Utilizing an organization system for your moving boxes is an easy way to take a lot of stress and uncertainty out of the moving process. There are different ways to do this, but in the end, whatever you choose needs to work for you. It may seem like labeling boxes is pointless when you’re doing it, but when you’re moved in somewhere new and looking for a can opener or roll of toilet paper, you’ll be glad you took the time to organize.
The Best Tools to Use
There are a few things you should ensure you have before begun your labeling, so you don’t have to run out and purchase something or go rummaging through your house.
Packed boxes. It stands to reason that you can’t label boxes before you’ve packed them. It’s a very good idea to mark a box as soon as you fill it and close it, as you won’t have to remember later what is inside. If you wait until you have a dozen boxes packed, you may forget what’s in some of them and have to do some amount of unpacking to label.
Colored Markers. These are great tools for marking your boxes, but you should follow a few moving tips before purchasing a pack. Find a brand that is high quality with many colors that work well for labeling. It’s also smart to be sure they are waterproof and permanent, so they do not become illegible in inclement weather or other adverse conditions.
Color labels. These can make it easier to find the boxes you want and ensure the movers get them into the correct rooms. These can be purchased from a moving company, or you can download them online. If you’re a creative sort, you can even create your own.
Clear and colored tape. If you are using color labels, use clear tape to put these on the boxes. If you want your boxes to stand out, even more, you can use different colored tape to pack your boxes, so it’s even quicker to move everything inside.
Ways to Label
There are a couple of different labeling systems you can use. Each is relatively simple, but you may find that one or the other works better for your needs or preferences
Color Coding. This is a straightforward way to label your boxes. You pick a color for each room in your new home and use that color on every box that will go into that room. So, you might pick green for the office. Then you just use the green marker to mark every box or container being moved into the new office. If you are using labels and tape, line those colors up as well. After you’re done with the office, pick a new color and room and keep ongoing.
Number Coding. With this packing system, you will create a master list. On the list, you’ll write down the contents of each box along with the box number. You’ll be able to know quickly that, for instance, boxes 10 through 15 are for the bathroom, but you’ll also have that master list to tell you which box has the towels or whatever you wind up needing first.
Other Moving Tips
Some other moving tips to consider are adding handling instructions when needed, such as “fragile” or “this side up.” You can also make it easier on movers, if you use the color code method, by making a card for each door that corresponds to the color of the boxes. So for the office above, you’d attach a sign with orange to the door so movers can do their job quickly.
Hopefully, these tips will help make your moving process a lot easier and less stressful. Moving can be a great adventure and doesn’t have to be something to dread. Have a wonderful moving day!
