How To Use Moving Blankets (2024 Guide)
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A moving blanket, sometimes called a furniture pad, is a thick, heavy cloth made from cotton, polyester, or a combination of both. Professional movers use them to safeguard items during a move. These protective coverings help you avoid scratching or denting large or delicate pieces of furniture and make the moving process easier if you’re taking a DIY approach. In this guide, we’ll explain how to use moving blankets, why they’re important, and where to find them.
Why You Should Use Moving Blankets
Accidents happen to even the most experienced movers, so it’s important to take precautions while you move. Moving blankets protect your bookshelves, headboards, and other household items from dings, nicks, and dents while they’re on the truck, but they’re useful in many other ways, too. Below are a few reasons why you should use moving blankets:
- Absorb shock: When a moving truck hits a pothole or bump in the road, the moving blanket will absorb the shock, and your wrapped items will remain intact. This is especially important when moving long-distance.
- Fill gaps: Your items will fit better and remain more stationary in the moving truck without gaps between them. Moving blankets are easy to stuff in these gaps.
- Make relocating heavy objects easier: Setting heavy items on moving blankets can help you slide them across a room without scratching your floors.
- Protect against dirt: A moving blanket can shield your items from collecting dust and debris during a move.
- Provide padding during transport: Sometimes, large items shift or tip over in the moving truck. A moving blanket protects your valuables and furniture by providing extra cushioning.
Quick Tip
- You can use moving blankets for things other than moving, making them a worthwhile purchase if your moving company doesn’t provide them. For example, you can wrap your fragile items in them during home renovations. They’re also thick enough to soundproof a room. They can even act as a sleeping bag mat during a camping trip or pad the floor under gym equipment.
How To Use Moving Blankets Effectively
Even though moving blankets are easy to use, you’ll want to ensure you wrap your fragile items the correct way. Otherwise, they could slip off your furniture while you’re moving it through the house or loading the truck.
Follow the instructions below to secure your moving blankets:
- Move the item away from any walls to ensure you have enough space to wrap your furniture.
- If the blanket has a light-colored side and a dark-colored side, the light-colored side is typically cleaner. Make sure this side faces inward against the item.
- Drape the moving blanket over the item. Make sure you cover the entire object.
- Secure the blanket with bubble wrap, rubber bands, packing tape, and plastic wrap to keep it in place.
You can wash reusable moving blankets after you’ve moved to your new location and unwrapped your furniture. Load the moving blanket into the washing machine, wash it on a gentle or delicate cycle, and hang it to dry. Make sure you check the manufacturer’s washing instructions, as some moving blankets must be hand washed.
How Many Blankets Do You Need?
Using moving blankets is important when packing for a move. To figure out how many you’ll need, first note each item you want to bring to your new home. Review your list and determine which items you want to wrap in blankets, such as heavy furniture and large, fragile decor. Then, you can determine how many blankets you’ll need.
You can wrap smaller items, including end tables, nightstands, and chairs, together in one blanket to save space and money. Larger items, such as dressers, bookcases, and your dining room table, require at least one blanket each. Remember that moving blankets come in a variety of sizes, but the standard size is 72 inches by 80 inches.
Moving blankets also come in different weights. A lightweight blanket is cheaper and thinner and a good option if you plan on using it only one time. Medium-weight moving blankets are heavier, and you can use them multiple times. Heavy-duty moving blankets are the priciest because they’re high-quality and will protect your most valuable items. However, if you move frequently or anticipate using the blanket for other purposes, it may be a worthwhile investment.
The video below will walk you through some tips for moving your furniture.
Where To Get Moving Blankets
Professional movers usually provide moving blankets at no additional charge when you hire a moving company. For your DIY move, you can either rent or buy moving blankets from home improvement stores or online retailers.
We’ve found several affordable options if you decide to purchase a moving blanket:
- The Home Depot offers moving blankets between $15.98 each and $174.98 for a 12-pack. They come in a variety of sizes and materials.
- U-Haul sells a reusable moving blanket for $8.95. This pad is 68 by 85 inches and comes with a storage bag.
- Walmart sells many moving blankets options alongside other moving equipment at reasonable prices. For example, a 12-pack of moving blankets costs $51.99. Each blanket is 54 by 72 inches.
- U-Haul rents moving blankets starting at $5 if you don’t want to purchase them.
Our Conclusion
Moving is a lot of work, especially when you’ve decided to do it yourself. Moving blankets make the moving process easier. They provide cushioning to delicate items, minimizing the risk of damage. Moving blankets protect not only your belongings but also door frames, floors, and walls. They’re inexpensive for the level of protection they provide, and you can rent them if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative. Make sure you add moving blankets to your moving checklist to make your next move easier and more efficient.
FAQ About Moving Blankets
What’s the difference between a moving blanket and a furniture pad?
A furniture pad is another term for a moving blanket. Moving blankets are also called shipping furniture pads, packing blankets, furniture blankets, and moving pads.
How do I clean my moving blankets?
Start by vacuuming the moving blanket to remove any dust. Then, wash them in a washing machine on a gentle or delicate cycle. After the wash cycle is complete, hang them to dry. Always check the manufacturer’s washing instructions to ensure you’re following the proper steps.
How much do moving blankets cost?
A moving blanket costs about $8 on average, but the price depends on the quality, size, and weight. Keep in mind that it costs less to rent moving blankets than to purchase them.
What can I use instead of moving blankets?
You can use towels, bedding, clothing, or blankets if you’re looking for an alternative to moving blankets. However, we recommend using moving blankets because they are more durable and made to move furniture.
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