Written by Move and Care Team
Edited and Fact Checked by Taras Kim
In 2014, a family packed their belongings for a cross-country move. The dad labeled boxes with sticky notes and hoped for the best. When they arrived, chaos reigned. No one knew where anything was.
The solution? A system. A simple plan could have saved hours of frustration and searching. Labeling and categorizing your belongings isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
Start With a List
Think of an inventory list as your moving roadmap. Without it, you’re driving blind.
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Begin with one room at a time. List what you own.
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Use an app or spreadsheet if writing feels too slow.
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about making sure nothing gets lost in the shuffle.
Invest in Good Packing Materials
Boxes that collapse under weight. Tape that won’t stick. These are problems you can avoid with the right materials.
Sturdy boxes. Bubble wrap. Packing paper. They’re not luxuries; they’re necessities. Think of them as insurance for your stuff.
Labeling is Your Best Friend
When you arrive at your new place, knowing what’s in each box is a lifesaver. Here’s how to make labels work for you:
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Write the destination room on each box. Simple but effective.
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Color code boxes by room. A red sticker means “kitchen.” A green sticker? “living room.”
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Number each box. Match it to your inventory list.
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Be specific about contents. Write “kitchen tools” instead of just “kitchen.”
Categorize Strategically
When packing, group like with like. Books in one box. Towels in another. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about sanity.
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Pack essentials separately. Imagine arriving at midnight and needing a toothbrush. That’s your essentials box.
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Use clear bins for must-have items. Cleaning supplies, for example. If you can see it, you’ll find it.
Other Lessons Learned
Packing well takes time. Start early. Pack heavy items on the bottom of boxes and lighter ones on top. And don’t hurt yourself—lift with your legs, not your back.
Feeling overwhelmed? Movers can help. They’re worth it if time is short or you need extra hands.
The Bottom Line
Moving is never easy, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster. A little planning goes a long way. Start with a list. Use good materials. Label everything. When it’s time to unpack, you’ll be glad you did.
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