Labeling boxes and items properly are essential when removing and storing items. Though it may seem like an unimportant last step during the stress of moving, taking the time to label everything correctly will save you time, frustration, and even money down the road.
Locating items quickly
The main reason for labeling is for you to quickly and easily identify where specific items are when you need to access them. Whether you need to pull certain boxes from storage for use at your new home or business or locate specific items within boxes, labeling gives you the power to go digging through everything. A good labeling system might use a combination of room names, box numbers, and abbreviations for types of items.
This beats vague labels like “Miscellaneous” or no labels at all. When items are properly labeled according to fragility and special handling needs, movers and storage facilities know how to handle them appropriately. For example, labeling a box “Fragile” alerts workers to use extra care and caution when moving it. Special instructions like “This Side Up” are also critical to prevent damage. Proper labeling also helps reduce the overall loss of items in a move. When each box is numbered and tracked, it’s much harder for a box to get misplaced. And if a box does go missing, you identify precisely what was in it based on the detailed label. It takes the frustration out of hunting for lost items.
Streamlining retrieval and redelivery
The storage and removal services facilities and good labeling make retrieving and redelivering items much more efficient. Workers quickly locate boxes without shuffling through everything in the unit. It speeds up delivery timelines and reduces mistakes. Facilities may even offer discounts for self-storage customers with a structured, easy-to-read labeling system in place. Likewise, clearly labeled boxes save time and headaches when moving items out of storage and into your new destination. Mover knows for sure which boxes go to which rooms, and you avoid confusion trying to remember what’s inside dozens of “Miscellaneous” or blank boxes.
Tracking time in storage
Labeling items with dates helps you effectively track how long possessions have been in storage. It comes in handy for monitoring storage rental periods, replacement needs, or inventory management. Simply put the date boxes go into storage on the label. If you access them later, you instantly see how long it’s been. Some movers may offer complimentary labeling with barcodes when you book their storage services. You then use these barcodes to check in/out items and track how long they’ve been stored.
Avoiding arguments and confusion during divorce
For couples going through a divorce, it becomes essential to label boxes if possessions will be divided between two separate households. Clearly labeled boxes prevent future arguments over who gets what. Boxes and items should be labeled with each person’s name when packing. A detailed inventory list of items and which boxes they are found in also helps smooth out divisions. This keeps the process organized and transparent.
