As a technology support person, one of my most important jobs is labeling. I might have even elevated it to an art form. I work hard to not have missing cords, leave informational notes for staff, and think two steps ahead to avoid chaos.
This article covers label strategies for my job and home. I hope this inspires you to start, because future you will thank yourself!
Table of Contents
- Choking with cords
- Labeling back of computers
- Label for age
- Labels and signs that guide
- Label sentimental items
- Conclusion
Choking with cords
If you have dozens of technology gadgets in your house – you have dozens of matching black cords. There is nothing that irks me more than an orphaned mystery cord.
Even worse, when you lose a proprietary cord (specific to a company) I guarantee you will be in tears when that is the only cord you have.
When either of these events happen, it’s a Scarlett O’Hara moment, “As God is my witness, I will never lose a cord again!”
Cord organization has really become big business. Here are my best tips for zen.
Computer cords
It’s important to point out two things: computer cords are often thicker and the cord may disconnect from the main power block.
This leaves two cords to label. I have to track about 40 computers in my job, most of which are laptops. Since my staff are mobile, they may accidentally leave their cord in a public place or at their last meeting.
The label that I love the most is velcro and large enough so you can actually write on it and an adequate space allowance to wrap around the thick cord. It seems to take a ball point pen better than a black Sharpie (my label pen of choice). I think it’s important not to get carried away with thinking you will print out a neat label and attach it.
First of all, this label has a slight texture, so an adhesive label wouldn’t stick well. Second, we all have to get over our perfectionism if we are to get any work done. Dinking around with labels shouldn’t be a time suck.
The best thing is that these slap on fast, and you can easily reposition them because they are velcro. Here is the full link description because it can be confusing on Amazon:
You don’t want your labels too large, because it can be unattractive for the user. That means that I don’t have a ton of space to write on. I put the model of the laptop on one side so you can half a decent shot of matching it up to the right computer in the agency (I’m figuring that not all 40 computers will lose their cords at once).
On the other side I add the name of the agency, but if this is your personal laptop, you can put your first name and last initial. That is enough to identify it in most cases. Go the full first/last if it makes you feel more comfortable.
To be consistent, I use the same velcro cord on laptops that have thinner power cords, as well.
Labeling charging cords
I was just reminded how critical it is to label your cords. A family member (they shall be unnamed) put the rest of the family on high alert to locate a missing black charge cord to a set of headphones.
I will mention the unbearable fact that it was a proprietary charge cord. *eye roll* Needless to say, it also wasn’t labeled.
This launched a missing cord manhunt. Two days later, the cord was found in an unexpected location. The label lecture ensued, and a label was soon slapped on.
Both at work, and in my home life, labels are attached as soon as a new product walks in the door. I, of course, don’t label cords that are attached to kitchen appliances (how nitpicky do you think I am?).
There are so many situations that a little card of explanation, or handy label can save you frustration and time.
Renee’s Rabbit Hole
Label recommendations
If the cord is a little thicker, I’ll go with the velcro label mentioned above. These come in a 60 pack. I should mention that I loved these so much, that I divided the pack out at Christmas and gave some to each kid (I’m the practical gift giver). I actually had to by more for myself!
I picked up some sheets of adhesive cord labels. They came in colors of green, blue, red, and yellow and took a black Sharpie marker well. They were a little hard to read on all but the yellow. If you have a reason to color code, then this is fine or if you just can’t stand some interest in your life, go with the multi-color pack.
Otherwise, for readability, I think I would go for all yellow. You’re going to want to do a search for “cord label for electronics” (and get hundreds of results).
This brand has a little larger area to write on, some of them can get ridiculously small: 270 PCS Cable Labels, 9 Colors Waterproof Cable Tags Wire Labels for Cable Management, Cord Labels Can Write On, Self Adhesive Wire Labels Printable for Laser Printer and Handwriting (solid colors)
Or get something like this that has a colored outline with white area to write on: 300 PCS Waterproof Cable Tags, 10 Colors Wire Labels for Management, Color Border Cord Labels Can Write On, Self Adhesive
Don’t get these things: Honoson 50 Pieces Cable Tags Cable Management Labels Multicolor Labels Cord Identification Tags for USB Computer Phone Charger They look cool, but they’re a pain. They take too much time to attach, and they don’t feel secure enough to me. I also don’t like the space allotment to write on, yeah, I’m picky.
