How to label your storage boxes – simple guide

Whether you need to put some of your items into long-term storage or only need a unit temporarily until your new house is ready to move, we will help you come up with an efficient way to label your storage boxes. Create a system in a quite simple and straightforward way with the help of Zippy Shell Columbus moving experts. All you need to do is write the contents of the box or a container on a piece of paper. And you are going to tape it to the box. But we wouldn’t be writing this article if there weren’t some important specifics. After reading this, you will be able to avoid troubles of rummaging through your rental storage unit. Knowing how to label your storage boxes and bins in the right way will make items much easier. So let’s begin labeling!

When labeling boxes for storage, you want to achieve two important things:

• Keep your items neatly organized;
• Quickly and efficiently finding whatever you may need from the unit

To do so, you need to label your storage boxes in such an effective way that you know what is inside with just one look at the label. You should also immediately know how careful you should be when handling the bin or container. You don’t want to risk accidentally overturning a box full of breakables in your temporary warehouse space. Therefore, your labels should be clear, neat, legible, and unlikely to come off when moving the boxes around. But they should also be easy to edit or replace as necessary. You might need to add something to a box or take an item out. You might even end up changing all the contents of a storage bin over time.

How to label your storage boxes with such durable labels?

1. Gather appropriate labeling materials – you’ll need permanent markers, color labels, masking tape, clear packing tape, glue, some tag holders.
2. Find a labeling system that will work best for you. Writing all the necessary information on a piece of white paper and sticking it to the storage box is all right. But a color code or a numeric system is a more efficient option.

The color code labeling system

Choose one color for one type of items. Use the chosen color to mark all items of the same category and every storage box that contains items of that category. For example, PURPLE is for kids’ items, GREEN for gardening tools, ORANGE for kitchen accessories and cutlery, etc. The main benefit of the color code labeling system when using storage units Reynoldsburg Ohio is that it can help you find what you need extremely quickly and easily. If you are in need of some childhood memorabilia, you’ll be looking just at the PURPLE labeled boxes.

Numeric labeling system

Each box gets a unique number and a separate spreadsheet document with all the contents of the boxes. And all the items from a certain box should have its own assigned number. This is very time-saving because you will only need to look at the box number to know what category of items it contains. Then you will check the master list for information about its contents. For example, one quick look at the checklist will tell you that your gardening tools are in box number 5. The greatest advantage of this way to label your storage boxes is that it allows for quick and easy changes.

Label your storage boxes in a clear way

Mark the contents of the box in its entirety and as clearly as possible. Write down any relevant information – not only the categories of items inside the box but also their type or model, current condition, true purpose or any other info that may be useful when you’re looking for a certain object. For example, instead of just writing “My shoes”, you may find more efficient to write “Four pairs of high heels, black, red, and two silver pairs. In excellent condition but not comfortable. Never worn”. This way, you’ll know exactly which box to look into when you decide to wear them (finally) or get rid of them.

Write specific handling instructions

No matter which way you Label your storage boxes, make sure you mark FRAGILE, THIS SIDE UP, or any other important handling instructions. Write them down directly on the box with a permanent red or black marker. For plastic storage bins or containers, stick large notes on them with the very bold, visible handling instructions.

How to label plastic storage containers?

It is wise to use plastic storage containers when packing items for long-term storage. They provide better protection against moisture, pests, and dirt. Since you will probably want to reuse your quality plastic storage bins you will certainly need an efficient way to mark their contents them so that the labels don’t stay forever. And they need to come off easily but also easily changed when the time comes. Never use pencils for writing labels or dry erase markers for plastic storage containers, because they rub off very easily.

You have several good options for labeling plastic storage containers:

• Apply blue painter’s tape as it doesn’t leave a residue.
• Find label holders (or name tag holders) that allow you to slide a small card with information into the slot.
• Use self-adhesive document pockets

Thanks for reading and we hope we have helped you label your storage boxes. If you implement any of these methods you will be successful in staying organized! It will also be very efficient if you hire Zippy Shell Movers to relocate your household or put items into storage. It is a full-proof way to keep your things in order!