Do I Really Need Labels to Stay Organized?
Let’s talk about one of the most common questions in home organization:
Do I really need labels? And if so, what kind?
The answer? It depends—on you and the people who share your space.
Here’s the deal: labels can be a game-changer, especially if you're a visual learner. There’s something so satisfying about opening a drawer or cabinet and instantly knowing where everything goes. For many of us, labeling brings a sense of calm and order. It lightens the mental load of remembering where things belong, and makes your organizing system easier to stick with over time.
But let’s be real—not everyone needs labels to stay organized. The key is designing a system that works for your household. Maybe you can remember where things go just fine—but your partner or kids? They might need labels to stay consistent. That’s why, when we’re working on a custom organizing plan, we always ask:
Who lives here, and what will help everyone maintain the system?
Now, about the labels themselves—label design actually matters more than people think.
✨ Readability first.
Your labels should be easy to read at a glance—for everyone. Whether you’ve got toddlers or grandparents in the house, we choose fonts that are clear, bold, and sized just right.
🧠 Make it visual.
Words aren’t always enough—especially for little ones who can’t read yet. Using photos or icons on bins can help kids put things away independently, turning clean-up into something fun and manageable.
🎯 Function over fancy.
Sure, those Pinterest-perfect cursive, white labels on clear bins are cute—but if everyone who needs them cannot read them, another solution is needed. When we create labeling systems, the top priority is functionality. And yes, we can still make it look beautiful too!
So if all this talk of labeling feels overwhelming—or if you’re not sure where to start—you’re not alone.
If you need expert organizing help, don't hesitate to reach out. Visit pinkyjackson.com to schedule a free assessment. We would love to help you with our Onsite Organizing services if you are in the Louisville, KY area or our Virtual Organizing services if you are more remote or prefer to work online.
Pinky Jackson is an Organizing Expert and Decluttering Specialist. She and her team organize homes & small businesses in Louisville, KY. For more information about Pinky’s pricing & services or to schedule your free assessment, go topinkyjackson.com
Photo: CHUTTERSNAP @chuttersnap
