Multi-computer home work station- ideas?

By coffeequeen

So 2 sons and dh all have computers (and throw in an x-box and flight sim yoke) so we have a disaster of cords and piles of electronics. UNSIGHTLY, to say the least, and not terribly efficient to have to move one person's stuff to get to your own. I would like a decent looking work station that the three of them can sit at side by side, and doesn't look like an an electronic land fill when finished. I sure would appreciate any dieas you have for DIY or any links to reasonably priced alternatives. Thanks so much!

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February 20, 2008

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About: I am mom to 3, living in upstate, NY but getting ready to move to...

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lucasjw

February 21, 2008

It sounds like starting with some simple cable management would help your situation greatly and doesn't take too much time or effort. The basic idea is to gather unneeded cable length and then group different cables together so all those cords are essentially shorter and reduced in number.

First, set up equipment where you want each item to be. Then coil the unneeded length of each cable and fasten together (zip or velcro ties), ideally so the coiled part of the cord is off the surface of the desk. On top of the desk, group cables together so that, as much as possible, each one does not snake around the desk independently but as a bundle. Finish by securing the cables to the bottom or back side of the desk so they don't just dangle off the desk haphazardly. If you have items that need to be moved around, determine how much cord is really needed when the item is in use, then coil the extra cord. This will reduce the length of cord flopping around.

Zip ties are cheap and work fine for organizing your cords, but I prefer the reusable velcro ties. Get a bundle of 100 velcro ties for about $10 (available on Amazon or many home/hardware stores); 5-packs of colored velcro ties for about $3 are pretty common but they cost 5+ times more.

I have learned a lot about organizing desk space from Lifehacker.com. Check out their "Top 10 DIY office projects" which has great examples of cord and device organization. Their "Coolest Workspace Contest" has lots of great home office setups for more excellent examples and ideas.

Good luck!