A tidy setup isn’t just aesthetic—it improves airflow, reduces signal issues, and makes upgrades painless. Here’s a practical, pro-level guide you can implement in an afternoon.

1) Plan first: map power vs. signal

- Make a quick sketch of your desk/rack/TV area.
- Group devices by function:
  - Power-only: power bricks, chargers, lights, fans.
  - High-speed signal: HDMI/DP, USB-C/USB 3.x, Thunderbolt.
  - Low-speed signal: Ethernet, USB 2.0, audio.
- Rule of thumb:
  - Run power and signal separately.
  - If they must cross, cross at 90°.
  - Keep parallel runs ≥ 5–10 cm apart to reduce interference.

2) Buy once, use everywhere: core materials

- Velcro/Hook-and-loop straps (reusable; color-coded is a bonus).
- Adhesive-backed cable tie mounts + small zip ties (don’t overtighten).
- Under-desk tray or J-channel raceways.
- Cable sleeves (PET braided or neoprene) for visible sections.
- Adhesive-backed clips for single leads (USB-C, Lightning).
- Grommets or desk holes to pass cables cleanly.
- Labels: heat-shrink or wrap-around; a fine-tip permanent marker.
- Optional: 3M VHB tape squares, isopropyl alcohol for surface prep, ferrite cores, cable combs for PC builds.

3) Routing: service loops, no coils

- Length: choose shortest that reaches comfortably with a small “service loop” (10–15 cm). Avoid tight coils, which can act like inductors.
- Bend radius:
  - Ethernet Cat6: ≥ 4× cable diameter.
  - Fiber: ≥ 10× diameter (if applicable).
  - Display and USB: no sharp kinks; gentle curves only.
- For excess length: figure-8 loop + Velcro, not a tight circle.

4) Under-desk and furniture tricks

- Mount a power strip and a cable tray under the desk; run only one visible “umbilical” to the wall.
- Stick adhesive tie mounts under the desk every 20–30 cm; clean with alcohol first.
- Route monitor, keyboard, and USB leads through monitor arms and desk grommets.
- For sit–stand desks: create a loose vertical loop so cables don’t pull at full height; use a fabric cable sleeve for the drop.

5) PC case and rack polish

- Case:
  - Route everything behind the motherboard tray; use built-in tie points.
  - Train PSU cables with combs; avoid blocking intake/exhaust.
  - Daisy-chain fans to a PWM hub for one clean run.
- Network/rack:
  - Use a cable manager and patch panel; keep patch leads short and uniform.
  - Maintain twist up to keystone/jack. Avoid crushing with ties.
  - Label both ends: port numbers match the switch.

6) Power strategy and safety

- Avoid daisy-chaining power strips. Use a quality, UL/CE-listed surge protector or a line-interactive UPS for critical gear.
- Separate “always on” (NAS, router) from peripherals (chargers, lights) on different strips.
- Power budget: Amps = Watts / Volts. Don’t exceed 80% of strip rating.
- Don’t pack power bricks into sealed boxes with no airflow.
- Use right-angle power and IEC cables to reduce depth behind furniture.

7) Signal integrity: avoid weird glitches

- HDMI/DP:
  - For 4K120/8K: keep passive HDMI ≤ 3 m. Use certified “Ultra High Speed” or active optical for longer.
  - DisplayPort 1.4/2.x: prefer short, well-shielded cables; avoid sharp bends at the connector.
- USB/Thunderbolt:
  - USB 3.x passive: ≤ 2–3 m. USB 2.0 can go ~5 m.
  - For USB-C video/PD, pick e‑marked, 5A, full-featured cables; keep ≤ 1 m for 4K high-refresh if possible.
  - Use powered hubs or active extenders for long runs.
- Ethernet:
  - Max 100 m, but for desks keep it simple and tidy; avoid tight bends/kinks; test if you crimp yourself.
- Audio:
  - Prefer balanced (XLR/TRS) to eliminate ground loops.
  - Keep audio away from power bricks and PSUs; use ferrite cores if needed.

8) Labeling that saves you hours

- Simple scheme: [Location]-[Type]-[Number].
  - Examples: “Desk-PWR-01”, “Rack-ETH-07”, “PC-USB3-02”.
- Label both ends and the power brick.
- Color-code Velcro:
  - Red = power, Blue = network, Green = audio, White = USB/other.
- Optional pro move: small QR tag linking to a spreadsheet with device, cable type, length, and port map.

9) Quick setup sequence (90 minutes)

1. Unplug everything and dust.
2. Mount under-desk tray and power strip; prep surfaces with alcohol.
3. Place devices where they live; decide the left/right cable paths.
4. Run power first; add slack loops; Velcro to anchors.
5. Run signal cables on a separate path; cross power at 90° if needed.
6. Bundle visible runs with braided sleeves; anchor both ends.
7. Label both ends; test each device as you plug back in.
8. Take a photo for reference—future-you will thank you.

10) Maintenance and upgrades

- Quarterly:
  - Re-tighten loose Velcro, clear dust, check adhesive mounts.
  - Remove unused cables; archive spares separately.
- Keep a “spare kit” handy: Velcro straps, tie mounts, short USB/HDMI/Ethernet leads, a small label sheet.

Common pitfalls to avoid

- Overtightened zip ties crushing cables.
- Coiling long cables tightly behind the desk.
- Mixing bricks and signal in the same dense sleeve.
- Overfilling cable boxes with hot power adapters.
- Buying extra-long “just in case” cables—use the right length instead.

Fast aesthetic wins

- One under-desk tray + one vertical fabric sleeve = instant clean look.
- Shorter monitor and keyboard cables.
- Right-angle adapters for wall clearance behind TV/desk.
- A single, neat “umbilical” to the wall with a cable box on the floor.

If you want, share a photo or sketch of your setup and the gear list—happy to suggest a tailored routing plan and a minimal shopping list 🙂