As professional organizers, we’ve seen a lot of things and the most common thing we see is: not having labels.  It is one of the most important steps in the process. Labels keep items going back to the right places.  They are the glue that keeps everything together.  There are a variety of ways to label and we’re going to show you how you can make them.

From label makers to Cricut machines to DIY, there is no shortage of labels.  How you make them is what matters because that is how your system is going to last.

Affiliate Disclosure:

We want to be transparent and inform our users that some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that if you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products or services that we believe will add value to our readers. Your support through these affiliate links helps us maintain and improve our content. Thank you for your support!

HOW TO MAKE LABELS

DECIDE ON YOUR STYLE

The first thing you’ll want to do is decide on the font and style that you like.  This matters because you’ll be looking at it often and if you don’t like what you look at it, it’s less likely to stay organized.  Think about any brand that you love, that you’re ridiculously loyal to, that’s how you want to view your labels so picking out the correct style matters.

1. Label Maker

Using a label maker gives you a clean look and keeps labels consistent throughout the house.  This label maker is the brand we have used for years.  It has Bluetooth capabilities and makes labels very quickly.  This is our preferred method when labeling because of the time saved.

2. Handwritten

DIY labels or handwritten labels are another option.  Handwritten fonts can add a personal and authentic quality to text. They can reflect the writer’s personality, mood, or style, which can be especially appealing in creative or personal contexts like greeting cards, personal letters, or invitations.

Handwritten fonts are visually pleasing to many people, they can enhance the overall design of a project.  They also provide a sense of the human touch that can be comforting and engaging, especially in digital or printed materials.

3. Cricut Machine

The last labeling method is to use a Cricut machine.  I have not used this type of method so I’m not going to speak on it.  The only thing I will say is that it is extremely popular and there are a variety of fonts on there you can use allowing your personality to shine through.

PURCHASE SUPPLIES

Once you’ve chosen your label method you’ll need to get the materials.

• Handwriting Labels

Here’s what you will need if you are going to use your handwriting.

Mr-Label Clear Adhesive 

These labels work great because they stay on products well and are waterproof.

Sharpie-Oil Based Paint Markers

These paint markers provide a nice shine which is why I like to use them when labeling.  I tend to use black and white when labeling because they match best with bins.

Fiskars Cutting Board

This board comes in handy for cutting the labels, it cuts them quickly and keeps them straight.

• Label Maker

As mentioned, the P-Touch Cube Plus is our preferred method. This label maker allows for a variety of different sizes of label tape to be used, something to keep in mind when labeling.  With larger bins, you’ll want bigger size labels like the 24mm.  For smaller bins like drawer organizers, the 12mm size works best.

12mm label tape

24mm label tape

CREATE THE LABEL

Handmade Label

Starting with a handmade label, the best thing to do is to cut a variety of sizes from the sheet with the cutting board.

It’ll take a few tries to get the ideal size.  Once you have the size, keep a template copy so it’s easy to reference when needed.

1. Take a few pieces that you have already cut for your test labels.
2. The marker needs to ‘warm up’ before it gets used.  Once you have the test labels, grab the marker and shake it rigorously, then press the tip onto the label a few times until the ink starts to come out.
3. Once it comes out, practice writing with it a few times before using it permanently on the label.
4. After the label is done, LET IT DRY.  As someone who has remade labels multiple times because the ink wasn’t dry, I can’t emphasize this enough.  Give it at least two minutes per label.

Once the label is dry, put it on the desired bin or shelf.

Label Maker

1. With the label maker, power it on (you’ll need either an outlet or batteries to turn it on).
2. Download the Design & Print 2 app from the app store.
3. Connect your device with the app.
4. Open the app and select ‘Create your own label.’
5. Start with the text.  This is where you’ll select the font, size, and layout of the text.  There are options to add clip art or an image to the label by selecting the + sign.
6. After the text is complete, decide if you want a frame around the text and/or the direction if you want it to be.
7. Once the label is ready, click on the ‘Confirm your P-touch connection’ to connect your device to the app. Select search, once the model shows up click on it and it will connect.
8. Print the label.

You can print multiple copies of the same label at one time.  If the label maker hasn’t been used for 10 minutes or so, it will disconnect and need to search for the device again when a label is needed.  The best thing to do is print all the labels at the same time.

Label Placement

Now that you have the labels done, where should they go?  The obvious answer would be in the middle of the bin but that’s not always the case.  They need to go where they are easily identifiable.

• Middle of the bin.  Typically the best spot for the label.  Being in the center gives the label balance and it’s easy to see.
• Bottom right or left of the bin.  If there is a crevice in the middle of the bin, the label may not be able to be displayed flat and needs to go in an area that makes it easy to see.
• Top of the lid.  When looking at containers, there are times when the lid or lip may cover the bin based on the location of the bin and it’s easier to put the label on the lid to see it.

OTHER TIPS

• Black labels with white ink on clear bins make the bin easily identifiable.
• Clear labels with black ink on clear bins allow you to easily see what’s in there without label blocking much.
• Handmade labels allow the font to be larger than label maker labels so if you need a large label, use a handwritten one.
• Bolding the font with the label maker makes it stand out more.
• Capital letters tend to be larger and more visible than lowercase letters. It can give the sign a more commanding and attention-grabbing presence.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Labels are the key to organizing success.  Taking the time to create a font that fits your life and style will keep your home organized for the years to come.

Whether it be a label maker, Cricut machine, or handwritten, labels keep things going back to the right places, allowing you to win in your home and who doesn’t like to win?