Declutter The Mess Under Your Desk!
Studies show that the clutter underneath your desk is to blame for all the failures in your life! Okay, so maybe that statement is completely false but it is a fact that clutter can lead to issues. One way to combat these issues is to head in the polar opposite direction by practicing some extreme OCD clutter control under your desk!
You honestly won’t believe the intense satisfaction and feeling of accomplishment when your friends and loved ones see how neat and tidy the space under your desk really is! Of course, you may be criticized for wasting time that could be better spent on your business or with family and friends. However, such criticism is simply due to the fact that they are jealous of your mad decluttering skills and probably have a tangled mess of power cords and cables living below the surface of their desks! Anyway, eliminating the clutter under your desk is simple and easy, just follow these examples…
The Closet Entrepreneur’s Home Office Desk
What self-serving megalomaniac blogger wouldn’t start by showing off his own decluttered setup first? To be honest, my setup isn’t as nice as the other setups shown below, but there is a reason why I’m including it as an example. The issue with my Palermo desk (by Cost Plus World Market) is that it has a sliding shelf that holds the keyboard and mouse, so mounting anything to the underside of the desktop is nearly impossible. To get around the issue, two “L” brackets and plywood strips were used to mount a piece of pegboard below the sliding shelf unit (click on the photos to see notes on the installation). Seven and three quarter inch nylon cable ties attach the power strip, backup hard drive, and power brick to the pegboard; there is also some spare room on top of the pegboard for additional items.
Adhesive backed nylon mounting bases hide all cables from view, while wire loom is used to gather all cables running to the computer tower into a single unit. By the way, all the cable organizing accessories were found at The Home Depot and Fry’s Electronics, but you can easily find them on Amazon and other online retailers.
Blupics’ Two Person Work Table
Blupic’s immaculate setup uses Macessity and Sonnet under mount brackets to mount the Mac Minis and Mac Pro to the underside of his Andover dining table turned 3-person work table. Obviously the Mac Pro is visible, yet all the power strips, power bricks, power cords, and network cables are completely hidden from view. The power strips are held in place by double sided tape and plastic desk grommets allow cable access from the table’s surface.
**By the way fellow closet entrepreneurs, take note of the cool business idea that under mount brackets and cable organizing systems could make for desks and offices.
Van Mardian’s Decluttered Computer Desk
Van Mardian’s decluttered desk uses an ingenious solution to mount pegboard to the underside of his IKEA JERKER desk (that’s the name of the desk – I kid you not). Instead of using brackets or adhesives, he uses Stanley Safety Hasps [Part # 81-1800] and wooden dowel segments to securely mount the pegboard. Wire is used to attach components to the pegboard, and the assembly can be easily removed in case any components need to be added or removed. In my opinion, this is the most versatile and useful solution for aspiring decultterers to take advantage of in their own home.
Merchandc’s Custom Built Home Office Desk
Lastly, we have merchandc’s custom built home office desk that uses a cabinet to hide all cables and peripherals. The cabinet also acts as a printer stand and storage for the printer paper. The power strips are glued to the underside of the desk and cabinet using Liquid Nails; it may not be the most technically savvy solution but it gets the job done. To finish things off, wire loom and nylon wire ties organize and hide all the power and network cables.
In Conclusion
Whether you’re embracing your decluttering OCD, or simply looking for a way to prevent electrical shock hazards under your desk, the setups shown in this post provide several useful examples for tackling the mess that lies under your desk. And if you’re still not convinced that people have taken such organizing to heart, or you need some additional inspiration and ideas, then check out the following setups:
- Lifehacker – Hack Attack: The Cordless Workspace (sort of)
- Declutter Your Desk (see reader submissions near the end)
…and more inspiration on Flickr…
Know of a setup I missed or have a setup of your own that you would like to share, then please leave some info in the comments section!
Sincerely,
The Closet Entrepreneur
Post Scriptum: A huge “thank you” goes out to Unclutterer for their Workspaces Flickr Pool!
» This entry was filed under Advice and tagged with: Inspiration, organizing
66 Comments
Eva Wallace
Holy Cow! I’m impressed! They all look so nice. I guess I figure I only notice the cords as I’m approaching my desk. Once I sit down, my knees don’t care what it looks like under there – out of site, out of mind.
Those pictures do make me want to give it a go, though!
Thanks!
~Eva
Apr 24th, 2008
TOMAS
@Eva – Yeah, it may be a bit extreme for most people to go through the trouble of making everything nice and tidy when most things are hidden from view in the first place. Do share your setup if you do indeed decide to give it a shot!
Apr 24th, 2008
Rita
Okay, I’m officially motivated to clean under my desk! Thanks for the fantastic photos.
