Category: Packing Tips

 

How to load a tape gun

Listen it’s ok we have all been there, struggling and wondering how to load a tape gun so you can get them all important boxes taped. The good news is it is super easy when you know how. Below is a  video showing you exactly how to load a tape gun video as well as a step by step guide on how to do it.

• First, grab your roll of tape, make sure that the end of the tape is on the left with the sticky side facing down.

 

• Next grab your roll of tape and push it fully onto the large roller

 

• Position the end of tape so that it ready to go under the other roller

 

• Grab the tape gun with your right hand and with your left hand pull the lever down and use your right index finger to hold it in place.

 

• Take the end of your tape and pull it underneath the roller and up towards the blades. Let go of the lever and use the blades to cut the tape.

 

And there you have it, you are now ready to tape your boxes. Check out our how to video on it below.

 

Learn how to tape moving boxes correctly

What you will need to tape moving boxes correctly

1. Correct size moving box
2. Correct type of Tape

Moving can be a stressful process, but knowing the right way to put a box together can make all the difference to your move and ensure that your items end up safely at your new home and not broken on the floor. You may not even know that you’ve have been taping moving boxes wrong all these years but by following our advice you will be taping moving boxes like the pros in no time.

Moving can be a stressful process, but knowing the right way to put a box together can make all the difference to your move and ensure that your items end up safely at your new home and not broken on the floor. You may not even know that you’ve have been taping moving boxes wrong all these years but by following our advice you will be taping moving boxes like the pros in no time.

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Choose the correct size moving box.​

As a general rule there 3 main sizes of boxes, small, medium and large. Small boxes are typically used for smaller heavier items such as books and canned food ect. Medium boxes are more used for items like plates, glasses and electronics. The larger boxes are typically used for large light items such as bedding, pillows and toys ect.  Choosing the right size box for your items will mean that the items will arrive safe and that the boxes will be the correct weight and easier to move.

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Correct type of tape​

There are a number of different types of tapes you can use when taping moving boxes, duct tape, masking tape, shipping tape and filament tape. Having been in the moving industry for over 15 years we feel that your best option is shipping tape. It is cheap, easy to use, and strong enough to seal boxes. It is also water-resistant and very sticky. Having used shipping tape for over 15 years and never been let down by it we feel that this is the best tape option for taping moving boxes.

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How to tape moving boxes

• Make sure the box is completely flat to start with.
• There are 2 flaps at the top of the box that are connected by a small piece of cardboard, these are used for the flap lock feature. Fold the 2 sides that have the flaps down so that they are against the box.
• Next, open the box up so that it is square, the 2 flap sides should have stayed attached to the box, the part where the flaps are folded over is going to be the top of your box.
• Next flip the box upside down, we are now ready to tape the bottom of the box.
• First fold in the 2 small flaps, then fold in the 2 longer flaps.
• Run a piece of tape along the opening of the 2 long flaps, ensure that there is at least 3 inches of tape going up the side of the box.
• Repeat this process twice but make sure to put the next 2 pieces of tape an inch either side of the first piece. This will help to improve the strength of the tape.
• Flip your box back over and [ack up to the top of the folded flaps.
• Finally break apart the flaps that were being held by the small pieces of cardboard and repeat the taping process we used for the bottom of the box. Label it correctly and you’re done.

Always stack dishes upwards when packing, and avoid breakage by using custom-designed boxes. It’s also a good idea to avoid wrapping china in newsprint; the ink can stain your dishes. If you are not quite sure how to do it, check out this great video on how to pack dishes.

This one tip alone will not only help to save you time but it may also save your sanity. Simply take pictures of the back of your electronics before you disconnect them and then when you go to connect all the wires at your new home you simply have to look at each picture.​

Filling the box completely will to ensure that the items inside stay safer as they will be unable to move around. Having the boxes filled to the top also means that your box will not crush when it is loaded onto the truck.

This will help to ensure that your mover places all the boxes in the correct rooms which will save you time and money and also mean you won’t have to move wayward boxes up and down stairs when they leave.

This may sound obvious but we have seen so many people make the mistake of not doing this properly. Our advice is to put 3 strips of tape on the top and bottom of the box. Do not fold the flaps of the box, always tape them.

If you are in doubt you can always follow our video on How To Tape Moving Boxes Correctly