My suggestion, based on personal experience, is to go to the other way around. Make the labels permanent, and implement a system keeping track of what is in the boxes.
This system could be anything from as elaborate and keeping lists of what you put into the different boxes, or as simple as taking pictures before you close the box. The key element is to have some kind of system which helps you identify in which box you have the stuff in, when you go searching in half a years time from now.
I've numbered the boxes, and have a personal wiki (but this could be any text document) which I update with the contents of the boxes. I've named some of the boxes in addition to numbering them, i.e. BB01 Car - Big Blue box no 01, with car stuff, BB02 Electrical - Big Blue box no 02 with electrical stuff, SR10 - Small Red box with various items, and so on.
Naming the boxes shifts the focus into permanent marking, which I find easier, and into keeping track of the content. And this latter part needs to be done anyway, as you, in my experience, never temporarily name the boxes good enough!
12 Ways To Label Clear Storage Bins
Labels rank right up there on my list of all-time favorite things. I know, I know…that’s pretty nerdy, but I am pretty darn nerdy when it comes to home organization.
When I was organizing our pantry, I used my favorite clear containers and then found myself debating the best way to label them. I have a few go-to methods, but there are so many options!
After a stroll around the Container Store and a scroll through Pinterest, I came up with 12 attractive yet simple ideas for clear storage bins labels. And since I look for any excuse to label things, I thought it would be fun to demonstrate all 12 label ideas so you can see exactly how they look on clear containers!
Take a look at these storage bin label ideas and choose the look that you like best for your next project!
This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy for details.
I had so much fun testing out these different label ideas! Hopefully, you’ll find some helpful ideas you can use in your next home organization project.
FYI I used these plastic storage bins for this label demonstration. They are the absolute best, are crystal clear, have handy handles, and are on Amazon in a variety of sizes.
These oval chalkboard labels are so cute! They are removable and erasable. You can use regular chalk, but I always prefer a chalk marker. You can write a lot neater with a fine point marker and they’re still erasable, so they are the way to go.
These bin clips from the Container Store are so handy! They clip right into the handle opening on these clear storage bins. Or they can clip over the top edge of storage containers. They have a dry erase surface and come in this modern birch color. These labels would look great in a laundry room!
Ready to jump into decluttering your house following the KonMari Method? Be sure to download the free checklist using the form below!
Review the rules, check off your progress, and see which category is next with this free KonMari checklist! Subscribe to have the free guide sent straight to your inbox. By downloading this guide, you will also receive weekly emails from me filled with organizing tips!
Hooray! Your free checklist is on its way to your inbox.
Take a page from The Home Edit’s book and add a quick handwritten label. Even if you don’t love your handwriting, a nice cursive label can look nice even if it’s not perfect.
For permanent labels, I recommend paint pens (no smudging, but they can be removed with rubbing alcohol). For labels that wash off, chalk pens work great. And for erasable labels, dry erase is the way to go.
These new labels are a collaboration between The Home Edit and iDesign and they are awesome! I tested them out and can attest to the fact that they are perfectly clear. So you can get The Home Edit’s signature handwritten label look without doing the handwriting yourself.
Snag these handwritten label stickers from The Home Edit. They come in packs for pantries, kitchen, closets, and more.
These black bookplate labels are so good-looking, don’t you think? They have a plastic sheet over the black paper label so I wrote on mine with a fine tip chalk pen so I can wipe it off and reuse the label.
These silver bookplate labels are awesome. I added these to some storage boxes to organize our tv stand years ago and they look so classy. Design some labels, print them out, and pop them into these label holders.
These dry erase labels are removable! So you can move them around and use them over and over again. Can’t get much simpler than labeling with a dry erase marker!
If you have storage containers to label, your label maker will come to the rescue! I LOVE my label maker because it lets me choose the fonts and design the label all on my phone and print it via Bluetooth.
I made this label with clear label tape and think it looks really nice for organizing a garage or utility room.
This is my personal favorite kind of label! They are DIY vinyl labels made with my Cricut Maker and adhesive vinyl. If you have a Cricut cutting machine, this is a really easy Cricut project! Here’s a DIY vinyl label video tutorial.
These little DIY wooden labels are such a simple-yet-cute project! I love how they look tied onto the handle of a storage bin like this.
Ready to jump into decluttering your house following the KonMari Method? Be sure to download the free checklist using the form below!
Review the rules, check off your progress, and see which category is next with this free KonMari checklist! Subscribe to have the free guide sent straight to your inbox. By downloading this guide, you will also receive weekly emails from me filled with organizing tips!
Hooray! Your free checklist is on its way to your inbox.
If you want an inexpensive, simple way to label clear containers, you can’t beat a cute paper gift tag! You can find tons of really cute ones at places like Target, Tuesday Morning, JoAnn, and the Container Store.
And lastly, these chalkboard clothespin labels clip onto just about anything. I have used these for so many projects! Use a fine tip paint pen for a permanent label or a chalk pen for a washable label.
Alrighty, there you have it. TWELVE really simple yet pretty ideas for labeling clear storage containers. Which one do you like the best?
Looking for more storage bin label ideas? Take a look at these blog posts:
Ready to jump into decluttering your house following the KonMari Method? Be sure to download the free checklist using the form below!
Review the rules, check off your progress, and see which category is next with this free KonMari checklist! Subscribe to have the free guide sent straight to your inbox. By downloading this guide, you will also receive weekly emails from me filled with organizing tips!
Hooray! Your free checklist is on its way to your inbox.
Happy labeling!
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit White Cupcake Boxes With Window, 12 Hole Cupcake Box, Cookie Packaging Supplies.