Pro movers offer packing services as part of a complete interstate move.
Think of it: A2B Moving & Storage’s long-distance movers skillfully placing your most treasured possessions within properly configured boxes using just the right amount of protective packing paper.
Still, some individuals want to do their own packing while leaving the heavy-lifting chores to professional cross-country movers. Like the sound of crumpled paper? Adore the “pop” of bubble wrap underfoot? Then our box-labeling tips will get you as close as possible to how best-rated movers—such as A2B Moving & Storage—do it.
Unpacking process
Logically labeling boxes during packing will make the unpacking process in your new home proceed as smoothly as possible. (Also read: National Van Lines’ packing tips for an organized move.)
As the best moving company Seattle has to offer, 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 with our extensive experience as long-distance movers in Auburn, WA, 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.
Color code
A few color-coding options are possible. You can label by person, by room or a combination. Whichever might make the most sense for packing and unpacking easier and faster. 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 Laura’s wardrobe, use blue marker entirely, no matter from which room the items originate. Laura’s shoes? Even though they’re in the downstairs closet, write in blue “Laura’s shoes.” Laura’s socks? Despite being stored in the upstairs master-bedroom dresser, still use blue to write “Laura’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 it makes sense to reserve that color for marking items “fragile.” Boxes holding these sensitive items should be identified by writing “fragile” on all sides.
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.
Numbered boxes
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 50 boxes, you’ll expect to see that same number when you arrive at your interstate move’s final destination.
Contact us today
Seeking a moving company in Seattle considered among the region’s top-rated movers? Whether you need local or long-distance movers, A2B Moving & Storage are the movers in Seattle, WA best-suited to handle the job carefully and courteously. Since 2009, we’ve been the long-distance movers in Auburn, WA people confidently count on. Contact us today for a FREE moving quote: 206.419.5748.
