In the world of professional organizing, the label maker is one of the most often-used tools in our kit. Aside from helping to create clear homes for items, projects, or files, having things clearly labeled allows for easy maintenance. These attributes carry over nicely to the everyday world where people are looking to create more order in their homes and offices.

When it comes to label makers, it would appear that the “Brother®” name has the corner on the market. They certainly have the largest number of models to choose from and whether you’re looking to spend a little or a lot, they’re sure to have something to fit your needs. However, there are some other contenders, like Dymo®, that offer great alternatives. They offer similar quality and benefits and it really comes down to a matter of taste.

When shopping for a label maker, the features I look for include:
- Multiple font and formatting options (vertical print is an essential feature for me and my consultants as we label binder spines and the like)
- An automatic cutter
- The widest range of different sizes of label tape (if I’m labeling large shelves and bins, I want at least ¾” or 1” tape versus if I’m labeling narrow binder tabs, I want ¼” or ½” labels)
- An adapter plug for those pesky times when my batteries are running low.

The best advice I can give you when considering purchasing a labeler is to determine HOW and WHEN you are going to be using it. If you will only ever be using it at your desk, then you can choose a device that interacts with your computer and does not require a keyboard for input. If you are going to be using it on-the-go, having a keyboard is very important.

Whether you want something “cheap and cheerful” or you’re looking for a more professional, upscale model, the options covered here should get you started on the right foot.