How to Color Code Moving Boxes
How to Color Code Moving Boxes
Relocating an office is a major event. A lot goes into packing and unpacking the office goods. When you are looking to reduce the stress associated with relocating an office, consider color coding the moving boxes. Here are five practical tips to smoothly transition from office to office.
Before packing up the office, make a conscious decision to donate or sell any unused office equipment or items that will no longer serve a functional purpose in the new space. Moving fewer items will be more organized, less stressful—and preferable.
Importance of Color Coding Boxes
Also prior to the move, business managers should communicate the contents of the boxes to the commercial mover. When surrounded by mountains of plain cardboard boxes, it can be challenging to correctly identify each one. Color coded moving boxes are the solution to this common predicament!
Unpacking is manageable when the movers and office personnel know what box belongs in each room. Each color assigned to an individual moving box should represent a particular zone. The copy room, for instance, should be assigned a certain color, and the breakroom kitchen a different one.
A piece of red tape, for example, may be placed on all the boxes containing storage items. The office supplies may be packed into multiple boxes with purple tape adhered to them. Color coding in such a way helps to quickly identify the contents of the boxes without unpacking them.
Such a tactic is extremely useful since the items that require immediate unpacking can be quickly identified. Knowing what is inside the boxes helps office managers seamlessly continue business operations without experiencing the disruptions caused by the avoidable hassles of unpacking.
1. Gather the right supplies.
First and foremost, colored duct tape is necessary to color code moving boxes with ease. Large selections of colored duct tape may be found in local retail stores. Choose solid colored duct tape, as opposed to patterned ones, to facilitate quick and easy legibility.
Waterproof permanent markers are needed to write on the colored duct tape. If opting for colored duct tape, choose black permanent markers. The waterproof feature of the markers prevents the ink on the labels from smudging during rainy weather. Offices can always re-use the markers later.
2. Pack the boxes smartly.
In order for the color-coding process to work effectively, the boxes must be packed properly. Smart packing simply means packing similar items together in each box. Office supplies belong in a separate box, while important records should be packed together in a different one.
Mixing up the contents in each box may save on the number of boxes utilized during the move, but it also makes unpacking much more difficult than necessary. Labeling is also easier when the box contains only the items listed on the colored duct tape.
3. Label each box with details.
Each box should be labeled with descriptive information. Noting the contents of the box and what room it goes into is important. Write down the general weight of the box and whether or not it is fragile. Draw arrows to show which way the moving crew should hold the boxes.
4. Place the labels strategically.
The colored duct tape ideally should be adhered to the sides of the boxes. Some moving companies recommend only one side of the box needs to be identified with the tape. However, office personnel might go as far as placing the color-coded tape on multiple sides of each box.
Avoid placing the labels solely on top of the boxes. When the boxes are piled on top of one another in the moving truck, office employees will be unable to see the labels. Adhering the labels on the sides of the boxes allows staff to see them at first glance.
Upon arrival at the destination, the office manager in charge will be better able to direct moving crews as to where to place each box. Depending on the label, some boxes may not require unpacking right away. The color-coded strategy will thus serve its purpose.
5. Create a master list.
Creating a master list of the colors assigned to each box is extremely helpful. Keep the master list in a safe place or with the office team member in charge of the move. Be sure the master list can be readily accessed upon arrival at the destination.
Consider using Google Docs or Google Sheets to create the master list. The ease of online programs allows users to access the document anywhere and on any device. Office managers may also want to print out a hard copy (but remember this can get lost during the move).
Another tip is to print several copies of the master list. Hang one master list in a highly visible spot on each floor of the new office space or in each room. Moving crews will reference the list, which facilitates the correct delivery of each box to the appropriate room.
Work with a Professional Mover
Packing up your office can take time away from business operations. Instead, assign the task of packing to an experienced and office mover, like Chicago Office Movers. Our highly efficient packing services are top notch and trusted by many local businesses.
When choosing Chicago Office Movers to pack your office goods, you can expect careful handling of your fragile office equipment. Each item is organized, wrapped, and securely packed in sturdy boxes to ensure a smooth transition to your new office space.
Our union movers are trained and background checked, allowing area businesses to place full confidence in our professional packing services. As a part of our comprehensive moving services, we also unpack office goods. Our moving crews will place each box in its correct location at the destination.
Chicago Office Movers has served Chicagoland for the past 35 years. When you need an office relocation company to handle every aspect of your move, count on Chicago Office Movers.
Contact Us
We offer a free estimate for our moving and packing services to businesses in the Windy City. Give us a call at 312-244-2246.
