You did it: you sorted, you contained and you organized your belongings to perfection; but unorganized chaos comes back just days after all of your hard work. What gives? Today we are breaking down the number one mistake we often see again and again: LABEL neglect!
We know it’s tempting to ignore labeling after all of the time and energy put into sorting, editing, and containing your items. Why add one more step after all of that work? Trust us: the benefits far outweigh the time investment of labeling!
Clarity: labels make it clear what items reside in your containers, making items easy to locate.
Maintenance: labels make it easier to maintain all your hard work. No more tossing items into bins or baskets where they don’t belong- labels make it clear where each item lives, a designated home.
Family Involvement: labels are integral for getting your family to do their part in maintaining organization. If they don’t know what systems or categories you’ve established- chaos will quickly return!
Labels are not a one size fits all situation. There are a few considerations to address before choosing your labeling method:
Consider the surface: the surface of your container will determine the type of label you need. Wicker or woven baskets are hard to adhere stickers to, so clip on labels are perfect for this. Hard flat surfaces are perfect for decal/ sticker labels.
Consider the visibility: We love to make things aesthetically pleasing, but it's not always necessary. Will your labels be in plain sight? Proceed with the pretty! Will your labels be tucked away in a garage or cabinet? Simple or homemade will do just fine.
Consider the size: base the size of your labels on the size of your containers. Large storage totes in your garage or attic benefit from large labels that can be easily seen. Small storage bins and canisters are better matched with small labels that don’t overwhelm the space.
Consider your budget: assess the amount of money you are willing to allocate towards labeling. Custom labels can provide you with a beautiful aesthetic, and have the benefit of labeling specialty goods that may not be available in generic label packs. Homemade labels help to keep your budget low, and store-bought generic labels are a happy medium.
Consider the audience: Who will be reading your labels? A small intricate script font may be fine for you, but confusing to little ones or anyone who is visually impaired. Make sure the labels you choose fit the audience that will view them. Adding pictures with the text provides direction for any age.
Once you’ve taken all of these considerations into account it’s time for the fun part: choosing the type of label that is right for you.
Masking or Duct Tape: keep it simple with this label, a strip of tape with permanent marker is an easy affordable solution.
Index Card: Similar to the masking tape described above, this is another affordable homemade option that will get the job done. Attach to your container with clear tape to protect the index card and maintain your label.
Picture Labels: This is great for containers you can’t see into. Think: plastic shoe containers with a picture of the shoe it contains taped to the outside. This is also a fantastic solution for getting your kids involved in organization. Label toy bins with a picture of the content taped to the outside so your little ones can practice categorizing while they clean up.
Bin Clips: Bin Clip Labels are a team favorite. They are a fantastic solution for textured containers you cannot adhere normal labels to, and are reusable. Simply clip them onto the outside of your container, and change the labels as often as you need to.
Label Maker: Label makers are a great tool to have on hand if you love organization, and can create simple labels at a moment’s notice. The initial investment of purchasing a label maker is well worth it if you envision yourself labeling a lot in the future. This is a good option if your containers have a hard flat surface that you are able to adhere stickers to.
Custom Labels: Custom labels are a fantastic option if you desire an aesthetically pleasing solution for your labels, and have the budget to allocate to them. You can control the label type, material, color, font, size, and overall look of your labels.
Color Coding: Color coded labels are a great way to designate keepsake bins for different family members, decor for different holidays, time periods (year, quarter, month), and for moves, colored sheets or labels on boxes or bins can be used to identify different rooms in a house or a designated destination.
Are you ready to start labeling? We can help! We are excited to announce our brand new line of Its ARRANGED pre-printed and custom labels to give your organized space the perfect finishing touch. We’ve designed curated fonts and label styles to give your space a look that fits your style, all while helping you maintain organization. Want to learn more? Visit our website or call our office today to get your label game started!
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