Step 2: So I took a moment to abuse google’s image search with the term “rats nest.” I’m not going to waste space here, but let me tell you, it’s basically an inverted bird’s nest in cave formation. It’s a commonly used term to describe the mess of wires that usually accompany an entertainment center or computer desk setup. Basically, few requisite tools for our little operation here. Basically, a combination of coaxial cable tie downs and reusable cable ties. Both are really rather cheap.

Step 4: Again, not really Step 4... it’s an arbitrary number. So, I mounted a surge protector under the desk, on the side of one of the support posts. Same combination of tie downs and ties, but on the underside... just trying to bring some order to it all. All of my various rechargeable gadgets are tied into a single surge now, so I can flip off the surge and avoid wasting electricity into idle adapters.

Step 6: Please disregard the ash tray, it’s not part of the project and all. Though, do note that I think it’s a great idea to keep the ashtray in a cigar box so you can just drop the lid when you’re done and trap in all the woeful stank of flavor country. Same basic concept as above, but I’ve got a sleeve for... my wallet, the wireless mouse for my laptop (recharges with a mini-usb cable), my pocket pc, and a collection of writing utensils (pens, highlighters, and a sharpie). Add a screw or two extra and you’ve got a place to hang a few spare USB cables and what not.

Estimated Cost of Project:
Plastic Document Binder (used, just sitting on my bookshelf, holding papers that could be held elsewhere) $0.25 +/-
Cable Tie Downs (had them sitting in my tool chest from some time) $3.50
Reuseable cable ties (again, sitting in my toolbox, collecting dust): $5.00 +/-
Staples and Staple Gun: Borrowed
The costs were marginal, almost all my supplies used were just lying around... Overall, i’m pretty damned happy with the outcome.

Introduction: Of recent, I’ve been making a conscious effort to be less cluttered and more organized. First in a more general sense and now trying to better the layout of my desk.

Step 1: There is no real logical ordering to this project, and it happened overtime. Not to mention, i’ve got nothing to offer towards a before photo. Let me reassure you that a cluttered and unholy mess described it well.

Step 3: I began in the back of the desk. Take a hammer and drive the tie downs into the back of the desktop, spaced between 6 and 8 inches apart. I also ran them vertically along the back of the supporting pillars. It takes a bit of planning and arranging initially, but just get everything in line and start tying down the cables in the shortest order possible.

Step 5: Time to unclutter the various components of my desktop as well. If you own enough electronics, you’ll eventually amass a pretty decent collection of remotes as well. These sleeves are nothing more than cut up bits of a plastic document binder from last semester and a bit of tape.