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Labeling is my Jam.
I am so serious when I say that labeling gives me a level of pure joy that is unparalleled. The label itself looks clean and gives instant order to any space. If labeled correctly, it can bring more than just order; it can add understanding to a space and make it easier to keep up with the systems set in place.
1. Systems are great. They create order and allow every item to have a specific place to call “home.” A problem with systems can occur when not everyone in the home follows them. Spouses or kids, for example, can unintentionally disrupt a system set in place if they forget what items are supposed to belong where. Enter the label. They are AMAZING reminders to help anyone know where things go. It’s also a subliminal message to help reinforce the system. If a bin is labeled “lids” and someone is putting away cups, it would go against the grain for them to specifically put something where it doesn’t belong. They would have to think, “I am not going to follow the system,” and do it intentionally, which in my experience is never the case. Typically family members do not attempt to disrupt systems on purpose; we have to figure out how to guide them in the right direction and make it easier for everyone.
2. Labels help create order and teach organization to children. Children need to feel a sense of belonging and contribution to their family. Giving a child a job, or an active role in keeping order in the house will help instill life-long skills for organization and order. Also, the labels act as sight words for younger children. My two-year-old can recognize the cars bin from the one for blocks by association even though he is not able to read. Simply labeling their toys and asking them to be responsible for cleaning their space, helps develop these necessary human skills.
3. Labels make cleaning up a breeze. Who wants to spend hours a day or weekend cleaning their entire house? Nobody wants to or has time to do this. The easiest solution is to spend a few moments a day, putting items back where they go. If everything has a place, this is a very easy task. I read an article about the secret to tidy people, and it said that neat people never leave a mess overnight — small moments of tidying up equal a clean and orderly house. Labels can help to create this order and ease of straightening up.
I hope this helped! Let me know if I can come to label some bins for you. 🙂