Cut cord clutter

Avoid tangled wires with these quick tips

By Sandy McMurray

"My home is full of computers," says Elaine Conrad, a freelance writer based in Sherwood Park, Alta. "We have four currently networked, and soon will have six. Cord clutter drives me insane."

The average desktop computer, with its tangle of wires and cords, presents a challenge to those who like to keep their work area tidy and uncluttered. And the home office is a unique situation for designers and decorators, says Les Mandelbaum, president and co-founder of Umbra, a company known for its well-designed, affordable housewares.

"Many people who work from home are not in traditional office space," he says. "They need to work, but they want to stay accessible to the family and the rest of daily life. That often means the work space is in full view of people who come in."

Consolidate those cables

The first step is to gather cables and cords into tidy bundles and fasten them under your desk or against the wall or baseboard. You'll be amazed how much better things look when loose wires are secure.

Small clips and straps like Cable Clamps or Cord Organix products (available at your local office supply store), are ideal for wrapping and securing loose cables and cords. You can also use coloured pipe cleaners or simple twist ties.

Or, try Ikea’s Montera cable reel. Thread your cords and cables through the colourful plastic tubing and fasten it under your desk to create a handy bundle that's easier to manage.

Invest in a surge-protected power bar

Many homes and small offices have an octopus of power cords clustered conspicuously around a single wall outlet. To make matters worse, many computers and add-on devices do not use standard grounded plugs — they use large AC adapters that block access to precious outlets, which can be a fire hazard.

"We lived in a home where our outside power meter caught on fire and shorted out the whole house," says Conrad. "We suffered some major power surges while trying to find the source of the brownout and because we had invested in good power bars, our computers were all fine."

A surge-protected power bar untangles the power cord octopus and gives you easier access to electrical power. Manufacturers like Belkin design power bars specifically for computer users, with features like widely-spaced outlets for large AC adapters, and grounded outlets for telephone and cable modem wires..

Streamline your computer station

Another prime location for cable clutter is the back of your computer, where printers, scanners and other devices are connected through USB ports. To clear up this traffic jam, you can purchase a USB hub — a device that functions like an extension cord for USB devices. Using a hub, you can connect multiple devices to your PC using a single USB cable.

Create a wireless world

Of course, the very best way to fix a tangle of wires is to eliminate them. A wireless mouse, keyboard and printer will give you more space on your desk and fewer cords to connect.

Mandelbaum uses a wireless network in his home to cut down on cord clutter. "Thanks to the wireless card in my laptop, I can roam the house and work anywhere."