Creating A Moving Plan

How should you seal and label boxes, bins, and bags? Before the residential movers arrive, take a look at everything you need to know about adhesives and sealing supplies.

What Type of Tape Should You Use?

Cardboard boxes are easy, inexpensive containers to use for your next move. A sturdy cardboard board box can hold anything from your bedroom linens to dining room dishware. But without the right type of sealing supplies, your boxes could open or break mid-move. This raises the risk of move-related damage to your items—especially if you need to transport fragile items, such as china or stemware.

The most common types of tapes to use for cardboard moving boxes include:

• Packing or shipping tape. This type of tape is clear or box-colored (brown). Even though it feels thin, packing or shipping tape is sturdy. This water-resistant tape is inexpensive and will hold most boxes closed.
• Masking tape. The paper-like tape doesn't have the same level of strength as a packing or shipping tape. But it is a popular and inexpensive choice. Use this type of tape to seal the tops of small or light boxes.
• Duct tape. If you need a heavy-duty tape, duct tape is the top choice. This sturdy tape is ideal for the bottom of boxes.

Other types of tape, such as the clear tape you use to wrap birthday presents or hold crafts together, won't work well during your move. Avoid tape that easily breaks, twists, or seems flimsy. These types of sealing products won't hold your heavier boxes together for the long haul.

What Types of Labels Should You Use?

Now that the boxes are taped, it's time to move on to the labels. While you can write labels directly onto cardboard boxes, this strategy won't work well for plastic bins or bags. To easily label your moving containers or bags:

• Use name labels. You can use these labels for more than letting other people know who you are. The peel and stick labels can double as moving supplies. Write the contents of the container on the empty label space, remove the paper backing, and firmly press the label on the bin or bag.
• Use masking tape. The masking tape you used to seal the box is also a top option to label it. Tear a piece of tape from the roll, press it onto the container, and write the label onto it.
• Use duct tape. Choose a light color of duct tape to use as a water-resistant label.

Along with these options, you can also skip the adhesive or sticker product and use a permanent marker for plastic bins or canvas tote bags.

For more information about moving or hiring residential movers, contact a local moving company.