Best Packing Tape

How to Choose Packing Tape

Tape seems simple until boxes pop open in the moving truck. Then you understand: tape matters.

Adhesive Types

Hot Melt:
The strong stuff. Grabs instantly, holds through temperature changes, works on dusty cardboard. Harder to tear by hand but worth it.

Acrylic:
More flexible, easier to tear, cheaper. Fine for short-term moves but can fail in extreme temperatures or long storage.

Natural Rubber:
Old school. Good grip, handles cold well, but can yellow and degrade over time.

### Width and Thickness

Standard tape is 2" wide—that's what you want for boxes. Thickness (measured in mils) indicates strength:

1.6-2.0 mil: Economy, light-duty
- 2.0-2.6 mil: Standard, most moves
- 2.6+ mil: Heavy-duty, commercial

### Dispenser or No Dispenser?

Get a dispenser. Your thumb will thank you after box #20. Good dispensers have:
- Comfortable grip
- Clean cutting blade
- Adjustable tension

Cheap dispensers jam and dull fast. Spend $10 on a decent one.

### How Much Tape?

One roll of standard tape seals about 20-30 boxes depending on how thorough you are. For a typical 2-bedroom move:
- 4-6 rolls minimum
- 8-10 rolls comfortable
- 12+ rolls if you like security

### The H-Seal Method

Don't just tape the center seam. The "H" method:
1. Tape the center seam
2. Tape both edges where flaps meet sides

This prevents boxes from bursting when lifted. Takes 30 seconds more, saves heartache.