by C. Lee Cawley

C. Lee Cawley

If you’ve ever scrambled to match a charger to the right device, tossed a mystery bag from the freezer, or wondered how old that bottle of sunscreen really is—Sharpies are about to become your new best friend!

I keep permanent markers in almost every room of my home because they’re the easiest, fastest way to label things without dragging out my label maker. My personal favorite? The retractable Sharpie—no cap to lose!

Here are some genius ways to use Sharpies in every room:

BATHROOM 

•  Write expiration dates on medications, vitamins, sunscreen, and toiletries as soon as you open them.
•  On makeup and skincare, jot down the "opened" date so you know how long they really last.

KITCHEN & FREEZER 

•  Mark expiration dates on the tops of canned goods and on spice jars for easy rotation.
•  Label leftovers and meal-prepped items in the fridge or freezer with both the contents and the date.
•  Write directly on foil-wrapped foods and freezer bags so you’re never stuck with a mystery meal.

LIVING ROOM 

•  Use a silver Sharpie to label black charging cables and blocks. Be specific—write “iPhone 14” instead of just “phone charger.”
•  Label remotes (because everything seems to come with one these days!).

OFFICE ️

•  Color-code file folders for quick organization—try Green for Finances (money), Red for Medical (Red Cross), Blue for Household, and Purple for Personal.

GENERAL USES & PLAYROOM 

•  Mark chargers and remotes when opening a new toy, so you always know what belongs where.
•  Attach painter's tape to seasonal storage bins and label them so you know what’s inside.
•  Mark tools or shared items with your name—great for avoiding mix-ups in communal spaces.
•  Label power strips with what’s plugged in to prevent unplugging the wrong thing!

Bonus Tip: Need to label something temporarily? Sharpie ink can be easily removed from glass, mirrors, and some glazed ceramics with a little rubbing alcohol! Just dab some on a paper towel or cotton pad, wipe, and it’s gone. Perfect for labeling leftovers on glass containers, glasses with names for a party, or jotting quick notes on a bathroom mirror.

Sharpies aren’t just for art projects—they’re the ultimate organizational tool! How do you use yours? Let me know!

For more information, contact C. Lee Cawley.