When it comes time to pack up your home, you already know that you will need to label your boxes. If you are thinking that you can simply just go through the boxes without labeling them, you are setting yourself up for a long summer of unpacking.

While it may seem easy to just throw everything into a box, it is reckless and can leave you hunting for items for months. Below, we will go over some tips to help you properly label your moving boxes.

1. Have Your Tools Ready

Your labeling tools are important and you need to make sure you have them ready when you start to pack. If you are unsure of what tools need to be in your arsenal, let’s go over them.

First, you will need to choose permanent markers of GOOD quality. Do not give in to your urge to purchase the cheapest markers available because you will regret it. You should invest a couple of bucks into the markers you choose as this will make writing and labeling much easier.

Next, you need to decide on the colors you plan to use. You can have a different color based on the rooms in your home or you can have a different color based on each person within your home.

Lastly, ALWAYS choose permanent and waterproof markers. If something goes awry, then you will know that you can still read whose box is whose and where it goes.

2. Number Your Boxes

It is wise to use a number system for your boxes. What we mean by this is for example, you can label a box #1. Write an inventory list, which shows box one has a coffee maker, blender, and toaster in it. Then, on the remaining sides of the box, write kitchen. This way, you know the box belongs in the kitchen and you can reference your inventory sheet to see exactly what is in the box.

3. Use Tape Over a Label

If you plan to use labels on your boxes, this is not a bad idea, but you do need to make sure that you place a piece of clear packing tape over top of the label to prevent the label from falling off.

If all of your labels fall off, then you will be back at square one with a huge mess on your hands, so do your due diligence and secure the label to the box itself.

4. Always Not Fragile Boxes

Whether it is you or someone else carrying your boxes, you want to make sure that you label the fragile ones with the word fragile. This way, everyone knows the box needs to be handled with care and you do not have to play guard to the boxes.

If you plan to move soon, you already know that you have to pack your boxes, but labeling them is an important step that cannot be skipped either. The above tips should help you label your boxes efficiently.