Labeling your boxes correctly is one of the most important steps in any shipping or moving process. Whether you're sending out shipping boxes for your business or organizing a home move, clear and accurate labeling prevents confusion, delays, and damage.
If you're wondering how to label a box for shipping or how to label moving boxes efficiently, this guide covers everything—from shipping label tips to the best practices using moving labels and color coded moving labels.
Why Proper Labeling Matters
Improper or missing labels can result in lost packages, misrouted deliveries, or delays. Using the right moving box labels or shipping labels ensures that your package moves smoothly through the delivery system and reaches its intended destination without a hitch.
For movers, clearly labeled boxes help place items in the correct rooms, speed up unpacking, and protect fragile belongings from being mishandled.
Types of Labels for Shipping and Moving
1. Shipping Labels
These are essential for packages being mailed or shipped through carriers like FedEx, UPS, or USPS. A shipping label contains the destination address, return address, tracking number, and barcode. If you're asking where to get a shipping label, StarBoxes offers durable options you can apply directly to your shipping cartons.
2. Moving Labels for Boxes
For household or office moves, you should use moving labels for boxes to indicate the contents and the destination room. This helps movers know exactly where each box goes, making your unpacking process far more efficient.
3. Color Coded Moving Labels
Want a smarter way to move? Use color coded moving labels—assign a different color to each room (e.g., red for the kitchen, green for the master bedroom). You can label each box by color and room, making it instantly recognizable at a glance.
How to Label Boxes for Moving
Here's a step-by-step approach to properly label moving boxes:
- Create a Room Inventory: Write down which items go in which room.
- Use Moving Labels: Apply moving box labels on two sides of each box—top and side—for better visibility.
- Use Colors to Organize: As mentioned, using color coded moving labels simplifies the unloading process.
- Include Box Numbers: Numbering boxes allows you to cross-check against your inventory list.
- Write Fragile When Needed: For breakable items, clearly mark the box with a Fragile label.
Best Practices for Labeling Boxes
To keep your packages secure and traceable:
- Write Clearly: Use permanent markers with thick tips or print labels.
- Stick Flat: Apply your label on a flat surface, never on a seam or corner.
- Label All Sides If Needed: Especially useful for larger loads where visibility can be limited.
- Remove Old Labels: Prevent delivery confusion by scraping off or covering old labels.
- Use Label Protectors: Protect your labels from smudging or tearing with packing tape or plastic sleeves.
Where to Put Shipping Label on Box
Always place the shipping label on the top of the box. Avoid placing it over seams, edges, or corners. If possible, apply a second label on the side in case the top becomes damaged during transit.
This positioning ensures the barcode is easily scannable, which is vital for carrier tracking systems.
How to Put Shipping Label on Box
Apply the label firmly so it lies flat without wrinkles. Use a label pouch or clear packing tape to secure the entire label—especially the barcode—to prevent smudging or tearing. Don't fold the label around the corners, as this can make scanning difficult.
If you're labeling a box for international shipping, consider placing a duplicate label inside the box in case the outer label gets damaged.
How Often Should You Replace or Update Labels?
- Replace labels if they're torn, faded, or unreadable.
- Reprint shipping labels if a delivery is delayed or redirected.
- Update moving labels if contents change or are redistributed among boxes.
Shipping Label Tips for Hassle-Free Delivery
Here are some quick and practical shipping label tips:
- Double-check addresses before printing.
- Always include a return address.
- Avoid abbreviations that carriers might misinterpret.
- Stick with high-contrast labels (black text on white background).
- For international shipping, make sure to include customs information when needed.
How to Obtain Shipping Labels – Why Choose StarBoxes
If you're wondering where to get a shipping label, StarBoxes makes the process easy and efficient. We carry a wide range of adhesive-backed shipping labels and moving labels in different styles and sizes to fit any packaging requirement.
What sets StarBoxes apart?
- Pre-printed and Color-Coded Options: Choose from pre-labeled options like “Fragile,” “This Side Up,” or use our color coded moving labels to organize by room or content type.
- Bulk Availability: Buy in small quantities or save more with bulk orders.
- Custom Quotes: Need labels by the pallet? Our Custom Bulk eQuote service gets you the best deal.
- Fast Nationwide Shipping: We ship from multiple U.S. fulfillment centers for fast 1-2 day delivery.
StarBoxes labels are designed for durability, legibility, and ease of use—making them the go-to choice whether you're moving across town or shipping nationwide.
Label Like a Pro with StarBoxes
Knowing how to label a box for shipping or how to label boxes for moving can save you time, money, and stress. From household moves to business shipments, proper labeling ensures your boxes reach the right place—undamaged and on time.
Using high-quality moving labels, shipping labels, and label protectors is the smartest way to organize and safeguard your shipments.
Shop now at StarBoxes.com for durable, reliable labels that help get your items where they need to go. Whether you're looking to label moving boxes or searching for where to get a shipping label, StarBoxes has the solution.
FAQs
1. Where should I place the shipping label on a box?
Place the shipping label on the top of the box, away from seams or edges. Make sure it's flat and fully visible for scanning. You can also place a backup label on one side of the box for added security during transit.
2. Can I handwrite a shipping label?
Yes, you can handwrite a shipping label for personal deliveries or informal shipments. However, for carrier services like UPS, FedEx, or USPS, it's best to use a printed label with a barcode to ensure accurate tracking and fast processing.
3. Can I tape over the shipping label?
Yes, you can tape over a shipping label—as long as you use clear tape and avoid placing tape over the barcode. The label must remain legible and scannable throughout the shipping process.
4. What information should be included on a shipping label?
A complete shipping label should include:
- Recipient's full name and address
- Sender's (return) address
- Tracking number and barcode
- Shipping service and class (e.g., Ground, 2-Day)
Optional but useful: phone number, special handling instructions (e.g., Fragile, This Side Up)
5. What happens if the shipping label is damaged or unreadable?
If the label is damaged or the barcode is unreadable, your package may be delayed, returned to the sender, or lost in transit. Always secure your label with clear tape or a pouch, and consider placing a duplicate label inside the box as a backup.