I always try to find the simplest solution to a problem. I had someone once ask if I do this because I’m lazy.

To be honest, that’s sometimes true, however, simpler solutions are less likely to fail or break the bank. Why complicate matters? Life is challenging, chaotic, and often expensive enough.

Last year, I added the larger cube unit to my studio¹ and also new storage boxes. That was the relatively easy part. What I couldn’t decide, was how to label them. Here’s my massive storage wall² before labels.

It looks nice, but it’s overwhelming because every box is a mystery.

Yes, in time I just know what is where in my system. It doesn’t change frequently. But it is nice to have labels.

Part of my hesitation is the older hard plastic boxes I use in my other units. When I first got them³ I labeled them with my label maker. I didn’t realize the labels were semi-permanent. They don’t peel off easily and no solution has worked well over the years to remove the residue from the plastic⁴. I now write on washi tape for those boxes. And the icky part is hidden against the wall!

The new boxes are mostly recycled polyester and feature what the company calls an integrated handle (of fabric). That’s great but how do I know what’s inside? I tried my tape solution and after a few days it looked terrible — peeling or simply refused to stick well.

I finally hit on a great pairing.

I have and love 3×5 index cards and a dusty box of butterfly clips⁵.

When my cards are pushed up into the fabric handle opening and flush with the top of the box, the bottom few lines of the card are still visible. It’s just enough space to record box details.

At the top I use the butterfly clip to keep the card from falling out (thanks gravity).

It looks neat. It looks consistent. It’s easy to update. I can either modify the card and add more detail or replace it.

Do you have a simple solution that makes you feel both silly because it is incredibly basic and ecstatic because it solves your problem so well? Embrace it!

I’ve had clients start squinting at me on video calls and finally stop the conversation and ask me how I’m labeling the boxes. Then I look at what’s on the camera behind them and laugh. I’m not the only one with this system!

1. For many years it wasn’t in my studio and stored other things. After renovating my space I realized it would now fit and provide much needed storage.  ↩︎
2. Would it surprise you to know I wanted all grey? It was decided that might be too dark and imposing so we settled on the top two rows in white. ↩︎
3. The Expedit units in 2009, I bought the hard plastic bins a year or two later when a curious cat realized how easy soft bins were to break into. ↩︎
4. I’ve tried them all. ↩︎
5. I could easily use my beloved binder clips. This seemed like a nice way to use something that was otherwise being clutter/gathering dust. ↩︎