rug, cut a piece of rubber cord protector to the size needed and thread the cord into it.
Make sure you keep the cords flat and as well as the cover.
- Cover the Cord Cover
Cover the protected cord with the rug to conceal it.
- Attach Basket to Underside of Desk
Attach the basket with the attached power strip to the underside of the desk using a cup hook at each corner. The power strip outlets should be facing down.
Optional: Depending on the hardness of the wood under the desk, you can pre-drill the holes needed for cup hooks.
- Attach Sticky Back Cord Holders
Attach the clear cord holders/organizers that have sticky backs to the side leg of the desk. These will secure the cords along the surface of the desk. They open and close like a hair barrette.
- Run the Cords Through the Clips
Run the floor power cord up through the clips. I used two on the leg of the desk.
- Optional – Flat Cord Clips
For the lamp cords on my desktop, I used 4 flat cord clips.
- Attach Along Desk
Attach them along the front lip of desktop and then run the cords through each clip as needed for the length of your cords and wires.
- Bring Cords to Underside of Desk
Once cords are clipped in, bring the excess cords under the desk and weave each through the basket and then use another cable tie to tuck in and secure.
Leave enough cord excess to plug in each item into the power strip.
For a large laptop cord with the bulky box, screw in 2 cup hooks about 6-inches apart on the under side of the desk to hold it out of sight.
When laptop is taken away from desk, you can simply grab the tied up cord and unplug it.
As you can see with a little bit of effort, under desk cord management can be easily achieved! The space around my desk looks so much better now. Neat and tidy! No more disorganized jumble of cords and wires on the floor.
More Cord and Wire Hiding Ideas: