Moving Blankets: Why You Need Them When You Move

Planning a DIY move? In addition to basic moving supplies, such as boxes and packing paper, you’re going to need a stash of moving blankets to ensure that your furniture makes it safely to the new home. Otherwise, you could end up with nicked and scratched furnishings (not to mention, damaged walls and floors as well). Thick moving blankets cover and protect furniture and other belongings while they are in transit from the old home to the new home. For more information about furniture pads and why you need them when you move, keep reading.

What are moving blankets?

Moving blankets (sometimes called furniture padding) are heavy-duty cloth coverings used to protect furniture, appliances and other large items when you move. These blankets are designed to absorb shock and provide cushioning to whatever they are covering. Furniture padding is typically made of cotton, polyester or a combination of the two. In addition, many moving blankets come with interior cushions to provide extra protection for fragile items while being transported.

How do I use moving blankets?

If you want to move like a pro, you’re going to need to prep like a pro – which means obtaining essential moving supplies such as moving blankets. So how exactly do you use furniture pads? First, unfold the moving blankets and place them over the object. Cover the object as much as you can. Be sure to have an extra moving blanket on-hand, in case one blanket isn’t enough to cover the item. Second, you will need to secure the moving blanket to the furniture, appliance or other item. We recommend either using a layer of stretch wrap on top of the moving blanket or packing tape to secure the blanket to the item. Third, once the moving blanket is securely placed on top of the item, it’s time to start moving it to the new home. If the item is heavy, we recommend using a dolly or hand truck to transport the item to and from the moving truck. Finally, after arriving in the new home, you can remove the furniture pad from the item.

Why do I need them when I move?

You need moving blankets for two reasons: 1) Furniture pads protect your household items when you are moving. They prevent your furniture, appliances and other items from becoming scratched or nicked while in transit to the new home. They also prevent damage to your walls and floors. 2) Moving blankets keep your furniture free of dust, debris and dirt during the journey to your new home. If furniture is loaded onto the truck and secured inside a moving blanket, you can bet it’ll arrive safe and sound – and (best of all) clean.

Can I use alternatives to moving blankets?

We recommend using the real deal (i.e. official moving blankets) when moving furniture and other large household items. The heavy-duty, padded nature of furniture pads are specially designed to cover and protect belongings during a move. That being said, you can use alternatives to moving blankets. Anything from a thick towel or bed sheet to packing wrap or packing paper could be used instead of a moving blanket.

Where can I rent moving blankets for a move?

Fortunately, you don’t have to purchase furniture pads, if you don’t want to store them. Instead, you can opt to rent moving blankets from a number of retailers. Here are three places that allow customers to rent moving blankets.

  • U-Haul Truck Rental – You can rent more than just moving trucks at U-Haul. The truck rental company also offers a number of moving supplies and equipment options for rent, including furniture pads. Customers can either add these items onto an existing truck rental reservation or as a separate rental altogether. The moving blankets offered by U-Haul are called furniture pads and quilted furniture These options are both used to protect furniture and other large household items. For more information about U-Haul’s moving blanket rentals, check here.
  • Budget Truck Rental – Planning to rent a moving truck from Budget? If so, you have the option to add moving blankets to the rental reservation. The truck rental company offers 3×5 ft. quilted moving pads by the dozen to customers. According to the company, these moving pads protect furniture and prevent scratch marks and scruff while moving. They also act as extra padding to protect items while they’re being transported. For more information on Budget Truck Rental’s moving blanket rentals, check here.
  • Penske Truck Rental – A third option for renting moving blankets is to do so through Penske Truck Rental. Those renting a moving truck from Penske can choose to reserve and rent furniture pads as well. However, customers cannot rent moving blankets unless they are also renting a vehicle. The moving blanket packs are available to rent in packs of 12. According to the company, these furniture pads are used to “protect furniture from scratches, dirt and soil.” For more information about Penske Truck Rental’s moving blanket rentals, check here.

Where can I buy moving blankets for a move?

If you prefer to purchase furniture pads instead of renting them, here are several retailers we recommend.

  • Walmart– The retail giant sells a variety of furniture pads at a variety of price points. In fact, you’ll find everything from lightweight quilted moving pads to heavy duty padded blankets listed on Walmart’s website. Whether you’re looking to purchase a set of 12 blankets or just one, you’ll find it (and plenty of other moving supplies) for sale at Walmart.
  • Lowe’s– The home improvement store sells more than just tools and home supplies. Customers will find large cotton furniture pads for sale as well. The retailer also sells plenty of other moving supplies and equipment, including bubble cushion, packing paper, stretch wrap, dish packing kits and foam pouches.
  • Uboxes – Looking for packs of furniture pads? For those looking to purchase more than one moving blanket, Uboxes is an excellent source. The retailer sells furniture pads in a variety of sizes, colors and makes. Customers will find textile blankets (or skins), paper pads and regular moving blankets for sale.

What other moving supplies will I need?

Moving blankets aren’t the only thing you’re going to need for a DIY move. From moving boxes and packing tape to markers and cushioning, here’s a list of other important moving supplies, tools and equipment you may need when moving without professional assistance.

  • Moving boxes
  • Packing tape
  • Bubble cushion rolls
  • Packing paper
  • Stretch wrap or plastic wrap
  • Labels or a permanent marker
  • Hand trucks or dollies
  • Moving straps
  • Truck rental
  • Moving trailers
  • Glass and dish packing kits
  • Mattress covers
  • Packing peanuts
  • Toolbox for assembling and disassembling furniture
  • A helping hand (don’t forget to ask a friend to help with the move!)

Need help relocating your furniture?

Sometimes it’s best to leave the heavy lifting to the professionals. Not only are they well-trained in the art of loading and unloading a moving truck, but they’re also able to provide valuable moving equipment, such as moving blankets. Fortunately, Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers makes it easy to find the best moving company for the job. By choosing a Moving.com mover, you can rest assured that your furniture and other large belongings will be in good hands. Best of luck and happy moving!