In this guide, we’ll show you how to use cable ties to keep your tech tidy, reduce hazards, and even improve the lifespan of your devices — all with minimal effort and cost.
Do you have a sea of tangled wires behind your TV stand, under your desk, or around your bedside table? Does your wiring resemble Spaghetti Junction? If so, you’re not alone and, in today’s world, managing cables in our homes and offices is a necessity. But the good news is it doesn’t take an expensive solution or a weekend of DIY skills to bring order to the chaos. Just make way for the cable tie!
Why cable organisation matters
Cable organisation matters when you understand the issues created by a lack of cable organisation!
Safety – from a safety point of view, loose wires represent a trip hazard, and tangled cords risk fraying and becoming fire risks.
Compromised performance – cluttered or tangle cables cause interference, reducing device performance, and can even overheat sensitive tech.
Aesthetics – let’s be honest, tangled cables are a mess and an eyesore and ruin a clean, efficient space behind your monitor or beside your bed.
The quickest, cheapest and most effective solution comes in the form of the humble cable tie! Having been originally developed to organise aircraft cables, the cable tie today is still the best way to bundle cables together neatly, and keep everything in place.
Choosing the right cable ties
Before starting, it’s worth considering the different types of cable ties available:
Nylon 6/6 cable ties – nylon cable ties are perfect for permanent setups, where you don’t envisage making frequent changes.
The Rapstrap – the Rapstrap is durable and easy to use and is popular for its eco-credentials.
Reusable cable ties – releasable cable ties are great for flexibility and perfect if you regularly move or update your tech.
For most household tasks, a mix of the above will cover your needs without committing to anything too permanent.
Step-by-step - how to organise with cable ties
Unplug and untangle - start by unplugging everything and untangle the cords. Use this as an opportunity to remove anything you don’t use, such as unused chargers, broken cables, or random wires you no longer need.
Group similar cables - cables that run in the same direction or serve the same purpose should be bundled together, such as your monitor, keyboard, and mouse cables on your work desk. Wherever possible, keep power and data cables separate as this will reduce interference.
Label as you go - it might seem tedious and labour-intensive, but labelling your wires can save you a lot of time and hassle when it comes to unplugging or troubleshooting. Marker cable ties or coloured cable ties are the perfect solution for this.
Fasten cable ties - loosely bundle your cables, avoiding overtightening as this can damage the wires over time. Stick to 3-5 cables per bundle for easy management.
Mount or route cables properly - use cable tie mounts or P-clips to attach bundles to the back of your desk or skirting boards. This keeps them out of sight and off the floor.
Tidy the plug area – extension leads can quickly become a mess. Use cable ties to group the plug leads neatly and prevent tangling. If possible, mount the extension lead to the underside of a desk or to a wall.
Bonus tips for organising tech cables
• Use coloured cable ties to identify different cable groups quickly.
• Timetable a quick cable tidy-up every few months — it’s easier than letting it pile up again.
• Buy a cable management box where you have a lot of plug connections.
Organising your tech with cableties-online
A few well-placed cable ties can transform your workspace or entertainment centre from messy to neat and tidy in next to no time, and with the minimum of effort and expense. It’s a small step that can have a big impact — both in terms of aesthetics and safety. So next time you're staring down at a jumble of wires and cables, reach for a cable tie and take control of your tech.
At cableties-online, we supply everything you need to organise your workspace or home entertainment systems. We offer free delivery to any UK address on orders over £50 and our team is available to answer any questions. Email us at sale@toolingplastic.com or call us on 01623 412160 between 08.30 – 17.00 Mon-Fri.
