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
This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.
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.
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!
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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.
This post makes the organizer in me so happy! A beautiful label is the perfect finishing touch to any organizing project. I used all of these labels except ones with a label maker. Mine clunked out a couple years ago and I just never replaced it, but you have me thinking I need one in my life again 😉 My wheels are turning with all of the things in my house that currently need labeling. Thanks for sharing!
Sounds like you and I are on the same wavelength– label all the things! 🙂 Hope you’re having a wonderful week, Emily!
~Abby =)
Love it! And perfect time for spring cleaning I might add! Thank you so much for the much needed post and I am so printing off labels today!
Yay! Happy organizing, Anne! 🙂 Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
I love labels too! I’ve also used Avery labels with the free template online. Fun and easy. Love those Martha Stewart adhesive labels. Sometimes labeling baskets is a challenge-that is a great idea!
Thank you so much, Daria! Yes– the Avery labels are the best! They make it so easy to create exactly what you need. Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
I’m not a fan of labels. To me, it makes a noise clutter (That thing when you open your shelves and it felt cluttered when it is not, only to realize that it was the labels popping in your mind that makes it look cluttered). In fact, I used to remove labels of brands in my containers, specially if they are sticker type. If I must use label, I want it to be very very discreet.
That is a very good point, Rome. It’s definitely possible to over-label and add to the clutter in the space. I feel that way about organizing gadgets too. If you use too many of them or use them in the wrong way, they definitely add to the clutter rather than helping to eliminate it. Discreet is definitely the way to go! Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
I like that label maker. It’s very impressive! It has always been nice to put labels on our organizers. This way, we can save time looking for something.
Yes– labels are definitely time savers! Hope you’re having a wonderful week, Heart!
~Abby =)
Love all the labeling that is going on in this post. So organized but so cute at the same time!
I also enjoy labeling items especially when it comes to bin/baskets that are in our home. Great idea to use chalk for the temporary labeling 🙂
Thank you, Addi! You are the sweetest! Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
I am such a label person too, my favorite is to put labels on things with my kids names. I have three of them and they always fight over whose is whose for any item. The labels work perfectly, but I always worry I have gone a little label crazy :/ Your organization is amazing!
Lol! I totally understand the “going label crazy” thing! It can be addicting! 🙂 Hope you’re having a great week, Emily!
~Abby =)
I get a little giddy reading about labeling! Love this post and can’t wait to try the adhesive bookplates!
Love the post! Do you have a “getting started when you are so overwhelmed” post?
Hi, Kelia! This post sort of addresses that: https://justagirlandherblog.com/how-to-organize-every-space-in-your-house/ . Thanks so much for visiting my blog! Have a wonderful day!
~Abby =)
Your posts are so inspiring!! Unfortunately, my house is such a mess I feel overwhelmed. I am trying to do small areas at a time to “chip away” at the clutter, but it seems like I will never see the end of it. I am so envious of your beautifully organized home! I am going to invest in some bins and baskets though, maybe that will help. Thanks for all your wonderful ideas.
Linda
You are too sweet! So glad they were helpful for you! A little encouragement… You can see in this post our house is not always perfect: https://justagirlandherblog.com/how-to-stay-organized-when-you-have-kids/. Our two little C’s like to make huge messes! 🙂 It is always a struggle and a work in progress, but these tips have helped a lot! Hope you’re having a great week, Linda!
~Abby =)
I love your photos – everything is very organized and color-coordinated. Delightful! I have adhd (fun fact: science says adhd is 70% to 90% heritable), so organization has always been a struggle for me. Actually, it looks like magic. And to be clear, not the easy, rabbit-in-a-hat sleight of hand trickery, but the level 10, Harry Potter, authentic stuff. Lol! I found your post because I am going to buy a label maker. I wanted to see what it “does.” Here is to hoping that, while my best organization will never be photo-worthy (again, LOVE yours!), it may keep me from becoming a hoarder. Xoxo – Lacey
Aw, I hope it is helpful for you, Lacey! I definitely think labels help as I’m sure you can tell… I label all the things! 🙂 Happy organizing! <3
~Abby =)
This post is so helpful! Searching for different labels on Google doesn’t provide a variety of options, but you’ve covered all the bases!
However, the Amazon link for the Silhouette Cameo led me to a snore stopper. I was able to find what I needed through Amazon’s search bar, but I just wanted to let you know.
Thanks again for such a helpful post!
– Nicole @ The Maximizing Momma
Thanks so much for the heads up, Nicole! It’s all fixed! Hope you’re having a great week!
~Abby =)