Systems

The Power of Organizing Labels: Why They Matter More Than You Think

05/23/2023

Staying organized is one of the biggest challenges many people face.   We are all busy and on the go constantly which makes it hard to stay organized.  While it’s hard to get organized, you won’t regret it after you do it.  Organizing labels is the last and most important step in the process. One […]

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Staying organized is one of the biggest challenges many people face.   We are all busy and on the go constantly which makes it hard to stay organized.  While it’s hard to get organized, you won’t regret it after you do it.  Organizing labels is the last and most important step in the process.

One of my favorite organizing quotes is from Alejandra says  “Nobody ever said I regret organizing”.  It’s true, you feel amazing after you do it.

 

why labels matter with organizing

 

THE PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND LABELS

The power of labels begins with the way our brains process information. Our brains are wired to categorize and label everything we encounter in order to make sense of the world around us. This categorization helps us make quick decisions and judgments based on past experiences and knowledge. It’s why we can quickly categorize a fruit as an apple or a banana, or a person as friendly or unfriendly based on their behavior.

This is why understanding the psychology behind labels is so important. By being aware of how our brains categorize and label information, we can start to challenge and reshape our own biases and stereotypes.

LABELS & ORGANIZING

Organizing the same space more than once is frustrating.  This frustration is completely preventable by using labels.  Using labels when organizing keeps things in order.  It helps you find what you need quickly.  Labels are the rules of your house.

Making labels can be a tedious step but it’s one of the most important steps.  It’s important to use labels you love because you will be looking at them almost daily.  Take the time to figure out which type of labels you like best.  Use the same type of labels throughout your house to create a consistent look and feel.

When you have multiple people living in your house, labels are the best way to keep spaces organized especially the pantry and playroom.

There are a plethora of ways to label.  Personally speaking, I’ve gone with the option that’s the easiest, looks nice, and doesn’t take that much time to do.

TYPES OF LABELS

  • Label Maker

Using a label maker gives you clear, consistent font.  Label Makers are mobile so you can easily move them around your house to complete any organizing project.  You can create a label with a label maker quickly and easily.  There are a variety of fonts and sizes that can be created with a label maker.

labeling

We’ve had our label maker for over 10 years, so they last.  Label makers work great for organizing paper and small items that are hard to label.

Here are some things you can label with a label maker: File folders, spice jars, canister jars, and plastic bins with a flat surface.

  • Clear Labels With Sharpie Oil-based Marker

If you like your own handwriting, you can create your own labels with clear labels and a Sharpie oil-based paint marker.  I first learned about this concept from The Home Edit and fell in love with it.  This type of method allows you to create larger labels than a label maker.

organizing labels

 

You can customize your labels to the size that works for that particular bin or space.  The paint marker is fairly permanent, you have to use a dry-erase marker to get rid of the ink and it takes a long time to do.

This option I’ve found is the easiest and quickest.

  • Cricut Machine

You can create vinyl labels with a font you love with a Cricut machine.  I personally have never used one but have seen many people create beautiful labels with them.

organizing labels

Between these three types of labels, you can create labels you love.  We have changed our organizing systems in our house a few times.  Regardless of the changes we’ve made, using labels has helped keep our home organized.

WHY USING LABELS IS IMPORTANT

1. Saves Time

No one likes wasting time, it’s frustrating.  We all have the exact same 24 hours.  Time is the one thing money can’t buy.  It’s up to us how we manage our time.  Using labels will save you time because you’re not wasting time looking for items you need.  Those small seconds add up to minutes and so on and so forth.

2. Makes You More Productive

Increase your productivity by using labels.  This allows you to get more done because you can find what you need.  We all love that feeling when we’ve been able to cross off everything on our to-do list for that day.

3. Eliminates Stress

When you can’t find what you need, it’s stressful especially when you’re in a rush trying to get out of the house.  Keep your stress levels low by using labels so you can find what you need quickly.

4. Prevents Clutter

When things are labeled, it makes it easier to put back the items where they belong.  If you’re not sure where an item should go, chances are you don’t need it, get rid of it.

5. Creates Clarity

We live in a distracted society.  There are ads being thrown at us daily through social media and TV which creates mental clutter. Create clarity in your home by having items labeled.  When you look at a space that’s organized & labeled it’s a calming feeling.

6. Improves Communication

If you have more than one person in your home, having labels keeps everyone on the same page, minimizing any confusion or frustration as to where things are.

PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS

*Affiliate links used.  We may receive a commission if you purchase the recommended products.  These links are at no extra charge to you.  We only recommend products I know and trust.

P-Touch Cube Plus

 

Label Maker
label maker p-touch

Label Tape

Bin Clip Labels

bin clip labels

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr-Label

label paper

Sharpie Oil-based Paint Marker

sharpie oil-based paint marker

Label Cutter
organizing labels

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Using labels when organizing saves you time, increases your productivity, eliminates stress, prevents clutter from building up, and creates clarity.

We are all looking for ways to save time and be more productive.  Keeping clutter at bay allows you to stay stress-free allowing you to be happier.  When things aren’t labeled, it’s easy to lose items.  It’s like any plan in life, when you make a plan and work it, things go smoother.

 

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