Quick answer: One under-desk tray for the power strip, a sleeve for the visible run, and clips to anchor everything. Keep the floor clear.
The space under the desk is where setups are won or lost. For daytime setups, getting power and cables off the floor and out of sight is what finishes the look.
- Mount a Cable Tray
- Sleeve the Visible Run
- Anchor and Strain-Relieve
Mount a Cable Tray
A under-desk tray holds the power strip and wall warts so nothing dangles toward the floor. It is the single biggest tidy-up for the underside of a desk.
Sleeve the Visible Run
Where cables must show — down a leg or to a monitor — a braided or spiral sleeve groups them into one clean line instead of a loose fan.
Anchor and Strain-Relieve
Clip cables at the desk edge so plugs are not hanging from their ports. A little strain relief prevents the slow unplugging that happens every time you brush a cable.
Frequently asked questions
Tray or box for hiding the power strip?
A tray mounts under the desk and keeps the strip accessible; a box encloses it fully but needs clearance and makes reaching the switch harder. For daytime setups, a tray is usually the better trade.
How do I route cables to a wall outlet behind the desk?
Run one grouped bundle straight down the back leg and along the wall, clipped at intervals. Avoid coiling excess behind the desk where it collects dust.
Do I need to label cables?
Label the ones you unplug often — display and main USB. Everything else can stay grouped; you will rarely touch it.
The bottom line
For daytime setups, a clear floor and one tidy under-desk bundle is the finish that makes the whole setup look considered.