If you have a residential move coming up, you most likely dread the organizing and packing job you will have to contend with. While you may not view packing as an art form, it most certainly can be seen that way. At the very least, it will make the job more creative and fun. We’re talking about labeling and color coding your boxes.
Packing up your boxes with clothes, toys, and dishware is only the first part of the equation. Without proper labeling, you’ll create chaos later in the new digs when you’re trying to figure out where everything goes. Using color-coded labels makes both unpacking the moving truck and unpacking each box much simpler and less stressful.
The other part of labeling involves listing the contents on the outside of the box. The more detailed in your descriptions that you can get, the better. You will thank yourself later! Sure, it takes a little more time now but think of the time savings you will experience when arriving at your new home.
Colorful Labels
- Pick up a bunch of large, colorful stickers.
- Assign a color to each room in your new home. Make a master key of a house map showing each room with its corresponding color so you don’t forget.
- Place a colored sticker on the top and three sides of each box or container. The label color should match the new room.
- Upon arriving at the new home on moving day, put the appropriate sticker next to the door for each room. Don’t forget to mark multiple entryways if necessary.
- Post the color key map at the front door to help the movers know where to set down the boxes.
- Even if some boxes end up in the wrong room, you can easily relocate it according to the sticker color.
Inventory
You will also want to list the contents that are inside each container. This will help you unpack quickly while in each individual room.
- Craft a master list.
- Label all containers with a number. It’s wise to use a waterproof permanent marker in case it rains.
- On the master list, write the box number, room and contents, such as “#1: Kitchen: Utensils” or “#25: Family Room: Board Games.” You can even make a spreadsheet on your computer to be neat.
- You can then print the inventory out on label paper and attach it to each corresponding box.
- At the very least, identify the general contents of each box, i.e., “Canned Goods” or “Sheets and Towels.”
- Label boxes “Fragile” that contain fragile items. Still, you should take extra care to ensure they’re treated properly. Remember, movers are not responsible for breakage if your packing is sub-par.
- Label one box “Open First”, which will hold essentials, such as dishes and utensils, toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, sanitizing wipes, first aid kit, hammer and screwdriver – basically, any items you will need immediately. It’s a good idea to just bring this box with you in your own vehicle on moving day.
Contact Big Lake Movers
To learn more about our efficient moving and packing services, contact us at one of our three convenient locations, or complete our online form and we will get back to you soon.
