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When preparing for a move, most people focus on boxes, bubble wrap, and labels—but one of the most important supplies is often overlooked: tape. Using the wrong tape can lead to boxes splitting open, items getting damaged, and a stressful moving day. Choosing the best tape for moving boxes will save you time, prevent damage, and keep your move organized. Here’s a guide to the strongest and most reliable tapes professional movers use every day.
Why the Right Tape Matters
Moving tape does more than just seal boxes. It holds the structure of the cardboard together and protects your belongings while boxes are lifted, stacked, and transported. Cheap or weak tape can:
- Peel off during transport
- Tear under the weight of heavy items
- Fail to stick to dusty cardboard
- Leave sticky residue that damages surfaces
Professional local movers in San Jose and local movers in San Francisco use specific types of packing tape to keep boxes securely sealed from start to finish.
The Best Types of Tape for Moving Boxes
There are several tape options on the market, but only a few are strong enough for moving. These are the types trusted by experienced moving crews:
1. Acrylic Packing Tape
- Clear plastic tape about 2 inches wide
- Designed for sealing cardboard boxes
- Long shelf life and resists drying out
Best for: Lightweight to medium-weight boxes like clothing, linens, and kitchenware.
2. Hot Melt Packing Tape
- Stronger adhesive than acrylic
- Bonds instantly and holds up to rough handling
- Works well in fluctuating temperatures
Best for: Heavy boxes like books, tools, or dishes.
3. Water-Activated (Gummed) Paper Tape
- Paper-based tape with water-activated adhesive
- Creates a tamper-evident bond that becomes part of the box
- Eco-friendly and recyclable with the box
Best for: Fragile items, high-value boxes, or long-term storage.
4. Filament (Strapping) Tape
- Clear tape reinforced with fiberglass strands
- Extremely strong and tear-resistant
Best for: Reinforcing heavy boxes or bundling large items.
Tape Types to Avoid
Not every tape is suited for moving boxes. Avoid these common household tapes:
- Duct tape: Very strong, but peels off cardboard and leaves residue.
- Masking tape: Tears easily and won’t stay stuck on boxes.
- Office/Scotch tape: Far too weak to hold boxes closed.
Using the wrong tape increases the risk of boxes opening during transit, which can damage your belongings.
How to Tape Moving Boxes Like a Pro
Even the best tape won’t work well if used incorrectly. Follow these tips from the team at FairPrice Movers to keep your boxes secure:
- Use a tape gun or dispenser for even pressure
- Seal seams in an “H” pattern: one strip along the center and two across the edges
- Wipe dust off boxes before taping to improve adhesion
- Add extra tape on the bottom of heavy boxes
- Don’t skimp—extra tape is worth preventing a box from breaking
Eco-Friendly Tape Options
If you want sustainable supplies, consider:
- Paper packing tape: Recyclable and made from recycled materials
- Water-activated paper tape: Fully recyclable and creates a very strong seal
These options work especially well on new or clean boxes and help reduce waste during your move.
Where to Buy Quality Moving Tape
Good packing tape is available at:
- Home improvement stores like The Home Depot and Lowe’s
- Office supply or shipping stores
- Online retailers (bulk packs are often cheapest)
If you hire FairPrice Movers, our professional packing services include all the durable tape and materials needed to keep your boxes safe.
Recommended Moving Tape Brands
Not all packing tape is created equal. Over years of moves, the team at FairPrice Movers has found a few brands that consistently hold up under heavy use. These brands are easy to find online or at major retailers, and they’ve proven strong, sticky, and reliable for sealing moving boxes:
- Scotch Heavy Duty Shipping Tape – Clear acrylic tape, sticks firmly to cardboard, and resists splitting during long moves.
- Duck Max Strength Packing Tape – Hot melt adhesive, seals heavy boxes securely, and holds up well to heat and humidity.
- 3M Performance Plus Tape – Professional-grade with strong adhesive for heavy or overstuffed boxes.
- U-Haul Box Packing Tape – Designed for cardboard moving boxes, affordable and widely available at moving supply stores.
- IPG (Intertape) Carton Sealing Tape – Commercial-quality tape used by many moving companies for durability and strength.
Buying any of these options will help ensure your boxes stay sealed and protected throughout your move. If you’d rather not source materials yourself, FairPrice Movers can supply all the professional-grade tape, boxes, and protective wrapping through our packing services.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right tape is a small step that makes a big difference during a move.
- Use acrylic tape for everyday boxes
- Use hot melt or filament tape for heavy boxes
- Use water-activated tape for fragile or valuable items
Avoid duct tape, masking tape, and office tape
Whether you’re doing the packing yourself or working with local movers in San Jose or local movers in San Francisco, the right tape will keep your boxes sealed and your belongings safe from start to finish.
