​Residential relocations require a lot of time and energy. From the moment you begin planning to the moment the last box is unloaded, you'll be busy coordinating with your movers and checking items off of your to-do list. But even after all your belongings have safely arrived at your new address, you still have all the unpacking left to do!

Thomas Transfer & Storage is a seasoned moving company in the Wichita area that's been in business since 1945. Homeowners often forget about the unloading and unpacking portions of the moving process, but we're here to tell you that color-coding your boxes can save you a world of worry, time and energy.

Why is Color-Coding Beneficial During a Move?

Knowing the contents of a box before opening it is key if you want to be able to swiftly unpack and rehouse your personal belongings after completing a household move. While scribbling a description of the contents somewhere on the outside of the box may work, it still requires your movers to search for the writing, decipher it, and decide which room those contents belong to. 

Instead, color-coding your boxes provides a much easier and more visible way of communicating where each box needs to go. Your movers will simply notice the colored strip of tape on top of your box, check which room it corresponds to, and promptly bring the box to its correct area of the house, saving you a whole lot of effort in the meantime!

How to Seamlessly Color-Code Moving Boxes

Adding a colored tab or strip of tape to the top of each box involved in your move may sound straightforward, but we have a few professional tips to pass on in order to make sure you utilize this method correctly and successfully. Our advice for the most efficient color-coding process includes:

  1. Obtaining Materials: Purchase at least six distinct colors of tape or tabs for your boxes, depending on the volume of your belongings and the number of rooms in your new home.
  2. Create a Key: In order for your color-coding system to work, you need to create a key discerning which color corresponds with which room. Make sure to print copies of your key before you pack up your printer!
  3. Code Boxes Early: We suggest adding your colored tape or tabs to boxes as soon as you've finished packing each so you don't forget to label it later on or what you packed inside.
  4. Hang Color Key: Make sure to place copies of your color key on doors and in hallways so that your movers always have access to it and can quickly determine where to place each box.

Whether you have a local move on the calendar or are in the middle of planning a long-distance relocation, Thomas Transfer & Storage is ready and prepared to help. As agents of United Van Lines, we have access to personnel and resources worldwide, allowing us to complete relocations of all shapes and sizes for our Wichita-area customers. From small apartment moves to complex commercial relocations, our experts know what to do. Get in touch with Thomas Transfer & Storage today to learn more, and to receive a free estimate on any of our moving and storage services.