You’ve spent a lot of money on college books, school gear, and other items, but you still need some spare change to label your things. To stay organised throughout the semester, consider using these tips and tricks to create your own unique labels, be it online or in person. 

1. Use Custom Glitter Stickers

Glitter stickers from companies like StickerYou can make labelling your stuff super fun. If you don’t have a creative bone in your body, that’s okay because you can upload photos or images you want to use. Keep in mind that you’ll have to buy 25 stickers at once to go custom.

Try to come up with multi-purpose designs to cut down on costs. For example, you could create different coloured flowers that are coded to certain subjects (i.e., red for science, blue for math).

2. Use a Laundry Marker

If you want to label your backpack or jacket, invest in a laundry marker. You can find them for cheap at supermarkets, and they don’t come off easily in the wash. Even if you aren’t a great artist, you can still use laundry markers to draw little symbols or write your full name.

Laundry markers come in multiple colours and tip widths, so you can colour-code anything and everything. Plus, you can still use these markers on paper once you’re done labelling.

3. Use Plastic/Vinyl Labels

You probably use plastic containers or water bottles, but it’s almost impossible to write on them. Not only that, but you’re stuck with whatever you put on the container if you use a permanent marker. Other labels, like stickers, will come off in the wash or become warped or faded.

Instead of struggling with those methods, try plastic/vinyl stick-on labels that stick to just about everything. Most of these labels are microwave and dishwasher-safe, so they’re suitable for anything you’re going to drink or eat out of. Some labels cling instead of sticks for easy removal. 

4. Use Fabric Paint

Fabric paint gives you the chance to practice your art and creativity on fabrics. With fabric paint, you can customise clothes, textiles, and upholstery. If some of your items are disappearing, no matter how much you label them, use fabric paint to make a one-of-a-kind piece of art.

Pillows, blankets, and clothing are often stolen from dorms, whether on accident or on purpose, but fabric paint can differentiate your stuff from the rest of your other dorm-mates. Just make sure you don’t put your newly painted clothing items in the wash until they dry completely.

5. Use a Label Maker

If you want to make labels for your dresser, binders, and books without spending a lot of time on the art aspect, label makers will do the trick. Small label makers cost between $30 to $40, which isn’t too bad considering they stick to most surfaces and are easy to find online or in stores.

Label makers aren’t just limited to plain white stickers. Plenty of companies make unique labels that include different colours, shapes, sizes, and fonts that can offer some variety to your stuff.

6. Use Iron-On Labels

Iron-on labels are specific for clothing, but they’re less intrusive and don’t require you to spend a lot of time customising them. Most companies who sell iron-on labels will allow you to place your name and another identifier, like a graphic or an initial, that makes your label more recognisable.

What’s more, iron-on labels won’t wreck your clothing or bleed through. All you have to do is iron-on these patches onto your clothing, backpack, and other fabric items to use them.