Labeling 101: Quick & Easy Labeling Techniques - IHeart Organizing

Maybe your like

Monday, May 6, 2019

29 Labeling 101: Quick & Easy Labeling Techniques

I am back with part three of a four post series I have put together with the best of the IHeart Organizing best. It's been a long time coming to take everything I have learned over the years, whether it is working in my own home or working with others, and compiling it all in a single place here on the web. The four-part series will include: Gearing Up for Your Next Organizing Project with a FREE Printable Kit! Need helping getting started or prioritizing where to begin? What is the plan of attack? What is currently working well and what isn't? What storage do you need? Trying to get rid of things, but finding it hard to decide what to keep and what to pass on? I have put together a great printable kit to help you prioritize, sort, and navigate your way through your next organizing project(s), which includes a total of TEN free printables! FIND THAT POST HERE! My Top Organizing Tips! Instead of digging through years of my archives to find individual tips, I am going to compile the best of the best in a single, very informational post! It's going to be a whopper and a really great resource for projects of any size. FIND THAT POST HERE! Labeling 101: Quick & Easy Labeling Techniques I have tried almost every type of label on the market, from vinyl to label makers to stickers and chalk markers, and they all have their place. But what are my tried and true favorites? What do I reach for with almost any project due to time, cost, practicality, and ease? I will be sharing three labeling techniques that haven't failed me yet, and that you won't need any fancy tools to utilize. Practical, Everyday Storage Solutions! If I have learned anything from raising three boys and organizing along the way, it is that storage can be expensive and that our needs are constantly evolving. Gone are the days where I purchase pretty bins and baskets to decorate with. Although I will always appreciate beautiful storage, it has to be versatile and it has to last! With that in mind, there are a few storage products that I have found that continuously work hard for me in a variety of situations, so they end up being the types of products I gravitate toward when working on any new projects. For the final post in the series, I am putting together the ultimate storage source list with tips and products that I have fallen in love with over the years. So let's dive in with part three of the four-part series: Labeling 101: Quick & Easy Labeling Techniques.

I have always enjoyed the creative side of organizing, and labeling has really allowed me to play with a variety of craft tools, papers, vinyl, and embellishments. Labels can really add to the overall aesthetic of a project while being extremely useful at the same time! There are times that I may decide to invest more time and energy into the creative process of an organizing project, but for the majority of my projects I have THREE tried and true labeling techniques. However, before I dive in and talk about those methods, let's quickly go over the reasons behind WHY we label in the first place.

Labeling is definitely a personal preference that doesn't have a one-size-fits-all rule. The overall purpose of labeling is to create easy identification. Generally speaking, it is best to label for safety purposes or to keep your household on the same page:

Label food containers to indicate a specific ingredient (or lack of ingredient) due to allergies and sensitivities.

Label food containers/leftovers with dates to prevent serving expired and spoiled consumables.

Label to indicate if an item is fragile or hazardous.

Label to identify the contents of a solid container or bin.

Label to differentiate multiple items that appear similar.

Label to help children identify where to find things/put things away (toys, snacks, clothing, etc...).

Label to identify the possession of items between household members.

Label to create consistency or understanding between household members.

Again, it really comes down to how your household functions and the dynamic of everyone who resides there. Labels can be extremely helpful but are not always necessary. I use to label clear pantry containers and fridge containers with the contents, only to change the contents each week with my grocery shopping. Changing the labels became too much maintenance and we really weren't gaining much by labeling the obvious clear bin of crackers, as "crackers". So I stopped. Now, I quickly add the purchase date on the bottom of the container with a dry erase marker and call it good (unless it is allergy specific of course). If a label is causing extra work, then is it really adding value? That said, we have benefitted greatly by labeling over the years. Having a household of five, labels have really made it easy for all of us to collectively pick-up and get things back to their proper homes, and also identify our personal belongings to avoid mix-ups. And by labeling cleaners, drawers, bin contents, etc..., I avoid a lot of questions from my crew. OK, so now you are ready to start labeling, but what are the best methods? Here are three that haven't failed me yet! LABEL MAKER This one is obvious but also the most important. I used this label maker for many, many years, but after a few drops, it broke and I was left scrambling to replace it. It doesn't seem to be available any longer (because the prices on it have since skyrocketed), so I shed some tears and set out to find something similar. I am not too picky, I just wanted something that was inexpensive, had a couple font options, offered clear labeling tape, and also offered inexpensive replacement cartridges. I also appreciate something battery operated/portable so that I can use it quickly and easily without any additional accessories. I decided on this Brother P-Touch option, I found it for under $20 and the value is definitely there! I have been liking it so far, it checked all of my boxes and I really appreciate that it is an extremely flexible and affordable option. I was also able to find some off-brand tape options on Amazon, and they have also worked out really great! (I purchased these white on clear and these black on clear cartridges). I find this label maker to be really user-friendly, the font options are OK, it prints quick, and the labels stick well yet are also removable. All around a good, go-to option.

