Don't Forget to Label Your Boxes

The moving date is fast approaching and it’s all there in front of you, ready to be packed.  Before jumping into the task, decide on a labelling system.
 
Labels will help you to quickly retrieve what you are looking for within your storage unit and also, when the time comes to move, boxes will be placed in the right room for unpacking.

 
My favourite technique is to use coloured masking tape (the wide one ie about 5cm).  You can find them in any hardware store and they’re cheap.  Here is how I do it:

1. Allocate a colour to every room, eg yellow for the kitchen, red for the living room, green for the master bedroom, etc.  Instead of a room you may decide on a different title such books or clothes.
2. Apply tape of the chosen colour right around the box so that every side is covered.  So when you are looking for a particular box you will be able to locate it, no matter where it is stacked.  Also, when the removalists unpack the truck, tell them which room has which colour and get them to move boxes to the appropriate room.
3. Number all your boxes.  Write the number with a marker (so it’s nice and bold) on the masking tape, on every side.  That way, no need to turn the box to find out its number.
4. Using your favourite spreadsheet (eg Excel, Numbers, etc), create a list of all your boxes, showing Location, Colour, Box number, Content.  For the content, it could be a one liner, or you can list each individual item in the box.

​

​Remember to label as FRAGILE any box that contains breakable items.