Organizing projects vary and there is no magic, one-size-fits-all system for everyone.  But there are some fundamentals you can apply to almost every organizing task to set yourself up for success.  In today’s Organizing Favourite’s post, I’m highlighting one of those fundamentals: labels.  No matter the size of the project, whether it’s a home or an office,  whether I’m organizing a move, or clearing out an estate, the one common organizing tool to all projects is labels.  Read on to find out why labels are so important when organizing and the different options available so you can find one that’s right for you!

7 Benefits Of Organizing With Labels

1) Labels save time.  In a quick glance, you know what’s inside a bin, basket, box and folder or on a shelf, without having to open them up and search through each.  Labels also make it more likely an item will be returned to its proper home, rather than the first place you happen to see, which saves you searching in various locations for an item when you need it.

2) Labels provide clarity to everyone using a space.  Most people have to share items and space, whether at home or work, with other people.  Labels are an easy system that lets everyone know where to find and return items too.  If your system needs to work for non-readers, picture labels are a great option.

3) Labels increase the chances of staying organized.  When it’s fast and easy for everyone to find and return items, the chances of the system lasting are increased, which means you don’t spend precious time and energy re-organizing the same space again and again.

4) Labels reduce stress and frustration.  When it’s easy to find what you need, when you need it, you’re not frustrated or stressed searching for items you know you have, but can’t find.  Further, when items are in their proper homes, clutter in your space is minimized, which reduces stress and frustration generally.

5) Labels increase productivity.  When you don’t waste time looking for things and aren’t frustrated or stressed at not being able to find what you need, you’re more focused and productive.

6) Labels save money.  When you can quickly and easily find what you’re looking for, you don’t waste money buying duplicates of items you have, but can’t find!

7) Labels are affordable.  There are SO many labelling options available at all different price points, that it’s easy to find one to fit your budget and aesthetic preference.

Labels are Funtional, But Can Look Good Too!

Just before highlighting some labelling options, keep in mind you’re probably going to see the labels you choose regularly, if not daily.  So, I recommend choosing labels you really like and using consistent ones in a space.  First, it makes you happy to see something you like daily.  Second, consistent labelling in a space reduces visual clutter.  And third, you’ll be more motivated to follow the labels if you actually like them.  While labels are first and foremost about function, it doesn’t mean they can’t be beautiful, whatever that means to you!

Labelling Options 101

Pen and paper/masking tape/file folder label sticker

At the most budget-friendly end of the spectrum, you can simply handwrite the label on a piece of paper, masking tape, or file folder label and stick it on the item.  It may not be the prettiest option, but it certainly gets the job done!  You can get a pack of 160 labels like the ones pictured above for $1.25 (Cdn) at Dollarama.

Tags.

Handwriting or placing a printed label on tags is also a very affordable option.  Available at most craft stores, the dollar store and online, they come in all sorts of colours, shapes and sizes.  You can get a 50 pack of the kraft labels pictured above, from amazon.ca for $9.94 (Cdn).

Printable Sticker Labels.

If you don’t love your handwriting, you can buy blank printable label stickers and create your own labels on your computer.  Available anywhere you can get office supplies and online, these also come in all different shapes and sizes.  The packages of 60 round and 90 oval Avery labels pictured above, are available on amazon.ca for $12.07 (Cdn) each.

Chalk/Acrylic Pens.

If you are labelling glass, plastic or acrylic containers, you can simply use chalk or acrylic  markers.  They come in any colour you can imagine and are available at craft stores, office supply stores and online.  The multi-coloured 8-pack pictured above is available on amazon.ca for $16.95 (Cdn), the multi-coloured 12-pack for $23.99 (Cdn) and the white 4-pack for $12.95 (Cdn).

Label Maker.

For clear and consistent labels quickly, a label maker is a great option.  I use, and love, the Brother P-touch Cube Plus. But, it’s probably more than you require for your own labelling needs.  Two very well reviewed label makers are the  Brother P-touch Easy-to-Use Label Maker and the Dymo Label Manager Hand Held Label Maker.  The Brother label maker is available on amazon.ca for $48.91 (Cdn) and the Dymo Label Maker is available for $39.99 (Cdn).

Vinyl Labels.

You can purchase these online, Etsy is a great source.  Prices vary depending on size of the labels.  If you’re really into labelling, you can purchase your own Silhouette or Circuit machine to make your own.  The Silhouette Portrait is available on amazon.ca for $259.99 (Cdn) and the Circuit Explore Air 2 for $327.14 (Cdn).  As I said, you really need to be into making your own custom labels!

Bin Clips.

These are a great option for baskets or containers that you can’t tie a tag or adhere a label to.  Just write or print a label, insert it in the clip and hang the clip on the bin.  You can find the ones pictured above from amazon.ca for $14.99 (Cdn) for a pack of 50.  For those who live in, or visit, the States, The Container Store and Target carry them too, in a variety of aesthetics.

Conclusion

It doesn’t matter what you’re organizing, labels are key to getting and staying organized.  They save time, provide clarity, increase the chances of staying organized, reduce stress and frustration, increase productivity and save money.  For a set of free printable storage bin labels, click here.  For a post on other organizing fundamentals that will set you up for success, click here.  And for a free one-page printable of 10 organizing fundamentals, click here.  What’s your favourite type of label?  Let me know in the comments below.

Happy organizing!