Tape and moving pads

The humblest supplies decide whether the rest work. A box that opens under weight spills its contents, and a table moved without a pad arrives scuffed. Tape and pads are cheap compared with what they protect. This page shows how to seal a box so it stays shut and how pads are used on the truck.

At a glance

• Seal every seam with wide packing tape
• Pads wrap furniture and are removed on arrival
• Tape never goes on furniture finishes
• Sold at 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks

Sealing a box

A taped box has two weak points: the bottom seam, which carries the weight, and the top seam, which keeps the lid closed. Pack tape is wide and strong, and masking tape is for labels and light jobs, not for sealing cartons. Use the right one for each.

1. Fold the bottom flaps in and run one strip of tape down the center seam.
2. Add a strip across each end of the seam, wrapping a few inches up the sides.
3. For a heavy box, run a second layer, or an H pattern across the bottom.
4. Pack the box, then repeat the pattern on top.
5. Use a tape dispenser, which gives a clean, straight, firm line.
6. Do not tape a box so full that the flaps will not meet.

What moving pads do

A moving pad is a thick quilted blanket. Crews drape pads over sofas, tables, dressers and appliances, and secure them with wrap or straps so nothing rubs against the truck wall or another piece. O'Brien's crews pad furniture on every move, wrapping and padding pieces before they leave the house. Customers who rent a van and move themselves can do the same with their own pads.

Pads go on the item, and tape stays off the item. Tape on wood, leather or paint can pull finish off when it is removed. Use stretch wrap or straps over the pad, or plastic wrap only on surfaces where it will not stick.

Pad the house too

Doorframes, banisters and corners also take hits on moving day. Hang spare pads over the corners of the stairwell and tape floor runners to the floor, not to the surface of a finished floor. For a clear idea of how the whole job is packed in an O'Brien's truck, see the packing services page, and the local moving page explains the day itself.

Pairing tape and pads with other supplies

Tape works with every carton: medium and large boxes, book boxes and mattress cartons. Pair it with packing paper for the inside and bubble wrap for fragile items.

Getting them in Sparks

O'Brien's carries boxes, wrapping supplies, and professional tape at the Sparks office, 2277 Glendale Ave, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Call 775-359-6683, and ask for the standard or custom supply price sheet. The free in-home estimate comes with 10 free heavy-duty boxes. Use the packing calculator to count the cartons, then buy tape to match.