Full-service movers always offer expert packing as part of a complete interstate move. Think of it: Affordable Moving Service & Storage’s pro movers skillfully placing your most cherished items within properly configured boxes with just the right amount of packing paper as protection.
Still, some people prefer doing their own packing while leaving the heavy-lifting duties to the pros at an interstate moving company. If you like the sound of crumpled paper or the “pop” of bubble wrap underfoot, then our box-labeling tips will get you as close as possible to how the long-distance movers do it.
No guessing
Logically labeling boxes during packing will make the unpacking process in your new home proceed smoothly. (Also read: National Van Lines’ packing tips for an organized move.)
As an affordable mover in Florida, we’ve witnessed many packing approaches. Often, people simply will buy a bunch of black, heavy-duty markers and scribble room names in big, capital letters on one side of their boxes. That’s better than nothing, but we’ve got a superior solution. Begin by purchasing plenty of thick-tip markers in various colors (green, blue, red, black, purple, etc.). The more, the merrier. Ensure these writing instruments are water-proof just in case a box is exposed to moisture.
You either can mark directly on your boxes or use labels. If opting for labels, cover them after writing with clear packing tape to prevent their removal during transit.
Coordinate colors
A few color-coding options are possible. You can label by person, by room or a combination. Choose the method that makes the most sense for faster and easier packing and unpacking. You could group household items by marking in one color the room of origin on the box and then packing personal items (e.g., clothes, shoes, jewelry and toiletries) separately in boxes marked in colors per each individual in the family.
For example, write in green the word “kitchen” on the outside of the box containing your pots and pans. Write “family room” in purple on the box holding the knick-knacks that make that room so much fun. For Sue’s wardrobe, use blue marker entirely, no matter from which room the items originate. Sue’s shoes? Even though they’re in the downstairs closet, write in blue “Sue’s shoes.” Sue’s socks? Despite being stored in the upstairs master-bedroom dresser, still use blue to write “Sue’s socks” on that box.
Describe in detail
Get even more detailed and jot the contents, too. So for the pots-and-pans example, not only write “kitchen” in green, add “pots and pans” on the box sides so it says, “kitchen: pots and pans.” This will differentiate that box from “kitchen: glassware” or “kitchen: cutlery.”
People often react faster to what they see vs. what they read, so recognizing colors rather than deciphering different names and rooms all written in black will facilitate faster sorting when placing items in your new home.
Speaking of colors, red traditionally evokes an immediate reaction of concern, so reserve that color for marking items “fragile.” Boxes holding these sensitive items should be identified by writing “fragile” on all sides.
Stacked & stowed
In general, boxes should be marked on the side (not on top). Since boxes will be stacked, messages written on top would be virtually invisible during transit. Should a box need to remain in an upright position, label boxes as such with an upward-pointing arrow.
Another vital step is to number all the boxes and record the final quantity on your moving cross-country checklist. This ensures that if you move out with 60 boxes, you’ll expect to see that same number when you arrive at your interstate move’s final destination.
Of course, if you believe your pre-move time would be better spent on other tasks, Affordable Moving Service & Storage offers a simple solution: Let us do it for you! As the best movers in Cape Coral as well as the rest of southwest Florida, we’ll pack your things and move you at a reasonable rate. Our moving and relocation services are second to none. Contact our team now for a moving quote: (239) 674-0024 or (877) 281-9580. We’re your Florida home mover.