The Best Box Tape to Prepare You For Your Next Move

When it comes to packing for a big move or shipping a gift to a far-flung family member, the boxes you pack your stuff in are only as good as the tape that holds them closed. No amount of bubble wrap and packing peanuts will save your glassware if the cardboard box suddenly pops open in the back of the truck. That’s why it’s best to stick to packing tape, also called shipping tape or box tape.

If you’re just packing up one or two boxes, the old roll of duct tape in your junk drawer will do just fine. But if you’ve got dozens of boxes that need to be packed up, box tape offers several key benefits that will save time and make for more secure results.

Box tape is typically compatible with dispensers, making it easier to get the exact amount you need and cut it to the appropriate length. Pulling, measuring and tearing duct tape by hand is a surefire way to waste time (and tape, when the strip inevitably turns and sticks to itself). Many packing tape options are transparent, making for cleaner-looking results. Transparent tape can also be handy if you’re affixing any sort of shipping label and want to make sure you don’t cover barcodes and any important information. And while it’s secure, packing tape is also designed to be easy to cut open. It also won’t leave too much residue when it’s time to reopen the boxes.

Another good option is paper tape. Paper tape can be more easily torn by hand, unlike clear tape, which is prohibitively difficult to use without a dispenser. Another benefit is that paper tape can be easily written on, so you don’t have to mark your cardboard boxes if you plan on reusing them. However, paper tape can sometimes be more expensive.

The best box tape should obviously be sturdy and easy to use, but cost is a factor as well. Between truck rentals and miscellaneous expenses, moving can be a costly process. That’s why buying bulk is a great way to save money and ensure you have enough box tape to get you through this (and the next) move. We’ve rounded up some of the best packing tape available below.