Labeling valuables is essential if someone you love is headed to camp, college, or an assisted living facility. Consider it an additional safety precaution that will give you some peace of mind in knowing that your loved one’s possessions won’t fall into the wrong hands. But if they do, it will be easy to determine who they really belong to. Using clothing labels is key to preventing mix-ups!
Benefits of Ironing
Almost nothing is more convenient — and certainly not more permanent — than an iron-on clothing label. The beauty of this option is that once it’s ironed onto the fabric, it’s very difficult to detach it. If you give the garment to a younger sibling later, you can simply iron a new label on top of the old one. This is a great option for kids headed to camp or for elderly individuals in assisted living facilities; both groups may have difficulty identifying their own things in some cases, so choosing a permanent fix is a smart way to ensure that they remain safely in their possession.
Adhesive Is Durable
Don’t be fooled by the idea of using an adhesive label on clothes and other valuables. They aren’t quite as susceptible to falling off as you may initially think. Although they don’t provide the same level of stay-put durability as something that is ironed directly onto fabric, they’re designed with exceptionally strong glues and are typically resistant to water and inclement weather. That’s key especially for kids or students in college, who might be running around outside or walking across campus in the rain.
Elderly Labeling Tips
Consider the importance of labeling your elderly loved one’s belongings. If your parent lives in an assisted living facility, you can make life so much easier for them by adding labels to their clothes and other belongings. Instead of sewing something onto each garment — which could take quite a while — opt for one of the aforementioned options. They’re efficient and practical, and you don’t have to worry about the material causing any discomfort to your loved one’s skin. Make sure you use laundry markers to write the person’s name in clear, large lettering so that there is no confusion as to whom the product belongs to.
College Labeling Tips
It’s practically essential to label valuables before your teenager heads off to college. It’s particularly important if your child lives in a dorm with a roommate and wants to avoid the unforeseen mix-ups that often occur in close quarters. It also sends a clear message to others that the item belongs solely to your child. And once you learn how to label clothes effectively, you can be less concerned about the possibility of your teen’s items being swapped from their closet. Don’t hold back: Label anything you see fit, from clothes and suitcases to shower caddies and dorm décor.
Camp Labeling Tips
As your child heads off to camp for a few weeks, you’re right to be concerned about what will become of their things. It’s certainly not unusual for items to get lost in the shuffle when there are dozens of kids involved. But labeling them is one way to ensure that anything that does get misplaced ultimately finds its way back to your child. Always use laundry markers and water- and weather-proof labels to customize their gear and clothes. Don’t forget to label their travel bag, sleeping bag, and anything else they choose to take along.
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