Psychologist Reveals Why Label-Making Is the Surprising Craft Trend Boosting Wellbeing

Psychologist explains the unique phenomenon behind why we get excited about organising as we get older.
Printer brand Brother has revealed how label-making can positively influence our happiness and mental health
Decluttering expert has shared the unique items you can label to make your life more organised.

Decluttering and organising isn’t just a trend on social media, it has now been revealed that the human brain reaps benefits that are reflected in our health and mood.

To kickstart the new year, a decluttering expert in collaboration with Brother leading printer and label-maker brand, has revealed why Brits are turning to decluttering and label-making – and why the habit could be the key to boosting mood and mental wellbeing.

According to psychologist Dr Eleanor Bryant from the University of Bradford, the appeal of organising and label-making is rooted in a psychological phenomenon known as ‘Cognitive Load Theory’.

The theory explains why, as we age, we crave environments that are predictable, ordered and free from unexpected surprises.

Dr Bryant explains: “The older we get, the more stressful it becomes to find things out of place – for example, discovering baking equipment in the cleaning cupboard or the TV remote tucked neatly in with the cutlery. Label-making removes that uncertainty. By clearly marking and ordering our belongings, we create environments that feel calmer and more controlled.”

“That’s why people who never cared about order before can suddenly get a thrill from using a label-maker.”

“But the benefits go beyond this. The simple act of printing and applying a label provides what I call a ‘mini win’ – a small, tangible achievement that triggers a dopamine boost. Multiple moments of labelling add up to a powerful mood-lifting effect.”

“Craft-based activities like labelling also stimulate planning, categorisation and creativity which help to maintain and even improve cognitive function as we age. It’s a practical and joyful way to support brain health.”

The Brother P-touch CUBE label printer is designed with this in mind, enabling users to print customised labels in a variety of fonts and colours. More than just a tool for organisation, the label-printer provides a creative outlet that blends practicality with playfulness.

Louise Unsworth, Head of Labelling Solutions, Brother UK adds: “At Brother, we know that life flows better when things are organised. As we start the new year, we’re championing label-making as a simple, effective way to create order, ease stress and boost wellbeing. We want to inspire households to embrace decluttering, not as a chore, but as a mood-boosting, brain-boosting ritual.”

In collaboration with Brother, Professional organiser Hazel Burton, known as @thehomereset.ie – with over 13,000 followers across Instagram and TikTok – has revealed the things you can label in each room of your house, which you may not have thought of.

Hazel Burton’s top labelling tips for a better flowing home

Kitchen

Add labels to appliance buttons, for example “toast,” “steam,” “keep warm”) so anyone can use them with ease
Create fridge zones with labels like “leftovers,” “meal prep,” or “breakfast items” to keep food organised and easy to grab.
Label expiry dates on store cupboard foods like pasta, rice and tins to reduce food waste.

Living Room

Label remote controls so everyone knows which one belongs to the TV, soundbar, or games console
Give your houseplants labels with their names, care tips and watering schedules.
Use labels on kids’ activity storage – not just the content of the storage, but also the day/time of the activity, so everything’s ready to go.

Bedroom

Label hangers with days of the week to pre-plan outfits weekly and avoid the morning chaos.
Give your charging cables labels, for example for phones, laptops and tablets to avoid mix-ups.
Label your mirror with motivational words or affirmations to the edge of your mirror for a daily confidence boost in your bedroom.

Bathroom

Mark expiry dates or the date of purchase on toiletries – especially suncream and skincare – so you know when they lose effectiveness.
Label cleaning products clearly to keep bathroom-cleaning cloths separate from kitchen cleaning cloths.
Use big, bold “Hazardous – Adults Only” labels for high-shelf storage of bleach or other chemicals to keep little ones safe.

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