Label makers are the clear choice for almost any organizing project because they are quick to use, easy to create, and can adhere to just about anything. I have also found that most label tapes are semi-waterproof, so they can take light cleanings and handle being in kitchen/bathroom settings. Here are a few ways I use my label maker around our home:

Labeling Cords: Wrap around the base of the cord to identify what gadget/person the cord belongs to.

Labeling Cleaning Bottles: Because I make most of our cleaners, I use my label maker to identify the type of cleaner and the general purpose. And because they are semi-waterproof, they can hold up to frequent use and refills.

Labeling Canisters: Perfect for labeling baking powders and coffee beans/add-ins, as well as specialty food items.

Labeling Shelves/Drawers: This has helped my boys tremendously in putting things back where they belong and keeping some general order around our home.

Travel Toiletries: Label tape wraps perfectly around those small, clear travel bottles that constantly need refilling. And because face wash looks like shampoo and lotion looks like conditioner... well, you know how that could result in a bit of a morning disaster.

Spice Jars: If you transfer your spices to jars, label tape is a great way to identify the different varieties.

File Folders: For file folders that I reuse for the same purpose over and over, I love the look of label tape over my handwriting any day.

As you can see, I gravitate towards the clear label tape because I find that it gives a very seamless look. For some reason, the white label tape reminds me of daycares, office spaces, classrooms, and Dr. offices, which is not necessarily a bad thing, it just feels more commercial than personal. ADHESIVE LABEL HOLDERS There are quite a few times when I want to add labels, but I am looking for a more polished, long term effect. This is generally in spaces that we see and use often, or for items that are typically left out in the open. In these situations, I use an adhesive label holder, and then just print out the actual label to slip inside. The holder just sticks right to the surface, making it another fairly quick and easy labeling solution. The two styles I use are the Martha Stewart Bookplates and the Bigso Adhesive Label Holders.

Just like label tape, these label holders are adhesive and fairly versatile. I typically use them on bins and boxes that either have a rougher surface or in situations that label tape would get lost due to the shape and size of the container (because you can print your own labels, you can design the color/font to be sure they really stand out). These work well on the infamous Target Y-Weave baskets, common rattan baskets, as well as on canvas style bins. If you ever find the stick is fading, a little hot glue can give the holder new life. The narrow options also work really nicely on the face of shelves. CLIP-ON LABEL HOLDERS Last but certainly not least, clip-on label holders are becoming a new favorite! They are a really great size which makes them a perfect solution for labeling larger bins and baskets. They couldn't be easier to use, straight from the package they literally just clip right to the container. For bins receiving a lot of use (think toys, linen closet, tool storage, etc...), these are big winners because they are really substantial and won't fall off easily. Yet, they are completely reusable/not at all permanent. I find these great clip-on holders at Target and The Container Store.

These holders are especially great for large baskets of children's toys, as the surface offers enough space to print an entire image of the product inside for easy identification. Because our kids are older and we don't have many toy bins any longer, I like to use these on woven baskets in cabinets and closets, on canvas bins, and for our tool bins in our storage room. _______________ Now that I have covered my top three favorite ways to label, I thought I would chat really quickly about vinyl! I still receive a lot of questions on oldie posts about my vinyl labels, which I would create at home and cut with my Silhouette craft machine. I will always love the look that making these labels offer, but I find myself reaching for the machine less and less due to the mess it makes and time constraints. There will always be a place in my heart for vinyl lettering, I especially appreciate that it is extremely durable, waterproof, and can look really, really sharp. Below are a few examples of how I have used vinyl labels around our home:

I wanted to share one last time-saving labeling technique in the kitchen. Dry erase/chalk markers! I can use them to write on our clear plastic and glass containers, and then erase the writing if the contents change. I usually use markers to add dates to leftovers or dry goods to show when the product was purchased, and also call out items that may have specific food sensitivity information. It gets the job done and just wipes away each time we change out the foods inside.

Only one more post remains in this super-sized series! Last up we are talking all things storage!

Posted by IHeart Organizing at 5/06/2019

Labels: Labeling 101, Organized Lifestyle, Storage Solutions, Tags/Labels

29 comments:

