How to tape a moving box properly

1st Choice Packaging · Updated 11 November 2026

Tape the bottom of every moving box with the H-tape method: one strip along the centre seam where the flaps meet, then one strip across each end seam, so the tape makes an “H”. Run each strip a few centimetres down the sides. Do the same on the top once the box is packed. It takes seconds per box and stops bottoms splitting when the box is lifted.

What you need

• Proper packing tape, 48 mm wide. Our brown packing tape is a strong solvent tape made to grip cardboard. Avoid thin office tape or masking tape: neither holds a loaded box.
• A tape gun. Not essential, but a tape gun dispenser holds the roll, keeps the tape tight and cuts it cleanly, which makes taping much quicker.
• Warning tape for breakables. Use fragile tape or glass handle with care tape as the top strip on boxes of glasses, plates and mirrors, so it’s seen at a glance.

Step by step: the H-tape method

1. Fold the bottom flaps. Turn the box upside down. Fold the two short flaps in first, then the two long flaps over them so their edges meet in the middle. Don’t interlock (“tuck”) the flaps: it weakens the base.
2. Tape the centre seam. Run one strip along the seam where the long flaps meet, from one side of the box to the other, carrying on about 5–8 cm down each side.
3. Tape both end seams. Run a strip across each end, where the flaps meet the side walls, again going a few centimetres down the sides. You now have an “H”.
4. Press it down. Rub along every strip with your hand. Tape holds best when it’s pressed firmly onto clean, dry cardboard.
5. Pack, then tape the top the same way. Fill the box to the top so the lid sits flat, then close and H-tape the top.

Packing tip: Tape the bottoms of a batch of boxes before you start packing a room. Building ten boxes at once is quicker than stopping for each one.

Heavy boxes: add more tape

For books, tins, tools and kitchenware, add a second strip along the centre seam, or a strip across the middle at right angles to it. Keep heavy things in medium boxes rather than large ones, and keep any box to a weight you can lift comfortably (our boxes are marked for up to 20 kg). More tape won’t save an overfilled large box. Our guide to medium or large boxes explains which to use for what.

How much tape do you need?

H-taping a medium box top and bottom uses roughly 3 m of tape, so one 66 m roll seals about 20–25 boxes. For a whole house, allow:

• 1 bed flat (20–25 boxes): 1–2 rolls
• 2 bed home (30–40 boxes): 2 rolls
• 3 bed home (50–70 boxes): 3–4 rolls
• 4 bed home (80–110 boxes): 4–5 rolls
• 5 bed home (120+ boxes): 6 or more rolls

Add a roll of fragile tape for the kitchen and anything breakable. Our complete moving kits include tape and a tape gun, and the box calculator works out boxes, tape and paper for your home.

Common taping mistakes

• Only taping the centre seam. The ends can still open under weight, especially on a big box.
• Tucking the flaps instead of taping them. It looks neat but gives way easily.
• Taping over dust or damp. Tape won’t stick to a dusty or wet box. Store flat boxes somewhere dry.
• Writing the label on the tape. Write on the cardboard instead, on two sides. See how to label moving boxes.

Questions