The first step in coordinating a smooth move is careful and efficient packing. The second step is learning how to label moving boxes. Labeling the right way helps your entire relocation process go off without a hitch.
That’s right: pro labeling techniques don’t only help you as you unpack at your new place. They also keep you organized as you pack and make for a less stressful moving day. And since you deserve an awesome moving experience, it’s worth spending a couple of minutes getting to know how to label moving boxes.
Why Knowing How to Label Moving Boxes Matters
Packing for a move can be a huge chore. It involves sorting through your possessions, decluttering, and then wrapping and boxing up what you’re going to take to your new home. For most of us, it also involves cleaning the drawers, shelves, nooks, and crannies as we pack more items.
This is where knowing how to label moving boxes really matters. You have to stay organized so you know what you’ve already packed, and so you can find something easily if it was boxed up too early. Perfect labeling also keeps things running smoothly on your move day. Your professional movers will know immediately which boxes go where and which ones contain fragile or heavy items.
Plus, when you label the boxes according to what’s inside, the movers will know which ones can go on the bottom of a stack inside the moving truck, and which containers need to be toward the top of a stack. In other words, knowing how to label moving boxes prevents your items from damage.
Effective labeling can even stop you from wanting to pull your hair out when you unpack at your new home. Because your movers will have placed each box in the right room, you’ll be able to unpack more efficiently. If you want to become a labeling guru, start by checking out some best labeling practices.
Best Labeling Practices
There are a variety of ways to organize and label your boxes when you move. Some people use different color markers or labels for each room (i.e., the kitchen gets green writing, the living room gets purple marker, etc.). Other people just write the room in big letters on each label.
Both of those options are great! Whatever method you choose, always keep in mind these best practices for your moving box labels:
- Label the top and at least two sides of every box.
- Write a brief description of the contents of each box, like “Books” or “Cooking Spices”.
- If a box is particularly heavy, write “HEAVY” on the label.
- If there are fragile items inside, write “FRAGILE” or slap a fragile sticker on it.
- Draw arrows or use stickers indicating the top of each box.
- Use permanent markers to label the boxes—never use pencils, pens, or dry-erase markers.
If you’re particularly organized, you might feel the urge to number each box. Although writing “Bedroom: Box 1 of 12” has some advantages, it can also cause confusion if you end up using more boxes in a given room than you expected. It’s always tough to estimate how many moving bins you’ll need. If you do want to number them, make sure the entire room is completely packed before you add any numbers.
How to Label Moving Boxes When Your Rent Plastic Moving Bins
Renting plastic moving bins instead of using cardboard is a great way to save money and have a zero-waste move. Moving totes are also extremely convenient, since they’ll be delivered to your door and picked up after the move.
Your moving bin order will include labels and permanent markers for you to use, so learning how to label moving boxes is, in this case, incredibly easy. Just place the labels on the bins, write the room and content info, and move on to the next tote.
Tips for Labeling Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard boxes aren’t most people’s favorite moving supplies since they’re not as affordable or eco-friendly as renting plastic moving bins. However, they’re still used in some moves, and in order to lower your costs, you can often find free moving boxes around Chicagoland.
For people who decide to splurge and buy brand-new cardboard boxes, the labeling process will be pretty easy. Some even show you how to label moving boxes with conveniently printed room options right on the sides.
Reusing old cardboard containers will be a little more difficult. You’ll have to cover up any old labels so your information is clear and obvious. Consider taping over old labels to avoid confusion. You’ll also need to let your moving crew know which tape or label color to pay attention to when they’re stacking, carrying, and placing the boxes.
If the labeling system on the reused boxes isn’t clear, your move could take longer, and boxes could end up in the wrong rooms. Save yourself time, money, and headaches: learn how to label moving boxes, and have a fantastic moving experience!
Not Sure How to Label Moving Boxes? Time to Call In Our Experts!
Careful packing and clear labeling are two of the absolute best ways to ensure a smooth and damage-free move. We’re here to answer all of your labeling-related questions. And if you just can’t stomach the thought of boxing up your entire home, don’t worry—we have a direct line to the best professional packers in Chicago.
Are you ready to kick off your eco-friendly move? Place your moving bin rental order today!