No matter how much you need to pack, clearly labeling boxes as you pack them is an important part of staying organized. While every moving company has an opinion on the best way to label moving boxes, there’s no “best” way to accomplish the task. That said, some methods and tips tend to work better than others.
This guide explores the best ways to label boxes for moving. Whether you’re handling everything yourself or hiring a mover, we can help.
Key Takeaways
- Label your boxes clearly with bold letters and use a permanent marker if writing by hand.
- You can print or color-code labels to make unpacking easier.
- Provide as much detail as possible for each box. Label where it goes and what’s inside. Don’t say “stuff” or “misc.” Be specific.
- Write or label multiple sides of each box to ensure you can find what you need, even if the boxes are stacked.
- Clearly note fragile items to ensure those boxes receive special care.
Supplies You Need to Make Moving Box Labels
- Permanent markers: Use high-quality markers that are easy to read and won’t smudge. Black is the obvious choice, but you may want to use colored markers if color coding is a priority.
- Packing tape: Placing clear tape over your labels helps them stay legible as you or your movers load and transport your stuff.
- Label stickers: You can use adhesive or pre-printed labels for a neat, uniform look.
- Box cutter or scissors: A pair of scissors or a box cutter is handy for trimming printed labels to size. You can also use it to cut strips of packing tape.
- Clipboard or flat surface: Writing neatly on labels is important, and a flat surface like a clipboard makes that easier.
- Printer and paper (optional): A printer is a great option if you want to avoid writing directly on the box.
Take the time to securely attach them, no matter what you use to make or write on your labels. Unreadable, smeared, or torn labels make staying organized as you move difficult.
Do’s and Don’ts of Labeling Boxes for Moving
Clearly labeling cardboard boxes for moving can save time, effort, and stress before and after you settle into your new home. The following do’s and don’ts help ensure your labeling system is efficient and effective:
Box Labeling Do’s
- Use clear labels.
- Include destination rooms.
- Color code by room if possible.
- Label multiple sides of each box.
- Protect labels with packing tape.
Box Labeling Don’ts
- Don’t skip labeling boxes.
- Don’t use vague abbreviations.
- Don’t label one side.
- Don’t use faint ink.
- Don’t neglect fragile items.
What to Write on Moving Box Labels
A well-thought-out labeling system speeds up unpacking and helps movers place boxes in the correct rooms. It also makes unpacking a relative breeze. But what exactly should you write on each label? Consider the following details on each box:
- Room Destination: Write where each box goes. Use specific rooms.
- Specific Contents: Provide a concise but specific description of the box’s contents. For example, “Bedroom Linens – Master” is a better label than “Bedroom Stuff.”
- Special Handling Instructions: Carefully note any boxes that need to be handled with care.
What does this look like in practice?
Good Label Example:
- Kitchen – Small Appliances (Toaster, Blender) – Keep Upright!
Bad Label Example:
- Kitchen Stuff
Clear labeling saves time and prevents confusion, especially for major or long-distance moves. If you’re planning a relocation requiring long-distance moving services, good labels can make a huge difference.
Advanced Labeling Methods
Let’s assume you’re a seasoned mover who wants to take your organization to the next level. If you have the time, the following advanced tips are among the best ways to label boxes for moving. These can help your movers as they load and unload boxes and reduce confusion when unpacking.
Choosing the Best Label Placement on Boxes
The best way to label boxes for moving is “more than once.” Even the best label is worthless if you can’t see it when the boxes are stacked in a truck or storage unit. Label the top of each box and at least one side. This is where pre-printed labels come in handy since they can be placed quickly. Print multiple labels and attach them.
Color Code Your Labels
Color-coding your labels is a great way to organize your move. Assigning each room a color means there is no confusion about what box goes where. Red boxes belong in the kitchen, green boxes go to the master bedroom, and orange ones go to the playroom.
You can assign whatever colors you want, but the general rule is that each room or section of the house gets its own color. The best way to make this work is to hang signs with the correct color outside each room.
Special Indicators
Movers typically pay special attention to fragile items. But this is only possible if you clearly label each box’s contents. Take the time to mark boxes with breakable items inside. If something needs to be explicitly handled (such as “this side up”), note it! That same attention to detail extends to electronics like TVs, computers, glassware, and dishes.
It’s not just breakable items that are fragile. If you have plants or live animals to transport, consider putting them in easily recognizable containers with clear markings. You may want to handle these things yourself to avoid damage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Labeling Moving Boxes
We’ve talked about good ways to label boxes, but there are plenty of ways to do it badly, too. Avoid the following common mistakes when creating your moving box labels:
- A lack of detail: Writing words like “misc.” or “stuff” on boxes doesn’t help your movers when unloading. It makes unpacking hard, too. Be specific instead.
- An inconsistent system: Once you decide on a process (printed labels, color-coding, etc.), stick with it. It helps with every step of your move, from loading and unloading to unpacking.
- Small writing: You should be able to read your box labels from a distance. Use bold, large text.
- Labels written in pencil: Even if you’re writing on a white surface, using a pencil is a poor choice for box labels. It smudges and fades. Use a permanent marker instead.
- Labeling one side: If the label isn’t easily visible, you’ll waste time hunting for it. That might not matter for one box, but the time adds up when you’re doing it for every box.
Why Should You Care About Proper Box Labeling?
Labeling boxes properly during your move offers several benefits that make moving less stressful. It helps you stay organized and sane as you pack. It reduces the risk of damage to easily broken items. It makes loading and unloading a moving truck easier for you or your movers and makes unpacking much faster.
Box labels are also critical if your stuff is going into storage at any point during the move. Storage units can get pretty small and are sometimes dimly lit. Seeing what’s inside a box without removing everything from a storage unit saves time and energy.
Setting Movers Up for Success
As you think about the best way to label boxes for moving, remember that you’re not just making your life easier. You’re helping your movers accomplish their jobs smoothly. Setting your movers up for success reduces stress, helps avoid damage to your stuff, and can sometimes save you money through better organization and fewer required hours.
If you’re worried about the time and financial costs of residential moving services, ask your moving broker how labeling boxes can reduce the pain points and make your move go much more smoothly.
Our commitment to service helps you find licensed cross-country movers within our carrier network at fair, competitive prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What information should I include on a moving box label?
The best answer? As much information as possible. Non-negotiable details include the room the box is going to, its contents, and whether it requires special care while handling.
How do I label boxes for different types of moves?
You can label boxes for different types of moves in several ways. For local moves where you plan on moving items piecemeal, you have a little more freedom with your labeling. For example, you may label it “truck” or “owner” carried. Long-distance moves require more care. You’ll probably want to better label each box’s contents and destination. If your boxes will end up in storage, be sure to label multiple sides of the box. Storage units can get cramped. Seeing what’s inside each box while inside your unit is important.
How should I label boxes with fragile items?
Label any boxes with fragile contents with bold letters so your movers know not to stack things on top or place them on the wrong sides. Warnings like “FRAGILE” or “THIS SIDE UP” can help avoid damage.
How do professional movers recommend labeling boxes?
Professional movers want you to provide as many details as you can. Use big, bold letters or color code your boxes by room. These are welcome ways to ensure items get where they need to go as smoothly as possible.
