Example of a color-coded labelling checklist for Mr. & Mrs. Black moving in the summer of 2013

Labelling boxes – moving tips

No one likes moving because it’s time-consuming and can be a stressful endeavor. One way to reduce hassle and to increase efficiency is to stay organized. While most people simply grab a black marker and begin scribbling on packing boxes, a smarter system will ease your pain and help facilitate your move. Use the following tips on labelling boxes:

Creating an ‘Open First’ Box

One of the top suggestions for moving and packing boxes is to include a package set aside with everything you will need for the first few nights in your new place. Some of the most common items you will need include:

  • Toiletries
  • Sheets for beds
  • Paper plates and utensils
  • Change of clothes
  • Coffee pot

In any case, you should make sure your “Open First” box has everything you need for the first few nights.

Packing One Room at a Time

While the most common approach is writing ‘books’ or ‘fragile’ on packing boxes, this approach can lead to significant confusion. For your smart labelling system to work and make sense, you must pack wisely. You can start by organizing and packing boxes by room. For instance, make sure you pack your items from the bedroom or kitchen in specific containers. In addition, make sure you avoid moving any boxes before you have labelled them, to prevent you from being forced to open them up to simply look inside.

 

Printing Labels

You can print labels and include fields for:

  • The contents of each box
  • The name of the room
  • Box numbers
  • Notes
  • Colour codes

You can either fill the fields out with a felt-tip pen after you have printed the labels or on a computer.

Labelling boxes by Colour

To label by colour, purchase colourful stickers, markers, or tape from a moving supply store. Then, assign each room its own colour. For example, you can place pink stickers on each box from the master bedroom and blue stickers on each box from the kitchen. You can bolster your labelling system by jotting the room name on your packing boxes as well. To help your movers, you can simply add the coordinating sticker to each wall or door in the new place so they will know where to place each box.

Labelling boxes by Number

Instead of using colours on your packing boxes, you can designate a number for each area or room in your new home. You should jot the name and number of the room on a minimum of three sides of your packing boxes to prevent label obstruction when the boxes are stacked on top of each other.

Additional Labelling Tips for Packing Boxes

If you have fragile items, such as stemware or china, it’s important let the movers know. One of the best ways to do this is with the proven method of writing “FRAGILE” on all sides of your packing boxes. At the same time, if the box should be stood right-side up, simply write “This End Up” on the box. You can also choose to draw large arrows or use stickers to place on the packing boxes to designate the proper direction.

Contact Tippet-Richardson to plan your next move.  Since 1927 we’ve been providing residential and commercial moving services across Canada, internationally, and moving to or from the United States. We also pride ourselves in supporting communities and charities, as well as our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint. Call us today to get started and settle into your new location hassle-free!