Product Spotlight: Label Maker
I remember getting my first label maker from a friend for my birthday. I was in my early 20s and was so thrilled to receive this gift that I made a label right away with my name and put it on the label maker. That little guy made the rounds with me for years.
Products do not solve the bigger problem. If you are just setting out on a decluttering and organizing journey and immediately trying to buy products please read this first.
If you have already decluttered, then read on because today we are going to look at a product that will help you keep up with your systems a little more easily.
What is it?
Label makers come in many shapes and sizes. My first label maker was skinny, hand held, and had alphabetized keys. I upgraded a few years ago to a QWERTY keyboard. Portable label printers that connect with your computer and vinyl cutting systems can also provide you with labels. There are paper, plastic, different colors, different fonts, and many other things that you can personalize as well.
Why is it helpful?
Labels provide a visual cue whether using words or pictures. If your family has a difficult time remembering where things belong in the pantry, put in some labels to help everyone know where they can find (and put back) specific foods.
What are the down sides?
Choosing the right kind of label will go a long way. Everyone has their own preferences and some labels may be nicer to look at than others. For example, you probably don’t want paper label tape labels on the outside of your kitchen cabinets. Instead, if you are labeling your kitchen cabinets, you would want to choose a plastic label tape and put it on the inside in a more discreet location. If you want fancy vinyl labels, you may notice the investment (they can run up to $3/label) versus label maker labels (about $10 for an entire roll of tape).
Does everyone need it?
No. As with every organizing product, be sure to declutter your spaces first. Once you have decided on what things you are keeping and where you would like them to live, you may notice that you don’t need labels after all. Or you may choose to use tape and a permanent marker!
Do you have spaces in your home that could benefit from some labels?