Labels for Storage Bins, Bags, and Baskets

So many of you have written to me since I started my basement purge asking me to make sure I show you details of everything I am doing in my purging process. Dealing with clutter I have found is quite a popular topic. We all have to deal with our stuff, junk, keepsakes, collections, whatever you want to call it; it can take over a room and your life. Well no more for my basement. When I am done, it is going to be clutter-free and organized down to the smallest detail.

I will share an entire “before and after” basement purging post with you soon, but today I have one very important detail to show you, one that I hope will keep the basement organized for months and even years to come.

I am adding labels to everything! Clear sticker style labels for storage bins as well as white labels on baskets and bags.

Having every bin, box, basket, container, and tub labeled helps keep clutter at bay and items that made my “keeper list” easy to find. I grouped items by category.

Everyone will have different categories, but breaking the items into categories that make sense for you will create an easy-to-see visual which encourages you put things away instead of putting them a pile to deal with later.

I made labels, lots of them and even assigned a basket to hold extra labels and markers right on a shelf in the basement. This way if I need to change up a box, bin, or bag, I can label it right away.

How to Make Labels for Storage Bins, Bags, and Baskets

I had these printable clear sticker labels in my supply stash, but you can find clear and/or white sticker label paper at Walmart or at an office supply store.

I have included free printable label designs in 3 sizes for you to download to print at home.

Get download here: Small Labels | Medium Labels | Large Labels

Once I printed the labels out, I separated them using a paper cutter.

I matched the label size to the appropriately sized bin. I used a calligraphy marker to write the category.

I like using the clear labels on the clear bins. If I need to change the label in the future, they come off easily

For labeling dollar store baskets filled with stuff, I made white opaque labels using printer paper covered with a laminating sheet. I hung them using paperclips. Next time I print the white opaque labels, I will use white card stock. It is rigid and better for a hanging style label.

To hang the labels, I used a hole punch to punch a hole in the label. I opened up paper clips to use as simple hooks. Once hooked over the baskets, I squeezed the ends of the paper clip to make it secure.

So much better. No more dump and run trips to my basement.

I am covering every item category I can think of so that every item has a home. I even bought extra bins in each size so that as I acquire new things or rearrange items, I have a bin ready for service. :-)

Without labels, I know in the future, in my haste, I would just toss things into boxes and tell myself, I will remember what box I placed it in. Well, we all know that never happens.

Labels are the most important detail when it comes to getting and then more importantly… staying organized! I hope this is true for me. :-) Clutter is way too stressful and time consuming to eliminate.

Once I get the basement purging and organizing totally completed, I will post the full before and after. I am 3/4’s of the way done.

For more DIY label ideas, I posted another way to make your own storage bin labels using regular printer paper and laminating sheets. You can find it in this post: Wipeable Labels For Organizing Your Stuff

If you enjoyed this post you may also enjoy the easy to follow DIY Decorating Tutorials and Creative Ideas on my blog, In My Own Style.com Republishing this article in full or in part is a violation of Copyright law @2009-2014, all rights reserved