I love being organized. Yes, you would expect that from a Certified Professional Organizer, but let’s face it, not everyone practices what they preach. But I really do live my life and run my business in an organized way because I truly believe that being organized makes your life and business run more smoothly in every way imaginable.

I also love labels. They make everything look neat and orderly, and come in handy in so many situations. I particularly love labels in an office environment. Previously, I blogged about the fabulous Dymo label makers (gushed would probably be more accurate!). The following is a list of the top 10 ways to use Dymo label makers in an office environment. I hope you implement at least a few of them!

1. Computer cables. How many offices have tons of computer cables sticking out of the back of a desk, with no rhyme or reason as to which cable goes to what device? This is just screaming for a label! Label the cables with the name of each device that it corresponds to. It makes it so much easier to identify than having to crawl under or behind the desk and follow the cable to its input or output point, trust me.
2. Telephone cables. If you have more than one phone line, use a label to differentiate which line corresponds to which cable at its input or output point. Do the same for any separate fax lines too.
3. File folders. This is probably the most common use of a label, for the very reason that it works so well. Label all of your file folders in the office. That way, if any get separated from their category tab, left in a pile (you know who you are!), or taken with you to a meeting, you can easily identify which file it is and return it to its home in the file drawer.
4. Inbox system. If you use a multi-tiered inbox system on your desk or on the wall by using wall pockets, make sure to file each tier or pocket. For example, a typical inbox system may include Inbox for incoming and unprocessed paper/mail, Action for item that need to be tended to, File for the 20% of paper that should be kept, and Shred for the confidential papers that should be shredded. Labeling each tier is an easy reminder of what your categories are.
5. Binders. If you are a binder fan, label the spine so it is visible when you store the binder on a shelf. It is a quick way to see what the contents of the binder are without having to open it up and process the contents inside.
6. Archive bins. If you archive taxes or other information that must be stored long term but does not need to take up precious space in a file drawer, make sure to label the bins so that you are aware of their contents. Also, consider labeling the bin with an “expiration” or “to be discarded” date so that you have a visual reminder of when the contents can be destroyed without having to go inside the bin and process the contents.
7. Supply cabinet/closet. Almost every office has a space to store supplies. Label each level or shelf of the supply cabinet or closet with the major categories of supplies so that you have a visual cue of what is stored in that location. This makes it easier to find items, and to know when an item is getting low and needs to be ordered.
8. Tickler file. If you maintain a tickler file for your action items, label the file folders so that you know each category that you need to act on. For example, you can use labels such as, To Call, To Respond, To Fill Out, To Return. As an alternative, you can use major categories such as Marketing, Administrative, Expenses, etc. Label based on the way your brain thinks and processes the information in your tickler file system.
9. Bill paying center. If you have a “center” for bill paying where you put all bills in reverse chronological order with the most recent being in front, you are more likely to pay your bills on time. You can use a simple letter sorter and keep it front and center so you don’t miss the first due date. Label the file sorter with Bill Paying Center and voila, you are on your way.
10. Resources. Label your resources based on categories. If you maintain resources on a bookshelf, label each shelf so that you know which categories are stored on each shelf. You can label on the outside or inside of the shelf, as long as it is visible.

Many people are familiar with the above tips, but few actually implement them. Take the time to label your office. It will then not only be more organized, but will look it too!

Full disclosure: This is sponsored content and we have been paid to do this post. That being said, we do not blog about anything we do not believe in and Dymo did not edit our post or direct our content in any way.