Whether you’re getting ready to move or shipping boxes in the mail, tape is an essential part of your shipping or moving supplies.
But there are lots of different types of tape, all suitable for the use cases they’re designed for. That said, choosing the wrong type of tape for the situation can cost you time and money, putting the belongings you’re packing to move or the goods you’re shipping at risk.
With so many options available, though, it can be hard to figure out which kind of tape to buy. This article explores the best tape for corrugated cardboard boxes in various use cases and how to choose it.
We’ll also reveal how SelfStorage.com can help you find a safe place to store those boxes once they’re properly sealed.
Differences between Shipping Tape vs. Packing Tape for Cardboard Boxes
Shipping tape and packing tape are both forms of carton sealing tape. But there are some key differences in how they’re meant to be used.
What is shipping tape?
Shipping tape is light and thin, as it’s designed for taping up small and light boxes. Shipping tape employs a hot-melt adhesive to secure packages during the unpredictable handling and shipping process. Shipping tape is the tape you buy on a tape dispenser or tape gun. While the adhesion surface is strong, the tape itself is a thinner type of tape since it’s only meant to hold your packages for a week or two during the shipping process.
What is packing tape?
Packing tape, also called moving tape, uses a stronger acrylic adhesive than shipping tape. In fact, some brands refer to packing tape as “adhesive packaging tape” because of its strong adhesion quality. Packing tape comes in a roll. It’s thicker, since it’s designed specifically as a carton sealing tape used for packing boxes, and needs to hold up during the rough transport of cardboard moving boxes. It’s said to be able to keep your boxes sealed for up to ten years of storage.
Shipping tape works best on smooth surfaces, while packing tape sticks better to textured surfaces like corrugated cardboard, brick walls, or vinyl floors.
The Best Tape For Cardboard Moving Boxes
What’s the best tape for moving boxes? For packing boxes, you’ll need sticky tape that’s strong enough to keep full boxes with high content weight tightly closed during transit. Keep the overall width, thickness, and stickiness in mind when selecting tape. Regarding width, most shipping tape falls between 2 and 3 inches. Masking tape is typically not recommended for sealing boxes since it isn’t as sticky and can tear easily.
Best Tape For Storage Boxes
Packing tape makes a better storage tape, since it’s designed to hold for up to 10 years of storage. This high-performance packaging tape is thicker than shipping tape, with acrylic tape adhesive that’s the ideal choice when you need a cardboard box sealing tape. This heavy-duty packaging tape should be able to hold up against environmental factors like humidity and heat while lasting for years. Use this tape if you plan to store your boxes in a storage facility.
Choosing the Right Packaging Tape For Cardboard Boxes
The following factors may help you choose the best packaging tape for shipping and storage:
Adhesion
If you’re packing books, mirrors, or glassware, opt for low-adhesive tape like clear packing tape because it is less likely to leave a residue on your belongings. But if you’re moving things that might need extra cushioning, such as fragile electronics or dishes, use high-adhesion tape.
Tensile Strength
Tensile strength measures how much weight the tape can hold before it gives out. Some tapes are designed with added strength in mind and may be made from a different material than standard packing tape. These types can be great for heavy items, but may be too expensive for lighter boxes. They also come in several colors so that you can match the color of your tape to the color of your box.
Waterproofness
Waterproof tape is good for outdoor moves because it won’t lose its stickiness even when wet. It’s important to know what type of surface you’ll use this tape on before choosing one; waterproof tapes won’t work well on rough surfaces like brick or gravel.
Size
When deciding on the best tape for your move, remember how much space you have to store the rolls after they’ve been used.
Things to Consider When Buying Tape for Corrugated Cardboard Moving Boxes
Here are a few things to consider when choosing packing tape for your next move:
- Will you be using it indoors or outdoors?
- What type of surfaces will you be taping?
- How long do you need the tape to last?
- What is your budget?
- Will you be moving in hot or cold weather?
Types of Tape for Packing Moving Boxes
Different types of packing tape are available on the market, each with its unique set of benefits. Here are some types of tape:
Brown Packing Tape
Brown paper tape is a popular packing tape used by professional movers because it is easy to tear and sticks well. Also called brown paper e-tape, it comes in rolls of various widths and is known to have a strong adhesive quality that can stick to various types of cardboard. The downside is that it isn’t as durable against rips and tears as other types of packing tapes, so it isn’t recommended for boxes containing heavy items. That said, brown paper e-tape is recyclable, making it one of the greener options on our list.
Filament Packing Tape
A more durable option than brown paper tape, this type is made from polyethylene film and doesn’t curl when exposed to heat or moisture. The adhesive backing doesn’t leave any residue on surfaces like cardboard or fabric. The tape is available in 1” wide rolls and is great for large moves or if you’re concerned about running out of packing tape during your move.
