Seeing something in clear type offers the promise of order. Fortunately, efficient portable electronic labelers, such as the LetraTag QX50 from Dymo (5 by 5 1/2 by 2 inches, $26, www.amazon.com), are now affordable. In addition to common office uses, such as naming files and disks, labels can be used in other, surprising ways around the house.

Linen-Closet Shelf

Problem: Twin, queen, and king sheets all mixed in together.

Solution: Label shelves by bedroom or sheet size and avoid having to refold the wrong fitted sheet.