Today, let’s tackle the all-too-familiar issue of cables – those essential yet frustrating strands that power our lives but often end up tangled behind desks, underfoot, or spilling out from drawers in unsafe ways. This scenario is very relatable for anyone working from home, but fear not – there are innovative and safe strategies to reclaim your space and keep things organized.
When we think about organizing our home offices, in-drawer outlets often seem like a tidy fix, suitable for uses like nightstand charging stations or organizing kitchen drawers. However, with easy DIY options such as extension cords and homemade power strips, we must remember the dangers they pose, including cord damage, overheating, and the risk of electrical fires; while these may seem convenient, they are not intended for long-term use, as OSHA regulations and the National Electric Code clearly state that extension cords should not serve as permanent solutions for more than 90 days, even for appliances.
Product on Amazon: Compact in-Drawer Outlet Charging Station (2) 15 Amp AC Outlets (2) USB-A Ports with Cord Management Arm, White
Brand: Generic
Price: 149.00 USD
Rating: 4.7 with 82 ratings
Docking Drawers are an ideal solution, particularly thanks to their in-drawer outlets specifically designed for long-term use, complete with essential safety features to give you peace of mind.
Product on Amazon: Docking Drawer Blade in-Drawer Outlet, Integrated Safety Shutoff, (2) 15 amp AC, White
Brand: Docking Drawer
Price: 235.20 USD
Rating: 4.3 with 86 ratings
A wealth of creative cable management solutions exists online to help minimize risks, like one Reddit user, battoys, who demonstrates how cable ties can radically transform desk setups. By looping and securing cables with colorful ties, you can achieve a neat appearance, and for those longer cables, velcro ties not only tidy things up but can also be reused, allowing for easy adjustments whenever needed.
For those with an eye for design, baskets and cable boxes present a stylish way to conceal power strips and tangled wires. An unobtrusive basket tucked under your desk can cleverly hide a power strip, turning a chaotic mess into a well-organized hub, while a cable box on your desk can serve as a functional charging station and keep unsightly cables out of view.
Product on Amazon: 2 Pack Large Cable Management Box – Wooden Style Cord Organizer and Cover for TV Wires, Computer, Router, USB Hub and Under Desk Power Strip – Safe ABS Material and Baby-Pets Proof Lock (White)
Brand: Chouky
Price: 29.52 USD
Rating: 4.5 with 3,079 ratings
Tech enthusiasts with multiple gadgets will appreciate cable sleeves, which are perfect for keeping cords organized in a single direction while safeguarding them from wear and tear, also benefiting rugs and furniture legs by minimizing friction.
Product on Amazon: Alex Tech 25ft – 1/2 inch Cord Protector Wire Loom Tubing Cable Sleeve Split Sleeving For USB Cable Power Cord Audio Video Cable – Protect Cat From Chewing Cords
Brand: Alex Tech
Price: 14.99 USD
Rating: 4.7 with 71,947 ratings
DIY aficionados have a plethora of options at their disposal, ranging from adhesive hooks for guiding cables along furniture legs to cleverly using storage cabinets to conceal messy wires. For those who enjoy personalization, adhesive cord covers can be cut to fit and painted to blend seamlessly with your decor, making it easy to hide cables in plain sight.
Product on Amazon: Delamu Cord Hider, 157in Cord Covers for Wires on Wall, Cable Hider Cord Organizer, Wire Covers for Cords on Wall, Wire Hiders for TV on Wall Cable Management, 10X L15.7X W0.95x H0.55in
Brand: Delamu
Price: 16.99 USD
Rating: 4.5 with 38,533 ratings
Ultimately, it’s all about finding the right balance between safety, functionality, and aesthetics for your workspace. With Docking Drawer’s certified in-drawer solutions and innovative hacks like cable sleeves, baskets, and cord covers, the possibilities are endless. I encourage you to explore these options and create a home office that is not only efficient but also visually appealing and safe.
As you contemplate the idea of running an extension cord through a drawer or building your own power strip, remember to consider the associated hazards. Opt for safer, smarter solutions that will keep your workspace both functional and secure.
Related posts:
DIY Power Strip Hazards: What You Need to Know – Docking Drawer
14 Ways to Hide Cables in Your Home Office
How to Hide Cords, Plus All My Tricks for Cable Management — The Gold Hive
