Storage bins are perhaps one of the most genius inventions of all time. They provide a sturdy, airtight, dust-and-moisture-resistant place to NEATLY organize your overload of stuff. And they can be stuffed, stacked, and stashed in such a way that it’s usually not too difficult to get what you need to get to.
Well, what I’ve been having trouble with is labeling the contents of each bin. When I was kid, my mom would label her bins by simply sticking a blank label to it then scribbling the contents onto that label. What I don’t like about this method is that the label is pretty stuck to the bin, which is a pain when you need to remove it. You could just keep sticking new labels on it, but do that for too long and it gets bulky–and looks sloppy. Plus, what if you remove or add something to the bin? You could write on the label with pencil, but pencil’s hard to read especially from a distance and rubs off after so long. If you write on it with ink, then you can’t change the contents very easily without scratching them out or replacing the label.
Another method I’ve seen is just writing on the bin itself with a Sharpie marker. Well, that’s not going to happen with me either–that’d be an even bigger mess to clean up when something changes.
Yet another method is to tape a 3 by 5 card to it. A little better, easy to change, but then there’s the gook from the tape that builds up over time and it still looks kinda sloppy.
One method that I did give a shot for a while was writing a number on each bin then keeping a document on my computer that listed the contents of each bin. Very neat, but, boy was it a pain sometimes to find items (especially when I’d put at item in a bin with the intentions of typing it into the doc, but forget). Plus, what happens if your computer crashes and you failed to back up your content documents? Bye-bye list.
So I got to thinking about a different way to label my storage bins. I had seen label protectors online that stick to label bins, so I looked those up. Way too expensive! Then I had a eureka moment. I’d DIY it!
I bought a whole bunch of horizontal badge holders and some clear E6000 Craft Adhesive, then printed out a bunch of labels I designed on my computer.
I glued the name badge holders to my bins, waited for them to thoroughly dry, then inserted the labels. Voila! It looks very neat, attractive, and if I change the contents I can just print off another label! So easy!
Free Printables
Here are some free labels for your own bin organization! There are labels for the majority of common holidays, some for common storage items, some for clothing, and some that are just blank. I recommend printing them on cardstock, but paper should work too.
- Clothes
- Baby/Toddler Boy (pre-written sizes)
- Baby/Toddler Boy (blank)
- Boy’s
- Baby/Toddler Girl (pre-written sizes)
- Baby/Toddler Girl (blank)
- Girl’s
- Men’s
- Women’s
- Generic
- Holidays
- With Christmas (New Year’s, Valentine’s, St. Patrick’s, Easter, Patriotic, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Birthday)
- With Hanukkah (New Year’s, Valentine’s, St. Patrick’s, Patriotic, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Birthday)
- Other
- Entertainment (toys, sports, puzzles, and games)
- Hobbies (generic)
- Hobbies (Crafts, Cake Decorating, Scrapbooking, Painting, Fiber Arts, Sewing, Music, Books, Photography)
- School
- Miscellaneous (Keepsakes {x3}, Pets, Video Games, Photos, Linens {x3})
- Blank Labels
- Individual Labels (same as some of the above, only individually instead of on a page with others; PNG format)
This is terrific. I am moving 4 hours away and sorting thorough 12 years of accumulated “treasure.”
Now I can just print out a label for each area and itemize the keepers-Thank you so much.
You’re welcome. 🙂
Always label your bins. The worst thing it not knowing what is in a plastic bin and having to try and look, especially when they are under other bins.
I love all of your printables! I’ve totally taken advantage of all the great printables you have for the Home Management binder which has been a lifesaver for me! My husband and I are “newly weds”, with almost 2 years under our belts. We have a ton of stuff saved from our wedding in a box, as well as boxes for each of the seasons’ decor and clothes. I didn’t like the idea of writing on the box so your labels are perfect! Thank you so much for sharing them!
Dearest TJ u r such an angel…
I suggest you create printable labels for you lotion, shampoo and butter you shared here.. that would be soooo appreciated!!!
Blessings!
Ah, I’d thought about that! It is on my to-do list. I just need to find time to do it. 🙂
Thank you so much for all your printables!! 🙂 I actually need to organize our Camping and Hurricane/emergency bins.
My labels are printing out small. Any idea why? Too small for badge holder.
Hi, Emily. It probably has something to do with your printer settings. Somewhere in them (under Properties or some other menu) there should be an option to change the size. 🙂
Hi TJ,
Thank you for sharing! My suggestion: labels for accessories – belts, purses, scarves/gloves… I’m trying to organize my closet and an Accessories label would be really great.