--- title: How to Label Moving Boxes So They Unpack Fast url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-label-moving-boxes/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving guides](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/) - How to label moving boxes # How to label moving boxes Label every box with three things: the destination room, a box number and a short list of contents. That combination lets a crew put each box in the right room without asking and lets you find what you need on the first night. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) ## Five steps to label a box - Pick a system. Choose room names for the new home, such as Kitchen, Bed 1 and Garage, and use the same names for everyone. - Write on the side. Put the room in large letters on two sides, because the top is hidden when boxes stack. - Number the box. Give each box a number in order and keep a running list on paper or your phone. - Add a short list. Write a few words that describe the contents, such as glasses or winter coats. - Mark special boxes. Add Fragile, This Side Up or Open First as needed, and mark them on every side. Labels do two jobs. For the crew, the room name tells them where the box goes. For you, the number and the list tell you what is inside without opening it. Good labels cost a few minutes at packing time and save hours at the other end. ## Use the new home's room names Label by where the box is going, not where it came from. A box that says Den is no help if the new house has no den. Walk the new home with a floor plan and decide the names ahead of time. A paper sign on each door at the new place matches the labels. ## Colour coding Coloured tape or dots give a quick visual cue. One colour per room works well, and a colour chart taped near the door tells the crew where each goes. Keep colour as an extra, not a replacement for words. ## Keep a master list A numbered list of boxes with contents is useful for inventory and for finding things. It is also useful if a box is damaged, because you know what was inside. A phone spreadsheet is enough. See the [moving inventory](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-inventory/) guide for how an inventory helps on larger moves. ## The open-first box Pack one box for the first night with sheets, towels, toiletries, a kettle and basic tools, and label it Open First. Read [the first night box](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/first-night-box/) for ideas. For help with other packing, O'Brien's sells boxes and supplies at the Sparks office, and the estimate comes with 10 free heavy-duty boxes to keep. See [moving boxes and supplies](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/packing/moving-boxes-and-supplies/). ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [FMCSA, Protect Your Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move) - [USPS, Mover's Guide](https://moversguide.usps.com/) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [How to pack a moving box properly](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-moving-box/) - [The moving inventory and high-value items form](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-inventory/) - [What goes in a first-night box](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/first-night-box/) - [Moving boxes and packing supplies at our Sparks counter](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/packing/moving-boxes-and-supplies/) Moving guides ## Read next - [How to pack fine china](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-china/) - [How to move a fish tank or aquarium](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-fish-tank/) - [How to move a freezer](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-freezer/) - [How to move a stove or range](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-stove/) - [How to move a dishwasher](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-dishwasher/) - [How to pack vinyl records](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-records/) - [Moving with a newborn](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-with-a-newborn/) - [Moving after a divorce](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-after-divorce/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### Should I label the top of the box? Yes, but also the sides, since boxes are usually stacked. ### What marker is best? A thick black permanent marker is easy to read from a distance. ### Do I need to list everything inside? No. A few words are enough, plus a number tied to your master list. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) J Janet M. May 16, 2026 I was so impressed with the way the crew handled and packed each piece of furniture for short term storage. They were polite and professional. I would highly recommend them to anyone planning a move. ### Owner's reply Janet we are so glad to hear that your move was a great success and we sincerely appreciate you providing us with this wonderful review. We will continue to provide you with the best service as we move forward. J Judy H. April 7, 2026 I was so satisfied and impressed with O'Brien. My move went perfectly. If I have another move, it will be O'Brien for sure!! ### Owner's reply WE ARE THRILLED TO HEAR THE MOVE WENT SO WELL!!!! Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to let us know. F Francie H. February 20, 2026 We were referred to O'Brien's Moving and Storage though a friend in Reno. We couldn't be more pleased with the Professionalism and Service. They were quick to set up Luke to come out and give us a quote and scheduled the actual move date right away. Luke was on time for our quote as were the movers on our moving day. All three of the gentlemen who moved us were professional and courteous from start to finish. From the initial phone call to the completion of our move, we felt like we were treated as family. We would definitely use them again and recommend O'Brien's Moving and Storage to our friends in the future. ### Owner's reply Francie, Thank you for this amazing review. The result you have expressed is exactly what we all strive to accomplish. I love that you walked away knowing you are now a part of the O'Brien's family, whenever you need us we are a phone call away! I will let the movers know about the kind words expressed about them, that will be very satisfying for all of them. We will look forward to any referrals you send our way, thank you for the opportunity! ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070