Let’s Talk About Labels…
One of the biggest misconceptions people have when it comes to organization is that you need a label maker. I often ask myself why. Do label makers really make you stay organized? Do they have some sort of magical power that puts everything where it needs to be? I for one do not believe that for a minute.
Perhaps it’s because, at my core, I just do not like labels…for drawers, for things, for people. Labels are limiting! I am all about exploring, pushing boundaries and trying things out. If you organize your space and make it functional, why would you need labels? What would you do with a label maker? I believe when we find a good solution for your space, everything just flows. We make the space work for us, not the other way around.
One of the biggest complaints my first-time clients have is that whatever they tried in the past did not stick. Time and again, these clients tell me their space – office, pantry, closet, bedroom – looked great at first but the upkeep was too much. After a while, things just reverted to their messy state, exactly the way they were before.
That’s frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Not if you make your space work for you. Not if you keep what you need nearby and store the other things away, where they belong and where it makes sense. And if the space inspires you and enables you do function better, there is no major upkeep effort. You still must put things away, but you know where they go, it makes sense to you, even if there is no label to tell you that.
Of course, I would be lying if I said labels, boxes and files do not have a place when we are trying to keep organized. They do and they serve a purpose. But many times, being organized means thinking outside of the box. When coming up with a space that is loved and lived in, you need to be creative. And being creative means breaking the rules! And by breaking the rules I say, go ahead and toss that label maker. You can do it! I promise.
