Packing Tapes that Make Moving Easy
Choosing the Right Packing Tape for a Smooth Move
Lots of people get ready to move by heading to their local hardware store to pick up boxes and other things like packing tape. Sounds simple, right? Believe it or not, packing tape is a very important part of your move.
Buy packing tape that is not strong, and you have a major problem when it comes to sealing your boxes properly. Or purchase packing tape that is too thick, and you have another problem: using up expensive tape when you could use something a little more practical for lighter boxes.
What’s the rule of thought for packing? When you are packing boxes for a move, whether it is across the city or across the state, always use packing tape that is labeled for moving or storage. Use heavy-duty (thick) packing tape for extra heavy boxes or for those boxes that will be placed in storage. Thick tape is about 1.9 mil or higher and a strong adhesive equipped for storage in changing conditions.
That said, if you are not storing any of your boxes, then you don’t have to be concerned about temperature changes. The space you store your boxes in has as much to do with how well-protected your belongings are during any time that contents are not being used.
Here’s What You Need to Know
Strong and functional boxes and packing materials are essential for any move. Choosing the wrong kinds of tape for your move can be a disaster.
Boxes can shift even with the best packing techniques. Whether it happens during transit, storage, or packing, broken tape can be frustrating and can cause harm to your belongings or even to those who are helping you.
Packing fragile items for a move to a new place is stressful enough, which is why so many people are tempted to act quickly and reach for the first roll of tape they can find. Don’t do it!
Relocation experts like Lambert Moving Systems tell clients to purchase tape from a moving company or a storage facility like U-Haul. This way, you know you’re getting a good-quality, industrial-strength tape.
- Look at the label on the tape: The best tape for packing boxes will be labeled “moving” or “storage.” It features an acrylic adhesive that is strong.
- Shipping tape can be referred to as packaging tape, but it is better for sealing packages for mailing. It is just not as strong, so avoid using it for packing.
- Packing tape can also be referred to as storage tape and, again, may not be as strong as you need for your boxes.
- Storage or packing tape is strong. It’s designed to hold for long-term storage and fluctuating temperatures. It is best to buy this tape if you are moving and know that some of your items will go into storage that may or may not be climate-controlled.
Many relocation companies offer short-term storage in climate-controlled environments.
(Simple note here: if you do have to use short-time storage, you want to make sure it is climate-controlled. It is tempting to go for those outside units that are cheaper, but you could risk losing your valuables.)
The Best Tape for Moving Boxes
The ideal tape for boxes that are being moved from one location to another is Scotch Tough Grip Moving Packaging Tape. It’s a clear tape that can hold up to 80 pounds of weight per box.
Moving and packaging tape is also called mover’s tape. It is called this because movers use it! It maintains a firm grip on all types of cardboard surfaces, making it the best tape for packing, moving, and storage.
The Best Tape for Storage Boxes
If you are storing some of your boxes, you will want to use tape like an acrylic adhesive, such as Scotch Long Lasting Storage Packaging Tape. It is—
- Strong, secure, solvent-free acrylic adhesive
- Designed for lasting protection
- Stays sealed in weather extremes (-25 degrees F to 160 degrees F)
- UV-resistant adhesive
- Clear to the core
- Resists slivering, splitting, and tearing
This tape typically costs a little more per roll, but it lasts. Have a plan in mind: divide out items that you know will be in storage and pack those differently. You want them to be secure and keeping them sealed is one way to do this. Honestly, the manufacturer says it is engineered to keep boxes sealed for years. Its adhesive quality will hold through extreme temperature swings and other harsh storage conditions.
According to packing experts SpareFoot: “While multiple types of tape can be used for sealing a box, storage tape stands out as the optimal choice for a good packing tape, too.
“It’s easy to mix up lighter-duty shipping tape with heavy-duty storage tape, as the difference between them is not easily identifiable by looks alone. Learning more about your tape options, experimenting with different kinds of tapes at home before you move, and reading online reviews are great ways to dial in your product choice.”
Tape Adhesion
Let’s get down to the basics and what really makes a tape “stick.” Adhesion refers to how sticky and how much “hold” a tape has. The quality packaging tape ideal for moving boxes stocked with heavy items needs to have a strong adhesive that keeps your items safe in long-term storage.
- You need to know how well the tape sticks to the materials you will secure. Boxes are easy but will the tape last for a length or time or stay secure over weeks and months of storage?
- Always look to see the tape’s ideal application temperature. Seems like a detail that could be overlooked but if you are storing boxes for a while, it is something that needs to be considered.
- Will it hold up to the temperature and humidity extremes in storage?
Tape Strength
The thickness of tape, typically measured in millimeters, and its adhesive strength work together to determine how much box weight it will support. Look for quality packaging tape with a tensile strength of 20 pounds or higher, especially for heavy-duty jobs. (sparefoot.com)
- The most common packaging tapes range between 1.9mm for thinner tapes and up to 3.1 mm for heavy-duty packaging tapes.
- Thicker tapes are moderately priced (under $4) for a 38-yard roll of 1.88-inch moving tape, while thinner tapes tend to be less expensive (under $3) for a 55-yard roll of 2mm.
- Major brands that make the strongest tape include Scotch Tape, Duct Tape, Tape King, and U-Haul.
Ease of use
Packing can be stressful enough without fighting your tape gun and wasting valuable packing time trying to keep it from splitting or re-bonding with the roll.
SpareFoot suggests: “Look for clear packing tape that can be used with a handheld tape dispenser. An easy-to-use tape gun will save you valuable time and effort packing your boxes.”
Have an extra roll and tape dispenser handy just to speed up the packing process. For sure you will have a helper who asks for “that roll of packing tape.” Having multiple rolls available makes the process go faster.
Lambert Moving Systems is set apart because of its partnership with North American Van Lines. As an authorized agent of this renowned moving network, Lambert offers award-winning services coast-to-coast. Call or Schedule an Appointment to get started with your moving journey!
Are you in the market for a mover in Alabama? Lambert Moving Systems is one of the top companies for moving in Alabama. We’ve been around for 90 years. Find your location below to get in touch now!
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