Labeling is the last thing we do when finishing an organizing project. And believe it or not, most people wonder why we label, especially when using transparent containers.
Here are a few reasons why labeling is worth the time and effort:
1. Labels save time. You can quickly and easily see at a glance what you are looking for in a bin, basket, tub, or file folder thus saving you precious time. It’s also more likely that you will put things away rather than dropping them wherever you have space. The label holds you accountable.
2. Labels make it easier for everyone. Most people have to share space at home or work and labels are an easy system to set up and follow. Labels provide clarity and increase the chances that everyone puts things away after use, leading to increased efficiency and organization.
3. Labels reduce stress and frustration. When it’s easy to find what you need, when you need it, you’re not frustrated or stressed searching for items you know you have, but can’t find. Further, when items are in their proper homes, clutter in your space is minimized, which reduces stress and frustration generally. Tidy, organized spaces create calm and provide room to think and breathe.
4. Labels set boundaries. In most homes and offices, space is limited so defining and labeling storage space is one way to set a limit on the amount of one category you can keep. Further, since we don’t use items at the same rate it helps to manage purchasing. You can visually assess needs and make sure you maintain the status quo. This boundary setting is part of the process of working with an organizer and is unique to each project.
5. Labels save money. You can see what you have and avoid buying items you can’t see or find immediately. Labels define where things live in your home making it easier for you to quickly check your stock before heading to the store, or placing that online order.
6. Labels increase the likelihood of staying organized. When it’s fast and easy to put things away it’s hard to avoid not putting things back in their place. This means less everyday clutter and less time re-organizing your space.
7. Labels are easy to update as your needs change. All systems need maintenance and as your needs change you can easily update your labels to mirror your current needs without sacrificing the organizational system. Plus, any changes will be obvious to others making it easy to maintain.
Want to incorporate labels into your home? Need help on your next organizing project? Contact us today, we would love to help.