Ellen Ross | Ask Away BlogMay 7, 2019 at 6:08 AM
Your home is so beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteReplies
UnknownMay 7, 2019 at 7:44 AM
Hi there. Thanks for the tips and resources. I have been looking for a label maker, so this was right on time. May I ask, what do you have the Chromebook and keyboards stored in?
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. IHeart OrganizingMay 7, 2019 at 9:15 AM
  Hello,It is actually a document organizer/letter tray! I purchased mine on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Dr8Bqb.Jen
  DeleteReplies
Taria BMay 7, 2019 at 8:23 AM
What label maker did you use for the "guest room" and "toiletries" labels? I am looking for something that will allow for an elegant script font.
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. IHeart OrganizingMay 7, 2019 at 9:16 AM
  Hi Taria,For those labels I just use Microsoft Word or Pages and print them out from my computer.Jen
  DeleteReplies
AnonymousMay 7, 2019 at 9:09 AM
I have been a reader for a long time and have loved every post. Thank you so much for sharing - you have inspired me to reorganize our linen closet!
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. IHeart OrganizingMay 7, 2019 at 9:17 AM
  Thanks so much, Rachel! ♥ I hope you have fun with your closet, wish I could be there in person to help!
  DeleteReplies
AnonymousMay 7, 2019 at 9:26 AM
WOW. The dry erase idea is genius!!! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteReplies
LibbeMay 7, 2019 at 9:42 AM
I have the Epson label maker and find it confusing/not intuitive to use. That Brother label maker looks so much easier! Think I will add it to my wish list. I just LOVE labels!
ReplyDeleteReplies
AmyMay 7, 2019 at 11:24 AM
Just love your blog, home, ideas and talent! Best of the best 🙌💓
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. IHeart OrganizingMay 7, 2019 at 10:01 PM
  Thank you, Amy!! 💓🥰
  DeleteReplies
UnknownMay 7, 2019 at 8:00 PM
Hi Jen, I loved the blue lid canisters that you put coffee in. May I ask you where you get those? Thank you!
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. IHeart OrganizingMay 7, 2019 at 10:00 PM
  I love them too! I only see them with white lids now, but I found them at Target: http://bit.ly/2H4Kpe5.Jen
  DeleteReplies
2. UnknownMay 8, 2019 at 8:27 PM
  Thank you!;)
  DeleteReplies
Marie JacksonMay 10, 2019 at 11:54 AM
Love this post! Your labels are so beautiful! Where did you get the metal labels (non bin clip ones)? Also, how did you color the label!
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. IHeart OrganizingMay 11, 2019 at 9:10 AM
  Hi Marie,I typically use these metal label holders: http://bit.ly/2JrjSKZThe labels inside are created on my computer, printed, and tucked inside. That gives me flexibility to change the font and colors.Jen
  DeleteReplies
AnonymousMay 14, 2019 at 1:04 PM
Hi,Could you please share the source on those pretty pink cord wraps?Thank you.
ReplyDeleteReplies
AnonymousMay 16, 2019 at 2:17 PM
Looking forward to part four
ReplyDeleteReplies
AnonymousMay 18, 2019 at 1:12 PM
What font did you use in the first few photos? Was that with the brother label maker? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteReplies
estrellaMay 31, 2019 at 10:25 AM
I don't usually label anything, apart from dates on food containers, because I used to find it tedious and too permanent (what if I want to change the content down the road?!). But the label maker has made me see the light, haha! I would have never guessed those proffesional looking labels where so easily made.Thanks a lot for this post, looking forward to reading the fourth of the series!
ReplyDeleteReplies
AnonymousJune 4, 2019 at 9:02 AM
Hello! Thanks for sharing so many awesome organizing ideas! In the pic above with the coffee cups, beans, tea bags, etc., can you tell me what is the container that is holding the single serve tea/drink packets? It appears to be a clear container of some sort. I've been looking for something for the exact same purpose! Fingers crossed!Thanks!
ReplyDeleteReplies
1. IHeart OrganizingJune 9, 2019 at 10:47 PM
  Hello,For the tea packets I am using this container: https://amzn.to/2WsQLJYAnd for the drink mixes I am using one of these without the lid: https://rstyle.me/~cz-aSAXjThank you! ☺️
  DeleteReplies
AnonymousJune 14, 2019 at 6:55 AM
Dear Jen, I think your followers would really like to get small updates from time to time. About you, your home, your family. Love Theresa
ReplyDeleteReplies
Bethany June 20, 2019 at 7:21 AM
Hi Jen! Just checking in to see how you are doing. I love your posts and hope to see the next one soon!
ReplyDeleteReplies
AnonymousJune 28, 2019 at 6:40 PM
Girl, we miss you! Let us know how you’re doing - no post needed, no pressure. Just hope you’re having a great summer with your family and that all is well! ❤️
ReplyDeleteReplies
in my wonderland...July 18, 2019 at 7:08 AM
Hi there, thanks so much for this post! i was just wondering what font you used in the first few photos, the ones that were made with the brother label maker? Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteReplies
FloranetAugust 2, 2019 at 11:44 PM
Helpful one! Thank You so much.
ReplyDeleteReplies
AnonymousOctober 31, 2019 at 10:47 AM
Hello what font do you use on the Brother label maker?
ReplyDeleteReplies
jkjuliekJuly 22, 2021 at 3:18 PM
Hi,Could you please share the source on those pretty pink cord wraps?Thank you.
ReplyDeleteReplies

Add commentLoad more...

Thank you so much for taking a moment to join in on the conversation! I read and appreciate each and every comment, however, I will remove any comment that I believe to be inappropriate, malicious, or spam-like. I would love for this comment section to be used as a place to engage in purposeful dialogue, I only ask that everyone remains constructive and considerate. All comments will be moderated and may take a moment to appear.