Moving Tip #5: Use “Packing” Tape to Pack Boxes

Jan 10, 2017 by

Use “Packing” Tape for packing boxes. It may seem like common sense, but many people use the wrong types of tape that are not designed for sealing cardboard boxes. The wrong tape can rip or not stick to the box.

Packing tape is available for purchase in office supply stores, moving companies, and self storage facilities, and pack and ship companies as well as online.

Standard rolls are 55 yards or 110 yards. Usually available in Tan or clear. Tape is used up pretty quickly. So get plenty. You may want to invest in a tape gun or a simple tape ring with a serrated edge. It makes cutting the tape much quicker.

Do NOT use these types of tape to seal moving boxes:

  • Masking tape
  • Duct tape
  • Painters tape (green or blue)
  • Electrical tape

I have seen people use this type of tape before and it does rip and peel off. Which then requires the mover to re-tape costing you time and money. Or if you have a flat rate move they may not retape and let the box fall apart.

If you pack a box it will be marked as PBO (Packed By Owner). With out any obvious damage to the exterior of the box, Moving companies and their insurers will reject any claim. As the packing was not performed by the company, they do not know if the contents were improperly packed or broken beforehand. If you are taking insurance in additional to standard cargo protection, it may make sense for you to have the mover repack any expensive or fragile items that you have packed yourselves.

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