How to Choose the Best Tape for Your Moving Boxes

When gathering the supplies for a move, boxes and packaging tape are two of the essentials. It is important to know that not all types of tape are the same. When preparing your boxes for storage in Las Vegas, be sure to carefully choose the right type of tape for the situation.

Box Tapes

Box tape is the simplest and standard tape for use on most cardboard boxes. This tape comes in rolls that are up to 1,000 feet in length. It is two to three inches wide. For efficiency and your own comfort, use an automatic tape dispenser or a tape gun to apply the tape to each box. These devices have a sharp end to cut the tape and an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to apply the tape to dozens or even hundreds of boxes in a short amount of time.

Gummed Tape

Gummed tape is also called water-activated tape. When the tape is moistened, it becomes extra-sticky. It chemically bonds with the cardboard, and the tape essentially becomes a part of the box. The result is a strong box that can withstand getting tipped over or knocked down. This is a good choice if you are putting heavy items such as cast iron pots or books into your boxes for storage.

Tape with a Filament

When you need a box that is tamper-proof or difficult to get into, choose a tape that includes a fiberglass filament. This fiberglass filament tape is extra-strong and difficult to rip open. If you are concerned about pests possibly getting into your boxes while they are in transit, this type of tape makes it difficult for them to squeeze, crawl or chew their way into the box through the cardboard flaps.