How to label boxes when packing? Why considering using a simple colour marking system? Read on!
If you’ve ever moved houses before, surely you’d have had this experience of searching for that one item or that one box. At the time of packing, you have either made a mental note, or you’ve jotted down on your master note – the exact location of the item, and which box it goes to. Then when it’s time to unpack, you just simply cannot find it. I know how it feels.
I’ve been there and done that. It couldn’t be more frustrating and it soon turns into hours of wasted time or a shopping trip just to buy another of the same item. If you’re wondering what to do, read on to find how to label boxes when packing to assist you.
You may have made mental notes on which boxes go where prior to the move. However, during the chaos of the move or due to unforeseen circumstances boxes may get all mixed up and not get loaded in the order that you’ve planned originally.
The good news is that you don’t have to waste time and money every time you move. I have a few tips to share on how to label moving boxes to avoid chaos while unpacking. If you follow most of my recommendations, (preferably “all”) you are sure to save time, money and most importantly your sanity while unpacking.
How to label boxes? Requirements:
Coloured markers or Coloured stickers
A little bit of time for preparation
The idea – colours for boxes labelling
The idea behind a quick, organised, failproof labelling system is – COLOUR CODED SYSTEM. First, allocate a unique colour for each room. For instance, for a 2 bedroom unit you could go with something like this:
- Bedroom 1 – Red
- Bedroom 2 – Orange
- Living room – Yellow
- Kitchen – Green
- Bathroom – Blue
- Garage – Purple
Once a unique colour is allocated for each of the rooms, mark all moving boxes with the respective colour of the room. You can choose to use a coloured texta or a marker, or you can go with coloured stickers. If you have family members, you can simply hand out a coloured marker or coloured sticker each, and simply get your family members to mark their respective rooms. Children will especially enjoy this activity, being able to have some ownership in the works. (Just be sure to double-check those boxes, if your children are on the “youngish” side. Read more tips on moving with children)
Once you get to your new home, you can simply stick allocated colours on the door frame of each room. (on a post-it note, if you’re using coloured markers) This makes it very easy for yourself, family, friends and removalists to move and place boxes in the correct rooms.
You no longer have to write an essay on your moving boxes, and on the day of the big move, the colour coded system will speed up the house moving process, saving you money on moving bill. For more money-saving house moving tips refer to this blog.
Keep in mind
- It helps to mark/indicate colours on at least 3 different sides of the box, especially if the box is quite heavy. This is to ensure that anyone can read the code regardless of the orientation and the position of the boxes. You don’t want to have to fiddle with boxes just to find the colour code.
- Keep the colours simple and distinctive:
Avoid using too similar of colours – for instance: It’s far better for you to use a shade of blue, green and yellow, than three similar shades of blues. It can get quite confusing, especially for those who aren’t exactly artists. You’ll be hearing “which one is the cornflower blue?” or “So cerulean blue is darker than Navy blue right?” - Consider colour blinded members of the family.
The colour-coded system does rely upon everyone’s ability to distinguish different colours. Just make sure to avoid a situation where you stress out a colour blind person. - Do prepare spares of each colours – house moving is hectic, chaotic and stressful. You will lose those markers and misplace those stickers easily. Be sure to have some back-ups for your peace of mind.
