Five steps to label a box
- Pick a system. Choose room names for the new home, such as Kitchen, Bed 1 and Garage, and use the same names for everyone.
- Write on the side. Put the room in large letters on two sides, because the top is hidden when boxes stack.
- Number the box. Give each box a number in order and keep a running list on paper or your phone.
- Add a short list. Write a few words that describe the contents, such as glasses or winter coats.
- Mark special boxes. Add Fragile, This Side Up or Open First as needed, and mark them on every side.
Labels do two jobs. For the crew, the room name tells them where the box goes. For you, the number and the list tell you what is inside without opening it. Good labels cost a few minutes at packing time and save hours at the other end.
Use the new home's room names
Label by where the box is going, not where it came from. A box that says Den is no help if the new house has no den. Walk the new home with a floor plan and decide the names ahead of time. A paper sign on each door at the new place matches the labels.
Colour coding
Coloured tape or dots give a quick visual cue. One colour per room works well, and a colour chart taped near the door tells the crew where each goes. Keep colour as an extra, not a replacement for words.
Keep a master list
A numbered list of boxes with contents is useful for inventory and for finding things. It is also useful if a box is damaged, because you know what was inside. A phone spreadsheet is enough. See the moving inventory guide for how an inventory helps on larger moves.
The open-first box
Pack one box for the first night with sheets, towels, toiletries, a kettle and basic tools, and label it Open First. Read the first night box for ideas. For help with other packing, O'Brien's sells boxes and supplies at the Sparks office, and the estimate comes with 10 free heavy-duty boxes to keep. See moving boxes and supplies.