Labeling back of computers
Worth an honorable mention is to label the back of the computer. Before I came on the scene for my job, nothing was labeled. I’ve now rectified that and added it to the job description.
As God is my witness, I will never lose a cord again!
-Renee’s Rabbit Hole
I do like to print an ID label out, two labels, in fact. The first label has the “PROPERTY OF” info and which staff it is assigned to. The second label gives a date that the laptop was purchased. Since it isn’t unusual that a laptop would have a second owner at work, I can replace that label with another one.
It is hugely convenient to have a quick reference to the age of the computer when trouble-shooting. Then I know if it’s worth it or not to invest time or money into fixing it.
For this, I rely on Avery Easy Peel Printable Address Labels with Sure Feed, 1″ x 2-5/8″ Customizable Stickers, White, 750 Blank Mailing Labels, Great for Mailing, Shipping, and More (8160). I was going to say 5160, but they come in 3000 units (the magic number we order at work, because some mailing projects require them).
It’s a very universal size that can not only be used for labeling my computers, but all other technology equipment, and in my binder system I will share with you later, as well as the traditional use of address labels.
Label the powerstrip end, too!
Most of you probably don’t have desktop computers anymore, so this might not apply to you. If you have WIFI routers plugged in, or any cord that goes from an electrical unit to a power strip, this is for you.
If you have ever found yourself on your knees, hunting around on a power strip, trying to figure out what equipment you are unplugging, then you need to label.
The labeling location must be in two points for success: at the power strip point, and at the point it comes out of your desktop. Since most of you don’t have
Label for age
For anything that comes into your home, you should immediately attach a label indicating when the item was purchased.
Consider a mattress. Purple.com recommends to replace them every 7-10 years. We all know how the conversation goes: “Geez, my back hurts! I wonder how old my mattress is??” If you attached the date as soon as it came into your house, a flip of the mattress would tell you.
In the world of networking equipment, the rule of thumb is to replace something when it is five years old, including powerstrips. Do I do that? No. If I can squeeze out another 5 years, I will, but I’m finding some equipment and cords look suspiciously old.
By old, I’m talking the 80s or 90s yellowing old. Having some reference really helps in these types of situations.
Labels and signs that guide
I figure that staff need all the help they can get. For example, I have a Blue Yeti mic with the label, “MUTE is ON when light is flashing.” That little aid can be all the difference between a smooth ZOOM call, and a web conference starting in hand gestures.
If you’re like my company, you will find that there are always a few, select people that know certain building details. Shockingly enough, a plumber asked where to shut off the water one day, and nobody knew.
We had to make a phone call to a past employee that revealed the hidden location. We now have a prominant sign that points it out. We also have more signs: instructions for a dehumidifier, a reminder to turn the furnace off in the spring, which way to put the letterhead into the printer, a stern sign for staff to clean out the microwave when their food explodes.
In my own home, I have a temperamental TV remote that only my husband knows the secret to. The few times I do care to watch TV, he’s gone, and the TV won’t turn on. It’s SO frustrating. Yes, there is a little secret trick to get it to work. No one in a thousand years would have figure that out. There’s now an explanatory bright card in the end table for the next time it happens.
There are so many situations that a little card of explanation, or handy label can save you frustration and time.
Label sentimental items
This might seem random, but not to me. After cleaning out my mom’s estate, there were a few pieces that puzzled the family. There were lots of things, in fact, that she didn’t take the time to inform us about.
There was important history that was lost. I’ve started to label my jewelry, as a result. For example, there is a necklace that means a lot to me, because my husband gave it to me when we were dating, but my kids probably don’t know that.
Think of all the other sentimental things that get disconnected from their story. Do your kids a favor, and add a little explanation to what is going on!
Conclusion
It doesn’t matter what type of brain you have and what your memory challenges are, labels can help. I’m sure you can think of plenty of things that without a label, can result in time wasted.
I’ve got to go, I forgot to put a label on the freezer we just bought!
Later, -Renee