Apr 27th, 2008
Richard McLaughlin
those images are almost funny. For a home office I have a clean area, most cables are out of the way on the left side of my desk. But do the people who work in an area like those above not read? No need for a pen and pad of paper? In all the pictures I only saw one phone – I have 3.
Maybe one day I’ll get there!
Apr 27th, 2008
TOMAS
@Rita – Glad to see that you’ll soon be joining the ‘I decluttered the mess under my desk’ club!
@Richard – Personally, I do indeed use pen and paper about 15-20% of the time. However, since I mostly use my computer to write/type with, I’ve gotten into the habit of storing less frequently used items on the shelves in my office where they won’t clutter up my desk and I can easily grab them when needed. I also have a set of notebooks and folders that I use on a regular basis and store them in a set of Stockholm Project Cases (as shown here).
Apr 27th, 2008
Laiet
WOW!
I’m doing that this weekend and nothing’s going to stop me!
Then I’m going to show it off to my family.
If they have time for me that is.
Apr 27th, 2008
Duncan
Great stuff; can I come & work at your desk? Mine’s not too bad underneath, but the top is dreadful. Always has been. I’m working on it though…
Apr 29th, 2008
TOMAS
@Laiet – How will your family not have time for you!? I mean, what family can resist gawking over the decluttered space under your desk!
@Duncan – You’re more than welcome to drop by and work, as long as you don’t mind the FM3 Buddha Machine playing an endless loop of music in the background.
As for your desk top, see my note to Richard (3 comments up) – I basically decluttered the top of my desk with some Stockholm Project Cases (for all my notebooks and paper) and some baskets from IKEA which now sit in my EXPEDIT shelf (as seen here).
Apr 29th, 2008
Seth
Although cleanliness is next to Godliness you should be very careful cleaning in this way. Power cords are not made to be wrapped up like this especially if there long cords or several power cords all wrapped up and tied together. The cords do not dissipate heat like they are supposed to when wrapped together. This is in the top ten for fires here in iraq along with running cords under carpet and pluging the wrong cord in the wrong type of outlet. Please be careful if you do wrap up your power cords and ziptie them together.
Apr 29th, 2008
Matt
Nice idea for the use of the peg board. I’ll have to look into this. But this is certainly much neater.
Apr 30th, 2008
TOMAS
@Seth – I completely agree that safety should be a top priority in any situation whether you’re bundling up power cables or even doing something as simple as changing a light bulb. However, I believe most of the peripherals that are used in offices are consuming mere mW of power excluding larger items like power bricks and desk lamps. So unless someone is running a toaster oven or high powered lamp, most individuals should be okay (even the power cord on my 1500W 120VAC garment steamer barely gets warm to the touch after 30 minutes of use, but hardly anywhere near a temperature that will melt plastic). Regardless, you bring up a good point – pay attention to what you’re tying together and double check your setup for any possible issues.
@Matt – The nice thing about the peg board is that 1) it’s cheap, 2) the holes provide easy mounting access for nylon cable ties, and 3) it’s thin so trimming and cutting it is a snap.
Apr 30th, 2008
Coach Kip
What great ideas and concepts. I have always tried to figure out how to go beyond the usual zip ties and cable wraps, these give me really good ideas. Thanks
May 1st, 2008
Metro
Thanks, I just cleaned my desk. I feel better.
May 8th, 2008
The Tech
As a sufferer of OCD and a computer tech at a cable company of all places. I found your site a few days ago and it is my new mecca. Cable clutter kills me to look at. The cable management systems featured on your site give me hope. We are testing a product by Cable-Safe.com to sell. I installed the first system yesterday; DeskClamp. Super sweet. Our company hasn’t decided to carry them yet, but I am hopeful.
May 9th, 2008
marie
How come sites with uncluttered offices never show printers (or if they have one, where they’re hidden)?
Don’t people print any more?
Merchandc’s is the first printer I’ve seen in (literally) dozens of attempts to find a solution for hiding my printer.
I finally ended up buying a mini-buffet from target.com, putting holes in the back, and rigging up a wire shelf on slides so I can extend it a little from the shelf.
May 9th, 2008
TOMAS
@Coach Kip – I too was a cable/zip tie fanatic but never considered actually hiding the cables from view until I stumbled upon (and was inspired by) the pegboard and under mount solutions.
@Metro – No problem, glad this could be of use.
@The Tech – I know exactly what you mean. There have been times when I’ve paid visits to my family with cable ties in hand – they’ve pretty much gotten used to it. BTW, I would be in heaven working at your company – if my entrepreneurial endeavors don’t work out, I’ll be sending you my resume.
@Marie – Since my printer is networked, it actually resides in a separate room that can be accessed by all. If and when I decide to buy another printer, it will most likely be a wireless or bluetooth printer that I will tuck away in a closet or shelf.
