Moving from one location to another needs much planning and organization, and your moving tasks don’t end when you arrive at your new home. While Number 1 Van Lines will make sure your belongings arrive safely, the unpacking will be up to you. One of the worst things that may happen when your belongings finally arrive is seeing that all of the boxes are identical and you have no idea what’s inside. You can avoid that by remembering to organize and label your boxes properly while you’re still in your old apartment. To make things easier for you, here’s a helpful mover’s guide for boxes and labeling!
Make sure you get the right boxes and moving supplies first
You must have certain packing and moving goods on hand before you begin packing. According to the best movers in Hamilton Ontario, must-have supplies include boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, a dispenser for packing tape, labels, and permanent markers. However, make sure to use the right kind and size of boxes during your move, as this will help protect your belongings from harm.
For example, it’s best to put small items like books, magazines, and records in small boxes, and pack towels, bedding, and ornaments in medium-sized ones. Save bigger boxes for bulkier items and furniture that you have to disassemble first, like sofas and wardrobes. Just don’t overfill the boxes, as it will be hard to lift them up later, and they might even break! Also, keep in mind that packing heavier items will probably require boxes made of stronger material, such as corrugated cardboard.
Special items require special moving boxes
If some of your belongings are delicate, you’ll need to make use of specialized moving and packing boxes to guarantee that everything reaches your new home in one piece. For example, local movers Hamilton advise keeping electronics like televisions in their original packaging. After all, their original packaging has inserts holding their delicate screens in place, so that’s how the maker intended for them to be carried.
For packing fragile items like mugs and cups, use dish packs to hold them firmly in place. Meanwhile, wardrobe boxes are ideal for storing clothing on hooks, making unpacking quicker and simpler. Finally, you could also use plastic bins or boxes to pack any items that you must protect from outside elements. These boxes should be waterproof, so your belongings will be safe inside.
Mover’s guide for boxes and labeling also includes making an inventory list
It will be much easier to pack and label your boxes if you have an inventory list of your possessions ready. Furniture movers in Hamilton advise you to always begin your inventory list room by room, from the top (attic) to the bottom (basement). Make sure to include information such as the item’s name, description, price, and quantity, and photograph more valuable objects. In the unfortunate event that something is damaged or breaks during the move, you will have a photo for reference. Having an accurate inventory list will also aid you when filing an insurance claim.
Best tips for labeling moving boxes
Although it may seem like an unnecessary task, there are many benefits to labeling your moving boxes while you’re packing. Moving companies will take extra care to load your boxes carefully when they spot labels like “fragile” or “this side up” on the contents. Not only will this help your movers on moving day, but you also won’t risk opening a box and discovering that your belongings are damaged. That being said, there are many tips in the mover’s guide for boxes and labeling, but here are the most important ones:
- Utilize a thick dark sharpie or dark marker instead of a ballpoint pen or a pencil
- Find a system for labeling boxes, and sorting boxes by room and their content
- Make sure to write “FRAGILE” on all boxes containing breakables
- Write “THIS END UP” on all boxes that contain things that ought not to be reversed
- Undload all the boxes you need first
- Mark all boxes holding furniture parts as “SET UP”
How to deal with sensitive items?
Whether you choose to pack your breakables and fragile goods by room, number, or by using colored markers, you must take care when packing them. The same goes for packaging and labeling potentially hazardous materials, if your movers take them at all. Make sure to wrap each item separately in wrapping paper before placing it securely into the box. To fill in any spaces between the objects and the box’s sides, use a lot of bubble wrap or old towels and clothing.
There must be clear box labels on every package the moving company will handle. Put a label reading “Fragile” or “Handle with care” on either side of the moving box. This will remind the movers not to get the moving boxes wet as well. Along with that, make it very obvious on the label which side of the box is facing up and which is facing down.
The labeling system is an important part of the mover’s guide for boxes and labeling
Relocating to a new apartment might take a lot of time, so the key is to stay organized. So, find a system for packing and labeling, and stick to it! For example, some of the most popular labeling techniques include:
- Labeling by room – This is the most common labeling method, and the one commercial movers in Hamilton appreciate the most. However, keep in mind that these labels might not provide enough information for you, as you’ll have to open every box anyway.
- Label by the color – This is probably the most creative labeling method, and your kids might have fun helping you with it! Depending on what works best for you, you can write on them with colored tape or a colored marker. Even the choice of color depends on you. For example, you could use blue for the living room, yellow for the kitchen, and red for the bedroom.
- Label by numbers – One of the benefits of using this strategy is that you may easily connect the boxes to your inventory list, putting all the details in one location. It’s really simple as well – just write the number on the box and on a separate piece of paper describe the contents of each number!
- Label by items – It’s the least practical method, but it can be good for packing certain items. For example, you could pack your children’s winter clothes in a sizable bin bag. Alternatively, you could also bundle soft items like beds, blankets, rugs, and cushions together in a box.
Consider labeling items by priority as well
You might consider differentiating between items that you will need immediately from those that you will need only in a few months. Check the contents of the box before you seal it, and note the priority level. Label boxes containing the most important items with the letter “H”, and assign letters “M” for medium priority, and “L” for low priority boxes. This labeling method will also help professionals from moving company Vancouver decide which box to load first, and which one could be loaded last in the moving vehicle. Also, they will pay more attention to the priority box, as its contents are probably valuable!
Conclusion on the mover’s guide for boxes and labeling
As you can see, labeling is one of the most important parts of packing and can help you organize better. And once you apply all the tips from our mover’s guide for boxes and labeling, your move will never be the same! With a little more order, it will be more effective and you’ll feel more comfortable. Who knows, maybe you even start looking forward to your relocation!