It’s amazing how much clarity a few labels can bring. With the right ones in the right places, your workspace instantly feels simpler to navigate and much tidier overall. If you’re looking for a quick office refresh this month, here are 10 spots that become instantly better once they’re labelled. Odds are you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
Pro tip:
If you're updating older folders, boxes, or storage bins, Avery® TrueBlock™ labels are a great choice. They cover whatever was underneath, so everything looks clean and new again.
1. The Supply Cupboard
This is the black hole of most offices. Pens disappear forever, sticky notes multiply, and no one knows where the good scissors went.
Labels on shelves and bins bring order back fast. Create simple spots for paper, writing tools, envelopes, toner, and backup supplies. Restocking suddenly becomes easier too.
2. Shared Kitchen Cupboards
Office kitchens can get messy in a hurry. Label the shelves for mugs, bowls, lunch containers, tea and coffee, cleaning supplies, snacks, and anything else that tends to wander around. It keeps the space tidy and cuts down on “Where does this go?” moments.
3. Outdoor or Warehouse Gear
Anything stored in damp areas or used outside benefits a lot from waterproof labels. Think clipboards, tool bins, safety gear, and anything that travels between vehicles, warehouses, and the main office. Waterproof labels stay readable through rain, spills, and daily handling, so everything gets back to the right spot without guesswork.
4. Archive Boxes and Binders
If you’ve ever dug through a wall of identical boxes, you know how painful it is. Good labels make storage usable again. Add the date range, department, and a quick description. If it’s a binder, label the spine so it’s readable on a shelf.
5. Meeting Room Tech
Remotes, adapters, cables, and connectors. They vanish the minute you need them. Label each piece and the drawer or bin where it belongs. Your future self (and your coworkers) will thank you.
6. The Mail Station
Between incoming mail, outgoing parcels, courier envelopes, and interoffice notes, things pile up fast. Label trays, sorters, and slots so the system makes sense for everyone.
7. Storage Bins
Whether they’re under desks, in closets, or stacked in hallways, unlabeled bins become mystery containers. A simple printed label turns a guess into a quick find.
8. Cleaning Supplies
Often forgotten, but worth the effort. Labeling helps prevent the “Where’s the spray?” or “Who moved the wipes?” shuffle. If your team shares the responsibility of tidying common areas, labels make the whole routine smoother.
9. Sample Shelves or Promo Materials
If you keep product samples, branded items, or marketing materials around, labelling saves serious time. Sort them by type, size, or project. It helps you grab what you need without rifling through everything else.
10. The “Miscellaneous” Drawer
Every office has one. Chargers, batteries, tools, tape, spare keys, and random items that don’t belong anywhere else. Small labels on compartments or containers keep the drawer handy instead of chaotic.
A Small Fix That Makes a Big Difference
Most of these areas only take a few minutes to label, but the payoff is huge: fewer misplaced items, less clutter, and a workspace that’s easier for everyone to use. Labels work well because they’re easy to apply, easy to read, and available in lots of sizes for shelves, drawers, bins, and files. If your office is due for a little order, start with these ten spots and watch how quickly things fall back into place.
