The Ultimate Guide to Labeling for Organization

Labeling your belongings is for more than kids summer camp t-shirts and similar looking spices (although please DO be sure you’re labeling your cumin and cinnamon – you don’t want a surprise like that in your morning coffee!) 

If you’re a visual learner you’ll want to click below to walk through these labeling systems with me!

The Purposes of Labeling

• Labeling to Find Things

I love using these Kuggis bins from IKEA in my office (you can read more about how I organize my office shelves here!) but they're opaque and all look the same – talk about a headache when it comes time to find where I put the washi tape! Some items need to be labeled so you can easily identify what's inside.

• Labeling to Put Things Back

The inverse of reason number one – sometimes storage containers need labels so you know where to put things when you’re done with them. Think of these labels like an address – you aren’t home until you arrive at your address, and your belongings aren’t home until they get to theirs! Using labels will subconsciously reinforce the “put things away when you’re done with them” rule. 

• Labeling to Keep Things Pretty

Truth be told, I think labels are pretty! I enjoy making them and consider them the cherry on top of any organizing project. If you’re going to put in the hard work to get organized, you deserve to treat yourself by creating some beautiful labels. 

The Methods for Labeling

Freezer Tape and Sharpie

Cheap and easy, just a roll of freezer tape and a sharpie will get the job done. Freezer tape isn’t too sticky which is a pro and a con – it won’t damage your surfaces but it might not stick forever. 

This method of labeling is best for: 

• Labeling items that you’re putting in your freezer (it’s called freezer tape for a reason!) 
• Temporary labeling (if you’re planning to pull out your craft supplies later)

Label Maker

Another very affordable labeling method is using a label maker. Note – you don’t have to endure looking at your own handwriting every day if you go this route which is a huge pro in my book! My personal favorite label maker is this Dymo label maker – it’s affordable and very user friendly. I type in my label, hit print, and voilà! I have uniform labels for my project. 

This method of labeling is best for: 

• Labeling smaller items 
• Labeling cabinet shelves or cubbies (putting a label that says “mixer” will remind your husband not to stick the cereal boxes on that shelf!) 

Chalk Board or Dry Erase Labels

If you’re looking for something a bit more bold, try a chalkboard or dry erase label. You get to add in your own creative flair here which makes these a great option for kids who take pride in making their own mark on their space. One word of caution – standard sticks of chalk rub off easily and smear, so I’d recommend using a chalk pen. They come in a variety of vibrant colors and still easily wipe off with a damp paper towel. 

This method of labeling is best for: 

• Containers that won’t always hold the same items (such as snack bins) 
• Pantries! Food storage containers are often the perfect size for a cute chalkboard label

Cricut or Silhouette 

Calling all crafters! These are the labels that make my heart sing – die cut labels from a Cricut or Silhouette machine. Labels for any space, size, color scheme, or surface, if you have one of these machines (or a friend who will let you crash her craft room for an afternoon!) these labels are the way to go. 

My personal favorite way to use my e-cutting machine is to cut out my design on stick back vinyl. I make a big label in large cursive lettering and add more detail in a smaller font below. The vinyl comes off clean so you don’t have to worry about leaving sticky residue on your surfaces if you ever move or relabel. 

This method of labeling is best for: 

• Crafters – if you love to get in touch with your creative side, you’ll have so much fun with these!
• Areas that you will see frequently like an office or the kitchen 

There isn’t a right or wrong way to label so you may need to use some trial and error to find what works best for you. I’d love for you to email me a picture of your labeling system when you’re finished!