The Power of Labels: Unlocking an Organized Home

Topics: Labels, Home Organization, Home Organizer, Labeling, Annapolis Organizer

If there is one thing we ALL agree on at Systems by Susie it’s that labels are the key to maintaining an organized space! Labels not only provide structure but also make organization possible for every member of a family. While organizing spaces and utilizing containers is important, adding labels as a visual cue ensures that everyone knows where things go and can help keep your systems in place. 

Read along as we break down the use of labels in the home: why they are essential, the types of labels we utilize at SxS, how accessibility and context matter when using labels, and some of our best practices. 

Why Labels Are Key to an Organized Space

Labels = A Home for Everything: Labels give every item a designated home. This allows the whole family to help with putting things back where they belong.

Do you work hard to organize and create systems in your home, only for those systems to fall apart over time? Are you still constantly asked where something belongs? Are you the only one in your house who knows where things go? If that’s the case,  it’s harder for others to maintain the organization. Labels remove that guesswork and empower all members of the family to sustain your home organization systems.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!

How Accessibility and Context Matter When Creating Labels

• Making Labels Work for Every Space:
  • For high-use areas like the kitchen or kids’ rooms, use bold fonts or the color contrast of white label tape with bold black writing so labels are easy to spot.
  • Consider clear labels with white text for adult spaces like the primary bathroom, where you want the labels to blend in with the decor.
• Strategic Placement:
  • Place labels where they’ll be most visible and functional, like the edge of containers or inside drawer lips.
  • For complex spaces like a home office, use vertical lettering for cord wraps or technology.
• Adapting to Individual Needs: Sometimes you have to be more specific to accommodate a family member’s individual needs. For example, in the pantry: “Snacks” may need to be separately labeled from “Gluten-Free Snacks.”
• Adapting to Changing Needs and Ages:
  • For young children, picture labels with words help pre-readers or early readers stay engaged and give them the visual clue they need to help with clean up. Keep the categories very broad, since they will be changing often. Instead of “Paw Patrol” use a more general label of “Figures.”
  • For older kids (aged 8-12+), more specific categories may help them stay tidy since their contents won’t change as often.
  • For seniors or anyone with vision impairments, bolder and high-contrast labels (e.g., white on black) make it easier to see and follow the system.

Best Practices for Labeling

• Consistency Is Key: Use the same color, font, and label size throughout a space for a cohesive look.
  
• Start Simple, Then Customize: Begin with temporary labels (like blue painter’s tape and a Sharpie) while you figure out the best system. Once things are in place, switch to more permanent labels.
  
• Aesthetic Touches: While we don’t always use them, decorative labels like magnetic bone or brass tags are available to elevate the look of baskets or bins.
  
• Avoid Over-Specific Categories: Being too specific can backfire, making it harder to maintain. Stick to broader categories like “Toys” instead of “Legos” for longevity. It’s best to use whatever words make sense in your brain and for your family. 

Types of Label Makers We Recommend

• Our Favorite Label Maker: Our favorite label maker is the Brother P-touch Cube, which allows you to create labels through an app. It’s simple yet effective for both beginners and pros, has a wide variety of fonts and label tape to choose from.
  
• Elevating the Look: A good label maker can help elevate the aesthetic of basic storage items. For example, black labels on white plastic bins create a sleek, cohesive look.
  
• Options for Different Needs:
  • Brother Label Maker: The simplest, easiest to use label maker. The label tapes are only .5” thick, but this label maker will get you up and running quickly.
  • Brother PT Cube Plus: Offers labels up to an inch thick, has a wide variety of fonts and label tape colors, making it perfect for larger containers and bins. This is what we use on most jobs!
  • XP Label Makers: Goes up to 1.5-inch thickness, great for larger projects like a basement or garage.
  • Vinyl Labels: These are perfect for a more permanent, customized look, especially in closets or on decorative baskets. (These are a little harder to swap out, so be sure to pick categories you can grow with!) You can use a vinyl cutting machine like the Circuit Joy to customize your labels.
    
• Budget Options: You don’t need to break the bank—knockoff brands work just as well. P-touch refill tapes can be found at a fraction of the cost, helping you save without sacrificing quality.

Now that you’ve learned all about why labels are the backbone of an organized space, it’s time for you to explore what works for you! Help your family maintain your systems with these tips, and check out our Amazon Storefront for label makers and tapes we recommend using. Need help getting started? Book a consultation with us here.

Happy Organizing!

Susie