Arctic Move Playbook

Bins, Insulation, Labeling, Inventory

Using Bins

Rigid bins outperform cardboard in wet and freezing conditions. Choose latch lids, gasket seals, and stackable forms to resist moisture and shifting. Assign color or tape bands by room to improve speed during unloading and staging.

Load heavy items low with padding and distribute weight evenly. Keep total mass within safe lift limits to prevent injuries and damage. For delicate goods, add foam or corrugated sleeves that maintain shape under cold. Stabilize odd shapes with dividers and keep fasteners in labeled pouches taped inside lids.

Create a lift plan: define max bin weight, team sizes, and route constraints like stairs and narrow entries. Stage bins by destination room and priority tier so the first-off items accelerate setup.

Plastic bins and insulation packing system

Bin Advantages

-40% moisture exposure vs cardboard.
+20% stacking stability on rough roads.
3x reuse cycles on average.

Insulation, Labeling, Inventory

Insulation Techniques

Insulation and cold-weather packing visual

Wrap electronics and instruments with a vapor barrier, then add closed-cell foam or wool layers. Fill voids to reduce thermal shock. Mark boxes that must acclimate before power-up and include desiccant for humidity control.

Labeling Methods

Labeling examples with color tape bands

Adopt a consistent pattern such as Kitchen, Fragile, Box 3 of 10. Label two sides and top; add handling notes like This Side Up or Do Not Freeze. Use contrasting tape for priority tiers A/B/C.

Inventory Tracking

Checklist and inventory timeline graphic

Create a master sheet with fields for box ID, room, priority, count, value, and notes. Mirror digitally for search and backup; attach photos for high-value items. Use QR codes linking to entries for rapid scan-in at arrival.

Materials List

Closed-cell foam, vapor barrier film, wool blankets, desiccant packs, corner guards, shock and tilt indicators, cold-rated tape.

Tool Kit

Tape guns, strap ratchets, zip ties, label printer, QR stickers, utility knife with spare blades, headlamp, gloves.

Room Coding

Assign colors and codes per room; print a door legend at destination to speed staging and reduce questions.