May 10th, 2008
Pamela
I love this, especially since all the cables under my desk are an eyesore! But my desktop is glass, so this solution wouldn’t work…
Any suggestions for glass topped desks?
May 10th, 2008
TOMAS
@Pamela – That’s a tough one. If you don’t have too many cables on your desk, you could try using some enclosures like the locking latch channel or or J-Channel solutions featured here:
http://www.cable-safe.com/products/covers_hide.htm#sstrip
You could also find something similar at The Home Depot in the home electronics section where they sell wire covers for home speakers that are mounted on walls that work like the aforementioned locking latch channels.
May 10th, 2008
Brooke
Thanks for the comment on my blog! I have worked as a design assistant and painter on a few DIY and HGTV shows, and doing the staging is my favorite part. On an episode of Fresh Coat (http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/shows_dfct/) on DIY network, we transformed a bedroom that had a large desk with video editing equipment on it. We painted foam core to match the wall color and attached it to the back of the desk using velcro – making the appearance of a clutter-free, cord-free desk. AND, if you look closely, I’m the friend who gets ‘surprised’ at the homeowner’s hard work and creativity (even after spending 24 hours painting it myself!).
May 12th, 2008
Leslie
This is great! I really need to a) get my cords to be neater (although there will be far fewer of them once I actually get rid of my desktop computer since I now have a laptop) and b) get them up off the floor. If the cords are on the floor, my bunnies will eat them. I currently have a creative (but ugly) cardboard blockade to keep them out.
May 13th, 2008
TOMAS
@Brooke – That’s a great idea for hiding cable clutter; I never thought of using a faux wall made out of painted foam core like that – thanks for the tips! BTW, I always wondered how much ‘editing’ they did on those home improvement shows.
@Leslie – A laptop will definitely clean things up. I’m wondering if you could make use of a wireless mouse and keyboard to help clean things up even more if you decide to dock your laptop.
May 13th, 2008
E.
w00t!!!! ahhh! I have been looking for just this kind of inspiration!!!!! THX!
May 21st, 2008
Shigella
Hi there! Those are such inspiring tips and pictures. I think I found what I have been looking for!
to talk and to encourage my dad to entirely refurbish some wirings that are totally mixed-up! But of course, can I use those pictures as back-ups? 
You just have given me the “strength”
I hope I can convince him to give some time working on those cause the mess really annoys me. Wish me luck!
Jun 2nd, 2008
Allan
Cool I’m gonna have to post my office on my blog too.
Jun 7th, 2008
Shigella
HI! Its me again, I’ve convinced my dad to fix the wires… Well, with a little help with my mom, it turned out very nice. The study room is now very comfy, and snug, and cozy… Thanks again, for the insperation and everything…
Jun 8th, 2008
Kelly Martin
that is the best thing ever… I hot wire… I love that thank you
for the great ideas…
Jul 25th, 2008
PizzaForADream
I’m beyond hope!!
Nov 20th, 2008
surfer Jerry
Great post!! I’m going to redo my computer desk today. Thanks!
Jan 3rd, 2009
how to manage personal finances
Wow… I’m seriously impressed. I love the organization!
Jan 20th, 2009
Honest Internet Businessman
Great article because (at least in my case) the clutter under the desk becomes the clutter in the living room, which becomes the clutter in the kitchen ….. etc. etc.
Mar 1st, 2009
TOMAS
@Shigella – I’m glad to hear that you were able to convince your Dad to go on a decluttering spree, way to go!
@Allan – Go for it, and don’t forget to drop a link in the comments once you do!
@Kelly Martin, @surfer Jerry, @how to manage personal finances – You’re welcome!
@PizzaForADream – There’s always hope, just start off small by grouping wires you can find and separate from the rest and work up from there.
@Honest Internet Businessman – It’s definitely something you have to consistently address–believe me, I still have trouble with stuff on my desk which tends to pile up and have tried to address it at least once a week to keep myself sane.
Mar 2nd, 2009
Mags
Tomas,
I have the same desk, as of today, it looks nothing like yours. My goal is to get the same effect. My challenge, to teach my husband and kids maintenance….
Mar 4th, 2009
Declutter
That is a great way to clear the clutter under you desk and get all of those wires out of the way. I wish I was a bit more handy with those types of things, Let’s see if I can get my husband to do it for me
Mar 30th, 2009
TOMAS
@Mags – Hope you’re getting close to reaching your goal!
@Declutter – It’s actually not that difficult once you have all the basic wire management accessories like zip ties, wire loom, and nylon mounting bases. Good luck on your decluttering efforts!
Apr 1st, 2009
network marketing guide
Great ideas here. I am getting tired of kicking chords around – my cat is too!
