There is no feeling as exciting as moving into a new home. Unfortunately, only a few things are more stressful, like if your older parents are also moving in with you, so let’s try to keep the former and reduce the latter as much as possible.
Nothing can overshadow the excitement of a fresh start like the overwhelming task of packing your belongings.
One crucial aspect of the moving process that often gets overlooked is labelling your moving boxes properly. That’s important precisely because labelling your boxes correctly can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run.
Here’s why labelling your boxes is an essential part of a successful moving process.
Why labelling is important for your moving boxes
If you think packing is a nightmare, just wait until you start unpacking. Usually, unpacking can take up to a year. That prospect is terrifying alone.
Still, you can help it move faster if you simply label your boxes properly. Once the moving day is over and you’re at your new home, you will undoubtedly be exhausted from the move. And spending hours searching through boxes to find what you need will be the last thing you want to do.
Labelling your boxes correctly lets you quickly identify what’s inside each box and place it in the appropriate room. This is essential if you want to settle in faster and make the transition to your new home smoother.
Labelling your moving boxes also helps prevent damage to your belongings during the move. When you have appropriately labelled boxes, movers can easily identify which boxes contain fragile items and handle them with extra care.
Conversely, if you don’t label your boxes, movers may handle them without the necessary precautions, causing damage to your belongings.
Properly labelled boxes also help you keep track of your belongings during the move. If you don’t label your boxes, you may forget what’s inside each one. Imagine how problematic that will be, especially if you must put some of your belongings in storage during the move.
Without proper labelling, it’s easy to forget which items are in storage and which ones are in your new home. This can lead to frustration and additional expenses as you track down your missing belongings.
How to prepare your packing and labelling materials
Before you start packing, gathering all the necessary packing and labelling materials is essential. You will need sturdy boxes of various sizes, packing tape, paper, and markers.
Investing in high-quality boxes can ensure they can withstand the weight of your belongings during the move. Even better, you can arrange moving boxes delivery to your front door.
When it comes to markers, choose ones that are easy to read and won’t smudge. You can use either permanent markers or stickers with pre-printed labels. If you decide to use stickers, ensure they are large enough to write on and won’t fall off during the move.
How to label your moving boxes properly
Once you have all the necessary materials, it’s time to start labelling your boxes. Here’s how to do the labelling correctly:
Use bold markers
When labelling your boxes, make sure to use bold markers that are easy to read. You can use different colours for different rooms or a black marker for everything. The key is ensuring the labels are legible and easily seen from a distance.
Use colour-code system
If you have many boxes, it may be helpful to use a colour-code system. For example, you can use red labels for boxes containing kitchen items, blue labels for boxes containing bedroom items, etc.
Thus, it will be easier to identify which packages belong to which rooms.
Leave a note on every side
When labelling your boxes, make sure to leave a note on every side so you can easily identify the box’s contents no matter which way it is facing. You can also include a note indicating which side should face up to prevent damage to fragile items.
Mark boxes with fragile contents
Items which are fragile or need special handling need to be marked clearly. For example, you can use the word “fragile” or “handle with care” in bold letters outside the box. This will ensure the movers know the delicate items inside and handle them with extra care.
Use arrows
Another helpful tip when labelling your boxes is to use arrows to indicate which way is up. This is especially important for boxes containing fragile items or liquids. Arrows will ensure that the movers handle the packages correctly, reducing the risk of damage to your belongings.
What information to write on your moving boxes
When labelling your boxes, it’s important to include certain information to ensure they arrive at the correct destination. The three things you must always include on your boxes are:
Your name
It’s highly recommended to include your name on every box. This will ensure that the movers know who the boxes belong to and can deliver them to the correct person.
The address where they need to arrive
Also, add the full address of your new home on each box. This way, even if the movers are distracted, the box receiver will instantly notice that his package is not meant for him.
What items are inside the box
Finally, include a list of the items inside each box. That can ensure an easier unpacking process and help you keep track of your belongings during the move. Do it any way that pleases you, but ensure you include enough information to identify the contents of each box.
When should you label your moving boxes
It’s essential to label your boxes as you pack them. This will ensure you don’t forget what’s inside each box and make it easier to unpack when arriving at your new home. Also, label each box immediately after you finish packing it to ensure you don’t forget what’s inside.
Let’s recap
Just like cleaning your home properly before you settle in, correctly labelling your moving boxes is essential to any move, as it can save you a lot in the long run.
The tips above can ensure that your boxes arrive at the correct destination and that your belongings are handled carefully during the move. Remember to start labelling your boxes as soon as you start packing, and include your name, address, and a list of the contents of each box.
Remember, you can make your move a stress-free and seamless experience with some careful planning and preparation.