Gummed Paper Tape
This type of packing tape has been around for centuries, made from gummed or waxed paper and having a cloth back. It can be torn easily, but tears are usually less straight than other types of tape. In addition, it doesn’t stick well to surfaces that aren’t flat, which can lead to problems with seam sealing.
Other Types of Tape and How to Use Them
Some other types of tapes include:
Duct Tape
Duct tape is heavy-duty packing tape and often comes in both clear and silver colors. It can be used as an adhesive and a sealant, which means it’s great for sealing boxes closed or fixing things up around the house before you move out.
Clear Packaging Tape
Clear packaging tape may be best for those who want to take their time packaging their belongings. It provides a more durable barrier against moisture, so your stuff will stay dry inside your box.
Filament Tape
Filament tape is a heavy-duty packaging tape that takes its name from the fiberglass filaments it is constructed from. The fiberglass strands make it one of the most durable tapes, since it’s hard to rip or cut through these fiberglass filaments. Filament tape is ideal for cardboard boxes that risk punctures during transit or will be exposed to heat and cold in storage.
Double-Sided Tape
If you’re moving into a carpeted home or office, this type of packing tape is perfect! It’s easy to peel off and doesn’t leave any residue behind.
Scotch Tape
When most of us say Scotch tape, we’re referring to the thin transparent tape we used as kids to tape our drawings to the fridge. While transparent tape is useful for securing packing paper or bubble wrap around delicate items, this type of Scotch tape should never be used for sealing boxes. That said, Scotch is a brand, and they make lots of different tape types. For example, Scotch Packaging Heavy Duty Tape has a polypropylene film that acts as a hot melt tape with a quick-bonding adhesive that’s long-lasting.
Recommended Tape Brands
There are a few different types of packing tape that you can choose from, so it’s important to pick the right one for your needs. Scotch, Clear Packaging Tape, Gorilla, and 3M all have great options for moving boxes. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use packing tape with a good hold, then Scotch or Clear Packaging Tape would be perfect.
For those who want high-quality and long-lasting packing tape, Gorilla or 3M may be the best option. You must decide which type of packing tape will work best with your needs and personal preference. You might always want to choose a tape that has an easy-to-use tape dispenser, which can help speed up the packing process.
How Much Tape to Purchase
You’ll need packing tape if you’re moving across town or the country. But how much should you buy? The answer depends on a few factors, including the size of your home, how many boxes you have, and whether you plan on doing any of the packing yourself.
How to Properly Tape a Cardboard Box
What’s the best way to tape a box for moving? When taping up boxes for your move, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind:
1. Choose the right type of tape. For example, if you’re moving heavy items, you’ll want to use stronger tape like duct tape.
2. Make sure you properly seal the bottom of the box. You don’t want your items falling out during the move. Do you tape the tops of moving boxes? Yes, ensure you tape the bottom and top of shipping and storage boxes.
3. Don’t over-tape the box – this will make it more difficult to open later.
4. Be sure not to forget any items that should be included inside the box. Once you’ve sealed it up with the proper packing materials and taped it shut, give it a good shake to test how secure everything is before labeling and carrying the box outside to load it into your car or truck.
The Best Tape For Shipping And Packing Cardboard Boxes: SelfStorage.com Can Help
Whether moving in or out of your apartment, or shipping a cardboard box of product across the country, using the right type of tape is a crucial part of the equation.
Use packing tape labeled for moving or storage to keep your cardboard boxes sealed and secure during a move. If you’re shipping a small cardboard box full of goods, a high-grade shipping tape that comes on a tape gun or tape dispenser will be easier to handle.
Use heavy-duty packing tape for extra-heavy cardboard boxes if you’re storing them long term. Use a tape that’s 1.9 mil or higher and has a strong adhesive if you’re putting them in storage in a harsh environment.
That said, the space you store your cardboard boxes in has just as much to do with keeping your belongings safe as the tape does. After all, cardboard is sensitive to moisture. The tape might last for 10 years, but that doesn’t mean that the box will.
You’ll need a storage space that has temperature and humidity control, for starters. And you’ll need a unit that’s large enough to spread your boxes out or install shelves so you’re not having to stack your cardboard boxes into high and heavy stacks that’ll end up crushing the cardboard.
But how do you find a storage unit that gives you exactly what you need in a convenient location near you?
SelfStorage.com is here to help.
Our signature self-storage search tool lets you compare all the storage units in your area based on features and storage unit sizes.
Simply insert your zip code, and we’ll compare and compare all the most reputable storage facilities in your area based on the parameters you set. Our convenient listings will outline all the features and amenities, allowing you to pick the ideal solution for your specific storage needs.
