The Pro-Approved Storage Trick That Makes Every Move So Organized (It’s So Smart!)

Over the past 10 years, my husband and I have moved six times. If there’s anything I’ve learned from bouncing around every couple of years, it’s that moving is completely exhausting. It’s inevitable that no matter how many boxes we label, we always lose track of something. So if there’s something — anything! — that can make the moving process even just a little bit easier, I am game to try it. 

So when I stumbled upon this pro organizer-recommended trick here on Apartment Therapy, I knew I had to give it a shot. 

The hack? Using small QR code stickers called Smart Labels. You simply stick them onto a box, which you can then scan to see a list of what’s inside. Simple and brilliant! Because my husband and I have moved so many times, we’ve accrued about a dozen plastic storage bins that now hold items like seasonal decor and keepsakes. We’ve currently labeled them with Post-It notes (because we can’t label them with a marker like on a cardboard box) and this method is … less than perfect. The Post-It notes don’t stay sticky forever, and we’ve definitely lost track of what’s stored where — so I was excited to try the QR code stickers. 

There are 48 stickers to a pack — four sheets and four different colors. Once I downloaded the Smart Labels app, I scanned a sticker to get started. Luckily, the instructions in the app are incredibly simple. I was instructed to give the label a name, and from there the app walked me through everything I needed for keeping my items organized. It asks what the label is on (a box, bag, suitcase, etc.), where you’re going to store the container (bedroom, closet, garage etc.), and there’s even an option to add a picture of the container so you can easily spot it. I can definitely see this coming in handy if I was storing my container in a large storage unit or basement, perhaps. 

The home screen of the app slowly becomes a neatly organized menu of all the labeled QR-coded boxes, which in and of itself made me relaxed and satisfied. 

You can stop at labeling your boxes, but if you want to go even further there’s an option to add items stored as well. As someone who has lost items, or simply couldn’t remember what box a specific item was in post-move, I can see this feature being a real lifesaver. I also have multiple boxes of seasonal decor with a plethora of pieces for each holiday, so this is incredibly handy. You can label, describe, and take pictures of individual items that live in each box. 

Even though I’m not currently moving, I can see how this would be incredible if I was packing up and getting ready to leave. Labeling as I go would make all the difference! I remember I couldn’t find one of my favorite coffee mugs during one of our moves a few years ago. We had three or four boxes labeled “kitchen,” and I definitely had to do some digging to find what I wanted. If I had a Smart Label, I would have saved myself from ripping open more boxes than I needed, and my morning would have been less chaotic and more intentional. And in the midst of a move, those moments should be savored. 

While my husband and I don’t plan on moving anytime soon, as renters we know our current home isn’t for forever. When the time comes for us to move, I know I’ll be using these Smart Labels as I pack. In the meantime, they will be so helpful for our storage! If you’re someone who’s dug through boxes mid-move like I have, QR code labels might be your new secret weapon. I definitely recommend you give them a try if you’re ready to reduce stress and make a move more manageable. Happy packing!

Check out the The New Mover to discover the latest tips and most innovative hacks to make your next move the smoothest one yet. This content was presented by a sponsor; it was created independently by our editorial team.