Packing without labeling what is in each box can make unloading and unpacking very difficult. When you get to your destination, you'll need to know what boxes go in what part of your new home. This may not be a big deal if you have few things and a small place, but for the average household it can be very important.
Come up with a labeling plan before you start
putting things in boxes. Label each carton with the room where it should go in your new home and a box number. Keep the
detailed contents list in a separate inventory rather than on the outside — a box marked
"electronics" or "jewelry" invites theft.
Many cartons come with helpful checkboxes on them to aid in unloading. Use these, but be aware that they will not always cover your situation. In some cases you'll have items from different parts of the house in the same box.
The bottom line is to ensure you don't have to unpack every box in your house looking for a few particular items.
Helpful Hints
- Don't mark boxes in pencil, ballpoint, or water soluble ink. The markings should be large and easily read. A broad permanent marker is best. And get several so you don't end up searching the house every time you pack another box.
- Mark the destination room on the top and on at least two sides. This will make it easier to find.
- Fragile items should have large markings indicating what treatment they should receive. This becomes even more important if you have others helping you carry boxes or pack the truck.
- Some items will need to remain upright. Mark this on all sides of the box.
- You may want to reserve a few items to load last in order to be able to unload them first at your destination. Mark them as such and set them aside.