10 Labeling Tips to Get Organized for Back to School

As the new school year approaches, it’s time to start thinking about getting organized. One of the best ways to stay on top of things is by using labels. With these 10 labeling tips, you can make sure everything from backpacks to binders is in its proper place, helping you stay on track all year long.

labels on lunch box and backpack for back to school

This post is sponsored by Name Bubbles. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Some links may contain affiliates.

Use color coding for different subjects or categories

Color coding is a great way to keep track of different subjects or categories. Assign a specific color to each subject or category and use it consistently throughout all of your labeling.

For example, use blue for math, green for science, and red for language arts. This will make it easy to quickly identify what you need for each class and keep everything organized. You can use colored tape, stickers, or markers to create your color-coded labels.

Back when I was a teacher, I assigned each subject a color. I would have the students write their assignments in the color. All the papers and folders were in that color as well. The reason why this was so effective was because everyone could find the designated color to keep their papers together. Every student, no matter what their needs were, could properly place their papers in the proper color-coded folders.

I had students come back to tell me they still used this color-coded system in high school. And they were able to stay organized because of it.

Label everything with your name and contact information

It’s important to label all of your school supplies with your name and contact information in case they get lost or misplaced. This includes backpacks, lunch boxes, water bottles, and even individual pencils and pens. This will increase the chances of your lost items being returned to you.

I recommend using Name Bubbles labels because they are perfect for including all your information. They have a school pack that includes everything you need to label all the school supplies.

Labeling tips for items that may get wet

For items like water bottles or rain jackets, it’s important to use clear, waterproof labels to ensure that the label doesn’t smudge or come off when wet. This will help prevent your items from getting lost or mixed up with someone else’s.

Name Bubbles waterproof labels are the best for water bottles, lunch boxes, and all the lunch items. Anything that has the possibility of getting wet gets a waterproof label. That way I know all the kids’ things well make their way back home…or to the lost and found where I can easily spot our labels!

Label the front and back of folders and binders

If your child looses things easily, moves around for classes, or just needs that extra reinforcement, I suggest labeling the front and back of folders and binders.

Here is the reasoning…when you have to quickly move from class to class, you may be rushing. When you are rushing, you may not have time to switch around a folder because you have to grab it and run to your next class. By labeling both sides, you are ensuring your child doesn’t lose or misplace a folder or binder because you are helping them stay organized.

I like putting on label in the same place on both sides of the folder or binder.

Include medical labels on important items

If you have a child with medical needs, these labels are a must. The medical alert labels are perfect for adding to water bottles, lunchboxes, and other items where food may be involved so everyone knows that there is an allergy or medical need.

This way there is no confusion for anyone regarding the medical needs of your child.

Customize folders, binders, and water bottles

One thing my kids love is to add their own flair to binders, water bottles, and folders. Which is why we use the Name Bubbles Waterproof Stickers. These stickers are dishwasher safe, microwave safe, freezer safe, and long-lasting. Which means that these stickers will actually stay on the water bottles!

My kids love customizing their things with these sticker labels.

Label clothing and uniforms

Another important aspect of back to school organization is labeling your child’s clothing and uniforms. Use iron-on labels to add their name to the inside of their clothing. This will prevent mix-ups in the school’s lost and found and ensure that your child comes home with the correct items.

It’s also helpful to label any sports uniforms or gear to avoid confusion during practices and games.

Labeling tips for sports equipment

Don’t forget to label your child’s sports equipment! Whether it’s a soccer ball, basketball, or tennis racket, adding their name to the item will prevent it from getting lost or mixed up with someone else’s. This will also make it easier for coaches and teammates to identify their belongings during practices and games.

I cannot tell you how many times we have misplaced a jersey or dance shoe. Because we added labels to all the things, we can easily track them down.

The shoe labels from Name Bubbles have been really helpful for the dance shoes and sports shoes.

Label electronics and chargers

With so many electronic devices and chargers in use, it can be difficult to keep track of which ones belong to whom.

To avoid confusion and ensure that your child’s devices are easily identifiable, label them with their name or initials.

Additionally, label chargers with the name of the device they belong to, to avoid mixing them up with other chargers. I like wrapping the label around the charger cord, so we know what charger belongs to whichever child it may be!