Hasta La Ideas

Reader Cynthia submitted the following to Ask Unclutterer:

I have a modular piece from Target where the cloth-covered boxes fit perfectly in, 2-tall by 4-wide. It’s resolved several issues in our small entryway, from stacks of shoes to picnic items, sunscreen and hats, to outside toddler toys. So far, it also looks very stylish!

Trouble is, my toddler has learned to re-arrange them so I never know which box holds what since they’re never in the same place. Running out to work, the park, etc., takes extra time just pulling out each box to find out what’s inside. It was fun at first, but I’m tired of playing The Price is Right-ish game.

I need a way to label the boxes while keeping the aesthetics of the set-up. All of my other solutions have either a card holder right on the box for labels, or I’ve simply slapped a mailing label on my cabinet boxes, since they’re hidden behind cabinets. I though of gift tags on the handles, but they also have to be baby safe (my little one is teething and prefers to chew on everything except teethers).

Since I’m not familiar with your exact setup, I’ve included a few ideas here that might work for you. Also, check out the comments, where readers might have additional solution ideas. If all goes well, we will hopefully find you an answer.

My first thought was to use something scrapbookers might stick to album pages. These adhesive Metal Label Holders with printed inserts don’t have any lead in them:

A search on Amazon for “scrapbook labels” turns up numerous stickers that are visually more appealing than rectangular office labels:

Like you mentioned in your e-mail, basic Luggage Tags could work if you have a loop to hook them to. You could print fun inserts for the tags to personalize them for your needs:

Thank you, Cynthia, for submitting your question for our Ask Unclutterer column. Again, I hope that between my suggestions and what the readers recommend that you find an answer!

Do you have a question relating to organizing, cleaning, home and office projects, productivity, or any problems you think the Unclutterer team could help you solve? To submit your questions to Ask Unclutterer, go to our contact page and type your question in the content field. Please list the subject of your e-mail as “Ask Unclutterer.” If you feel comfortable sharing images of the spaces that trouble you, let us know about them. The more information we have about your specific issue, the better.

Like this site? Buy Erin Rooney Doland’s Unclutter Your Life in One Week from Amazon.com today.