Organize For Impact
In today’s remote work environment, managing the tangle of charging cables for multiple devices can quickly turn your workspace into a cluttered mess. If you’re looking for an elegant solution that keeps your tech charged while maintaining a clean aesthetic, this DIY charging drawer project might be exactly what you need.
In this microblog, let’s look at how you can make one yourself. This tutorial is courtesy of snackandnaps from Reddit. You can check out the post on Reddit here.
The Problem
As remote workers, we rely on multiple devices to get our work done throughout the day — laptops, smartphones, tablets, wireless earbuds, and many more. Each of these devices needs charging, resulting in cable clutter that looks unsightly and can decrease productivity by creating visual distractions.
The Solution: A Hidden Charging Station
Enter the charging station, a DIY project that transforms a standard IKEA drawer into a sophisticated charging station. It keeps devices organized, charged, and completely out of sight when not in use.
What You Will Need
- IKEA Malm 4-drawer chest (black)
- Plywood sheet
- Plywood batons for support
- Black felt desk mat
- USB charging brick with multiple ports
- Required USB-A/C cables
- Motion-sensor LED light strip
- Basic tools (drill, screws, craft knife)
Step-by-Step Construction
1. Preparing the Base
Start with a standard black IKEA Malm chest—a perfect foundation due to its clean design and spacious drawers. For the charging platform, cut a piece of plywood to fit snugly inside one of the drawers.
2. Creating the Hidden Cable Management System
The key to the project was creating an invisible cable management system. Attach plywood batons to the underside of the platform, creating a hidden space for cables to run. This design choice ensures that all wires from the charging brick remain completely concealed.
3. Adding the Finishing Surface
For a premium look and feel, line the top of the platform with a black felt desk mat from Amazon. Before securing the mat, carefully mark the positions where each device will be placed.
4. Creating Cable Access Points
Using the marked positions as guides, drill holes through the plywood platform and use a craft knife to make precise incisions through the felt mat. These openings allow charging cables to pass through from the underside while remaining virtually invisible when not in use.
5. Installing the Power Source
Secure the charging power brick mounted to the back of the drawer with two screws, keeping it stable and out of sight. This way, only a single power cable needs to exit the drawer to connect to a wall outlet.
6. Adding A Luxurious Touch
As a final enhancement, install a motion-sensor LED light strip inside the drawer. This $10 Amazon addition creates a surprisingly premium experience—the drawer automatically illuminates when opened, making it easy to see and connect devices even under low-light conditions.
The Final Result
The completed charging drawer features six USB-C and two Lightning cables, all neatly organized and ready for use. The design allows for easy cable replacement if your device needs to be changed in the future. Of course, the number and type of ports are subject to the specific power brick or surge protector you want to use.
When closed, the drawer maintains a clean, minimalist aesthetic and contributes to the productivity of the home office. When open, it provides a dedicated space for charging multiple devices without adding to desktop clutter.
Why This Works for Remote Workers
For those of us working from home, solutions that reduce visual clutter can significantly impact our focus and productivity. This charging drawer not only solves a practical problem but does so in a way that enhances the overall workspace.
The project took just a few hours to complete and cost less than $50 in materials (excluding the IKEA drawer unit). For remote workers juggling multiple devices throughout the day, this relatively small investment can yield significant organizational benefits.
To learn about the future of remote work, read our blog in the Remote Work section.
To read more about the essentials required for a home office, read our article in the Home Office section.
Have you created any DIY solutions for your home office? We’d love to see your projects in the comments below!
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