How to Use Labels to Organize Your Whole House

I kind of have a thing for labels. They are probably my favorite organizational tool, and I often joke that I use them on anything that will sit still long enough. 🙂 I love labels because not only are the practical and helpful for finding what I need, but they’re pretty too! And pretty + super functional is the perfect combination in my book! Over the years, I’ve found myself using 5 main types of labels to organize our house, with each type serving a slightly different purpose.

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1. Use Chalkboard Labels for Temporary Labeling

Chalkboard labels are probably the type I use least often, just because of my five types, they are the most “temporary.” I love them because they are easy to change out, making them perfect for seasonal decor or party decorations.

There has been somewhat of a chalkboard “craze” happening over the past few years, which is fine with me because it makes chalkboard labels SO easy to find! I like these adhesive chalkboard labels that would be perfect for jars or bins, and these mini chalkboards that could easily hang on any item you’d need to label.

2. Use Printed Labels to Make Exactly What You Need

For as long as I can remember, I have been making my own labels. In fact, my very first blog post that ever gained much traction was my tutorial on how to make pretty labels in Microsoft Word (It’s easier than you think!). I have since done an updated video version of the labels in Word tutorial as well. What I love about making my own labels is that the sky is the limit– I can make exactly what I need for my particular project. I control colors, size, shapes, design, everything! And I don’t need any special equipment or complicated software, which is a plus.

When I make my own labels using Word, I usually print them out on white card stock, run them through my laminator to make them a little sturdier, then cut them out with scissors.

(The car-shaped labels on the 1-2-3 bins in the Cs’ room were ones I made myself, printed on card stock, laminated, and cut out.)

Sometimes I’ll want to make more of a sticker-type label. In that case, I’ll find the size of stickers I want to use (I like Avery brand.), then find the matching template on the manufacturer’s webiste. Then I just design my label inside the guides provided on the template, print them, and I’m good to go!

3. Use Bookplate Labels to Organize Baskets and Bins

I use bookplate-style labels in several rooms in our house! I think they have a more refined look, and they’re super easy to switch out whenever I need to do so. I like to use these adhesive bookplates from Martha Stewart. I have had them on various bins and baskets around our house for years, and they’re still holding strong.

{labeled basket in my home office}

The bookplates always come with inserts that you can simply write on and slip inside. I typically measure the inserts, then create the same size slip on my computer so that I can type out my label with a pretty font– either way works!

{labeled toy bins}

4. Use a Label Maker to Organize Binders and Small Items

I may be a smidge obsessed with my label maker! I have the Epson LabelWorks LW-400, and I absolutely love it!

I typically use the label maker to mark tabs in my home binder or budget binder. I often put washi tape on the tabs first to make them a little prettier, then use clear tape in my label maker to print out the label.

{washi tape + clear labels printed from my label maker on my 2016 Intentional Life Planner}

These types of labels are also perfect for labeling narrow shelves or small items that don’t have room for a larger label like those mentioned above. But I warn you, once you get a label maker, you’ll want to label everything in your house!! 😉

5. Use a Silhouette + Adhesive Vinyl Labels to Organize Everything!

These are my most favorite types of labels, and I use them allllllll the time! The only downside to them is that they require a cutting machine like a Silhouette Cameo, which can be pricey. For me, though, the Cameo has been worth every penny because it allows me to make beautiful, personalized labels and many, many other projects as well.

I make my labels with adhesive vinyl, which comes in a variety of colors. If you’re unfamiliar with the transfer process, I label my bins and containers using the same process I used in this post.

{labeled containers and spice jars in our kitchen pantry}

{labeled containers in my home office}

{labeled boxes and bins in my craft closet}

Can you tell I love labeling (just a little bit 😉 )?! Our house is so much better organized when everything has a specific place and a label to go with it. No matter what I need to label, I turn to one of the methods listed above, and I can cover all of my bases!

What is your favorite way to stay organized with labels? Let me know in the comments!

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.