Even the most organized person can quickly become disorganized during moving. Residential moving is one of the most chaotic and stressful times in most people's lives. However, proper labeling of your moving boxes will help to ensure it's a less stressful process. With a smart labeling system, you will make unpacking much easier and there will actually be a system to loading and unloading the truck. It's best to start the labeling process as you start packing. Here are a few tips to help you label your moving boxes like a pro.
Get the Right Labeling Tools
You need more than just a sharpie to label your boxes. The best type of labeling system requires markers in a variety of colors. Make sure they are good quality markers, as you don't want one to go out halfway through the process.
Quality markers won't be the cheapest on the shelves. Make sure they come from a brand you can trust and you get at least five different colors. It's also best to use permanent, waterproof markers for labeling moving boxes.
Along with the markers, you should get colored tape matching the colors of your markers. While most of the packing tape you will use will be clear, a roll of each color will help with your labeling process. If you are using our Chicago Green Moving Boxes, use masking tape and mark where the boxes need to go. We can supply most of these items here and here.
Use a Color Coding System
Now that you have your markers and your colored tape, it's time to put together your system. Choose a color for each of the major rooms, such as green for the kitchen, red for the family/living room, blue for the bedroom, orange for the bathroom(s) and yellow for the dining room. You can assign the colors to any room you want, as long as it makes sense for you.
Now, as you pack up each room, use the marker with the corresponding color to write on each box. Write the room name in large, capital letters one each box. Then, list out the items in the box in smaller print.
You will also want to use the colored tape on each box. Just one strip on the top or on the side of the box will be enough. It just provides another easy way to recognize the color for the room.
Let Your Movers Know About Your System
When the movers arrive to pick up your items, have a sheet of paper printed out with each color and what it means. If they don't know your system, they won't be able to put the boxes in the right place when they arrive at your new home. Giving this sheet to the movers before they pack up the truck will allow them to better load the truck, as well.
Using a color coded labeling system will take the guesswork out of unpacking. You'll be able to easily spot an out-of-place box and your movers will know where the boxes go before they arrive.
It's also important to make sure you tape over or black out any old markings if you're reusing boxes. When you write the description of what's in the box, you should be as specific as possible, as well. This will help with your own confusion as you start unpacking.