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f you’ve ever played the game of mystery box roulette on moving day, you’ll know the chaos of unlabelled or badly labelled boxes. One minute you’re looking for bedsheets, the next you’re knee-deep in a box of tangled extension cords and mismatched Tupperware lids. Let’s fix that.
Labelling moving boxes might seem like a small task, but it makes a huge difference when unpacking and settling into your new home. Whether you’re moving across Johannesburg traffic, relocating from Durban to Ballito, or starting fresh in Cape Town, a simple labelling system will save you time, confusion, and quite possibly your last shred of patience.
Tip: Before you even get to labelling, make life easier by cutting down on what you pack. Check out our guide to decluttering before a move for tips that will lighten the load.
At a minimum, each box should include:
Tip: Use a thick, waterproof marker, and write on at least two sides of the box plus the top.
South African summer rainstorms and high humidity aren’t kind to thin pen ink, so make sure your labels survive the weather.
Assign each room a colour and use coloured tape, duct tape or those affordable Mr Price Home sticker sheets. For example:
You can even give each room its own symbol (like a protea for the guest room or a fork for the kitchen) for a more visual system. It’s a great trick if you’re involving kids in the move or if English isn’t your household’s first language.
For more family-friendly tips, see our guide to moving house with kids in South Africa.
If you want to stay super organised, number each box and keep a running list (either on paper or in a notes app). This helps you:
Example: Kitchen – Box 3 of 7: Plates, chopping boards, cutlery
Wondering how many boxes you’ll need? See our quick guide to help you estimate the number of boxes needed for moving day.
Create a few “Open First” boxes and label them clearly. These should include:
Label them with something like “Essentials – Open First” or use bright red tape to make them stand out.
Tip: Beyond your first night, remember to update your address with your bank, service providers and municipal utility accounts so your mail and bills follow you.
Use our guide to get tips on how to navigate address changes during your house-moving process.
Some people love using moving apps or spreadsheets to track their boxes. Others take photos of the contents before sealing each one. This helps if anything goes missing during a long-distance move between provinces or when using courier services like The Courier Guy or PostNet Express.
Digital tracking works best if you’re also moving artwork, antiques, or fragile and valuable items.
Label before sealing so you don’t forget what went inside
Taking a few extra minutes to label properly is one of the easiest ways to avoid costly moving mistakes.
A clear, consistent labelling system turns unpacking from chaos into calm. It helps you set up your new home faster, reduces the risk of breakages, and makes life easier for your movers. It’s one of those small things that saves big headaches later and keeps those 'Where’s the kettle?' moments to a minimum.
So grab your koki pens, a roll of tape from Builders, and your favourite playlist. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re unpacking with a cup of rooibos instead of tearing open every box in the lounge.
If you’re hiring professional moving companies in South Africa, clear labels make their job smoother and your move faster. Wise Move is a moving service provider to help you compare and book the best local moving teams in your area, whether you’re in Sandton, Bloemfontein, or Port Elizabeth.
If you really want to level up your moving game, share your colour-coding or numbering system with your moving team before they arrive. They’ll follow your plan and save you time and chaos when you’ve moved in.
Wise Move is South Africa’s leading moving service, helping thousands of customers with home moves, furniture removals, car and motorcycle transport, and more. Since 2017, we’ve been delivering reliable, affordable, and well-reviewed moving services in just a few simple steps. Our focus has always been on making moving as simple and effortless as possible for our customers.
![How Many Moving Boxes Do You Need [Quick Guide]](https://cdn.wisemove.co.za/image/blog/f402bbe3e47e09aa41a6d8370888b926.jpeg "How Many Moving Boxes Do You Need [Quick Guide]")