May 6th, 2009
TOMAS
@network marketing guide – I hope the advice works out for you.
May 7th, 2009
Pauline
I like the Closet Entrepreneur’s Home Office Desk.
Classy and simple.
I didn’t know you could actually hide all the wiring and cables like that, how are the electricals attached under the table?
May 15th, 2009
TOMAS
@Pauline – They’re not actually attached to the table since there’s a sliding shelf that occupies a large piece of realestate, making it pretty much impossible to mount anything underneath the table directly. Instead, I built a small shelf out of pegboard and then used zip ties to secure the power bricks and wires to the pegboards like this:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/since76/2437829630/
Hope that helps!
May 25th, 2009
Vic
For the pegboard mod, I used eyelet screws (size 106) instead of the hasps. Hasps were like $3 per and the eyelets were 5 for $1.50. You also don’t need to use dowels to lock the pegboard in place You can just twist the eyelet slightly and it locks with minimal effort.
Jun 8th, 2009
Nick
Nice site! Just what I was looking for to get me some ideas to remove all my stuff off my desk!
Jun 8th, 2009
Paris
I’m a professional organizer and I have to say your pegboard solution rocks! Much more efficient than most of the items we can buy from suppliers.
Jun 21st, 2009
TOMAS
@Vic – Using eyelet screws is a genius idea and makes complete sense—thank you so much for sharing that tidbit of information! BTW, would you happen to pictures of your setup that you can share with us?
@Nick, @Paris – I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
Jul 15th, 2009
Cabriel Loxley
Nice concept! Congrats. The big question is often how quickly you can add or remove a single cable…
Jul 23rd, 2009
TOMAS
@Cabriel Loxley – Probably not as quickly as you can by using the cablox.
Aug 2nd, 2009
Sandeepa
Thanks to thepictures and links here, I managed to transform
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/sandy261180/Mess?authkey=Gv1sRgCM-dm_7ModHCZw#
into
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/sandy261180/PostOrganising?authkey=Gv1sRgCOG3g7P9-qn6HQ#
Thnaks a lot.
Aug 7th, 2009
TOMAS
@Sandeepa – Wow, thank you for sharing your transformed space—it’s great to see the final results!
Aug 10th, 2009
Barbara
I love what you’ve done with these desks, but there is a problem with adding and removing cords. I use Cord Cradles to hold my cords in place. They can be put up without tools or moving furniture and cords can easily be added or removed without replacing parts. Cord Cradles can be bought online at http://www.cordcradle.com. I keep buying more because I keep coming up with more uses for them.
Aug 18th, 2009
TOMAS
@Barbara – Thank you for the Cord Cradles tip.
Aug 28th, 2009
Nikolai
heh cool, I must try this sometime
Sep 15th, 2009
Brian
http://hidemycables.com allows you to build a custom box that sits on the floor. Its big enough to hide a couple of routers, power strips, and a ton of cables.
Sep 21st, 2009
darino
Hi,
I personally think that clutter means signs of life. This explains why rooms portrayed in archit/interior books are so neat and tidy. Because they are just lifeless rooms/houses.
But this does not mean that i say no to tidiness and decluttering. I think we got to fight for it and have good habit.
But again, it is quite a challenge to remain tidy, with baby/kid in the house
This kind of website does encourage me to take action with a weekend project to declutter my desk.
Here’s the story :
- one day i sought infos about house gutter for my house
- i hit a website saying that plastic gutter can be used as cable management
- the next 2 weeks i ended up with a weekend project, making a cable management from plastic gutter for my ikea desk. It works! The size really allows a lot of thing : AC adapters (laptop, printer), power terminals.
cheers
Sep 30th, 2009
TOMAS
@Nikolai – Good luck!
@Brian – Thank you for sharing that link, it’s an interesting solution to say the least.
@darino – Look like you accidentally stumbled onto a great solution, and thanks for sharing your story!
Oct 19th, 2009
Glenn Wayne
I would do everything to make my desk look like this. I like it professional and simple.
Nov 9th, 2009
Kab
Use laptops iso desktops
Apr 15th, 2010
Gretchen
I was inspired by everyone’s photos, so I took the plunge and finally cleaned up my rats nest of cables. Here is my version. I removed a table leg, drilled a hole in the table, added a cable management grommet, bought cable-ties, wire basket, and a some patience….et voila.
Feb 2nd, 2011
desiree furman @ wall mounted desk .net
wow… very inspring.
i felt sorry for my desktop because its such a mess.
got to clean it up now.
Apr 4th, 2011
Jay
I’ve a cool setup myself. I can submit photos if you would like to post them.
Thanks
Jay
Sep 18th, 2011
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