To Label or Not to Label?

Labeling your bins, baskets and containers can be an effective way to promote and maintain organization. Clearly communicating where an item belongs increases the chance of the item making it back to its home. Labels are particularly helpful in bins and baskets that you cannot see through. A label minimizes the time needed to find an item if you don't need to look inside to see what it contains. If a bin or basket is see-through, you may still want a label to avoid any confusion. The best example of this is in a pantry where foods like various flours can look similar.

Sometimes the preference to label is simply that - preference. You may like the aesthetic of all your bins being labeled. On the other hand. you may find it silly to label something when the contents are obvious. This is simply a personal judgment call. In a recent project, my client decided to label the pantry shelf versus each cereal bin since it was obvious that the containers all held cereal. She did, however, see value in labeling the section of shelf to indicate where the cereal containers should be returned once removed. Knowing you and your family's preferences and tendencies will help you determine how and when to label effectively. Consider picture labels for younger children or family members who are unable to read. This will encourage their participation keeping spaces tidy.

Labels come in all shapes and sizes. Have fun and get creative when choosing your labeling method. Here are some easy and affordable ideas. Writing or printing on sticker labels can work on plastic containers very well. I like to print labels on cardstock (created on Canva app templates), laminate them, cut them out and then hot glue them to the bins or baskets. Another option for smaller labels is using a label maker machine. These labels work well for file folders, small bins or containers, drawers and shelves. Chalkboard labels in the form of stickers, tags or clothespin clips are also a very affordable option. For baskets made of fabric or a woven, natural material such as hyacinth or wicker, a variety of metal clips also work great.

In the end, labeling should make finding and putting back your belongings easier for you and your family. Saving time and stress makes labeling a winning strategy!