What’s the Best Way to Label Boxes in Storage?

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September 25th, 2025

The Importance of Labeling Boxes

In the chaos of moving or having to put boxes in storage, labeling might not rank high on your priorities. Labeling boxes only takes a little effort, but it can make finding the right box significantly easier. It’s not difficult to find items in a few boxes, but if you’re stacking a lot of storage bins and boxes in a self-storage unit, adding labels can prevent organizational chaos. Clear labeling makes organizing easier from the start and makes it straightforward to find exactly what box you need. If you decide to move your boxes out of a storage unit, labels can be the guide for what items are in each box instead of forcing you to search through each one! While it can seem simple, proper labeling can save you a lot of time later.

Choosing the right boxes and bins, the type of label, deciding on a labeling system, and implementing it efficiently will leave you thanking yourself later. Continue reading to learn more about category labels, moving labels, color coding, and more.

Create a Label System and Inventory List

There are a lot of unique ways to label your storage boxes, from using color-coded duct tape to categorizing with box numbers. Whatever system you choose or create, it’s important to stick with it. A label system is only as efficient as you make it to be. If a majority of your storage boxes are labeled one way, but some differently, the system may not be helpful. Finding a box of kitchen utensils won’t be easy if only half of your kitchen boxes are identifiable.

Make sure whatever label system you use is compatible with your storage boxes and bins. If you’re using clear bins, it’s helpful to put tape or cardstock behind your label so it’s easier to see! Create consistency across your labels. Make them similar, and place each label in the same spot on every storage bin. If your boxes are all facing the same direction, you don’t want labels hidden.

An inventory sheet can help with any labeling system. Creating a sheet that details important items, which box they’re in, where in the storage unit, color, etc. This helps keep you organized and helps manage the entirety of the storage unit. If you’re looking for a particular important item, you can know exactly where to find it.

Color Coding Your Moving and Storage Boxes

Color-coding your labels when packing makes organizing and finding items significantly easier. You can choose a single color for a room, like the kitchen, and mark all of the boxes and storage containers with kitchen items with that color. Utilize colorful stickers, colored tape, or permanent markers of different colors to create clear indicators so you know which room each box is associated with without opening it.

If you want to get more detailed, you can still add labels that describe the contents in each box. You can utilize the color code to group boxes by room or category, and be able to later read exactly what is in each box without having to pull it out of the storage unit and open it.

There are multiple techniques for inventorying your belongings and labeling boxes. Color coding is one of the simpler but effective systems you can utilize. One bonus with the color coding system is that it’s intuitive. Friends, family, and movers will all understand this label system immediately.

Utilizing QR Code Labels

A simple labeling system may work for some, but others might want something more extensive and detailed. Labeling services that utilize QR codes, barcode labels, and digital lists have created a completely new way of organizing your storage boxes. This allows you to simply scan each label with your phone and find out exactly what’s in the box. You can input information for each box, like the room, whose items are inside, or unique details. Everyone in your household can have access to scan each code, allowing them to find what they’re looking for without needing help.

With QR code labels, you are able to make changes to the contents of boxes or repurpose bins without having to remove or replace labels. An electronic labeling system can adapt as you go, making it useful for years to come. An adaptive labeling system also means investing in long-lasting bins can reduce waste instead of replacing cardboard boxes again and again.

More Label Tips

Make each label clear and easy to read from a distance. Labeling with large letters means you aren’t climbing over other items in storage to read the label on each box. Written words directly on a cardboard box aren’t the easiest to read in darker environments. Use white duct tape with a darker color marker to make the text pop and more legible.

Old labels are misleading and can confuse. Cover up or remove any old labels that aren’t relevant anymore. When packing up boxes, the contents inside each one are fresh in our minds, but after months of being in a storage unit, we may have forgotten some of the details. Being specific when labeling helps ensure you aren’t trying to remember every time you pack away. Be descriptive to set yourself, family members, and movers up for success.

Awesome Possum Storage Units

Looking for a self-storage unit in Central Ohio? Awesome Possum Storage offers a wide range of storage units with amenities and state-of-the-art security. Our facility is monitored 24/7 to ensure that your personal belongings are safe and secure.

We have storage solutions for personal use, commercial inventory, seasonal recreational equipment, and more. To find a unit that suits your needs or to rent one today, check out our Storage Size Calculator or contact Awesome Possum Storage.