Moving sometimes feels like a stressful, rushed process. It can be tempting to try to save time by tossing items into boxes and dealing with organizing them once you're moved into your new home. However, this can set you up for quite a bit of future frustration when you need to quickly find a specific belonging, especially if you plan to keep some of your boxes in a personal storage unit. Here are a few tips for creating an efficient color-coded labeling system that will save you time and stress. 

How to Label Boxes for Storage

1. Gather Supplies

It can be discouraging to start the packing process only to realize you don't have the supplies necessary to put your labeling system in place. Before you begin, make sure you have everything you'll need to pack and label all your boxes. This will include an assortment of boxes, packing tape, scissors, colored labels with black permanent markers or white labels with colored permanent markers, and spreadsheet software. 

2. Create Categories

In a color-coded system, each color should coordinate with a specific item category. Start by breaking it down by each room of your new home, plus a category for storage. Be as specific as possible and consider splitting large or shared rooms into two categories. For example, if you have two daughters who share a bedroom now but will have their own rooms in your new house, create separate categories for each of their belongings to save work in the future.

3. Assign Colors

Assign a color to each room-based category. Make sure the colors all stand out from each other so that you can tell them apart with a quick glance. Choose a different color for the boxes going to your personal storage unit.

4. Create a Spreadsheet

Once your colors are chosen, you'll want to create a spreadsheet to keep track of which box each item ends up in. If you have not purchased spreadsheet software, Google Sheets is available for free to anyone with a Google account. Set up a spreadsheet with colored cells that match your category colors. After you enter the contents of each box, you'll be able to sort by color.

5. Label & Number Boxes

As you pack your belongings, enter each item into your color-coded spreadsheet. Give each box a corresponding number so that when you're looking for an item later, you'll know it is located in the only green-labeled box marked 4, for example. 

If you're looking for a storage solution in Anchorage, AK, rely on Arctic Storage at Midtown, with three convenient locations. Whether you're moving, remodeling, or just need to free up some space, they're sure to have a unit to suit your needs. They offer various sizes of temperature-controlled units with gated access and 24/7 security. Visit their website for a complete list of options, or call to reserve a unit by dialing (907) 563-3342 for the Midtown location, (907) 338-7233 for the Foothills location, or (907) 334-9292 for the Park Lane location.