There are hair mullets, and then there are electronic mullets. We’re talking about business-in-front, party-in-the-back TV and office setups that conceal a tangle of cords and cables. After all, flat screens, computers, monitors, speakers, USB peripherals, and a growing cast of smart home devices all need somewhere to plug into. Well, we’re here to tell you that the party’s over: It’s time to get into the business of cable management with an audit of your wiring situation.

Begin by unplugging everything and taking a survey of every cord and cable’s purpose; you may discover orphaned connectors that you can remove. Check whether any peripheral devices can go wireless (especially modern printers with Wi-Fi connectivity). If you’ve got a label maker or colored masking tape, use this opportunity to demarcate each length before plugging things back in.

Consider purchasing a power strip with pivoting outlets to improve accessibility, and examine the room for ways to direct any cords behind or underneath furniture. If it’s absolutely necessary to run a cable out in the open, a raceway or cord cover can shield it from view—and can even be painted to match the wall or trim color.

The good news is, there’s an entire industry and online community focused on the task of cable management for you to take advantage of. In regards to accessories, these include components you can purchase individually or in convenient sets that come with cable ties, clips, sleeves, and outlet boxes. There are also numerous YouTube tutorials deserving of a cursory review that show you how to get cord clutter out of sight—and out of mind.

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Illustration by Mar Hernández

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