What Are Moving Blankets Used For? Essential Moving Tips

Moving day is stressful enough, with the worry of packing, transporting, and unpacking an entire household. The last thing you want is for your valuable furniture and belongings to arrive chipped, scratched, or broken. That’s where the moving blanket becomes indispensable. It’s much more than just a protective covering!

Here’s a rundown of the essential uses of moving blankets that you may not have considered. Whether you’re using professional movers or taking on a DIY move, learn how moving blankets could be your secret weapon for a damage-free relocation.

What Exactly Are Moving Blankets?

Moving blankets, often called moving pads or furniture pads, are thick, protective coverings designed to shield your furniture and belongings from damage during a move. They are usually made of thick, woven materials like cotton, polyester, or a blend of both. Moving blankets often feature a zig-zag stitched pattern, designed to enhance strength and prevent the inner padding from bunching or shifting. They usually do not have built-in anchor points or fasteners, but can be easily secured with packing tape or plastic film.

Why Are Moving Blankets A Must-Have?

The primary purpose of moving blankets is to prevent damage to your belongings. Using furniture pads can safeguard your possessions from:

Scratches, dents and scuffing: During a move, items can bump against each other, or against the interior of the moving truck. Moving blankets provide a layer of cushioning, absorbing impact and minimizing damage such as wear by friction.
Dust and Dirt: During a move, your possessions will sometimes be out in the open, where the wind and traffic could kick up dust. And moving trucks are generally not clean environments, harboring grime that could be transferred onto your furniture and other items. Furniture pads act as a barrier, keeping your belongings clean.
Breakage: Fragile items like mirrors or lamps are particularly susceptible to irreparable damage. Even if you pack them in boxes, other items may have pointed corners that could penetrate through cardboard. So wrapping valuable articles in moving blankets adds an extra layer of protection in this scenario.

Top Uses of Moving Blankets

Let’s examine the many ways you can use moving blankets to protect furniture and other objects during the moving process.

Protecting Furniture: This is the most obvious use for moving blankets. Simply wrap your furniture securely in the blankets before loading them into the moving truck. This minimizes the risk of scratches, dings, and other damage caused by contact with hard surfaces, including other pieces of furniture involved in the move.
Safeguarding Appliances: Refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, and other appliances are often large and bulky. They may have sleek finishes that are easily scratched or dented. Wrapping appliances in moving blankets is a must.
Covering Oddly-Shaped Items: Mattresses, bicycles, gym equipment, or oddly-shaped furniture can present moving challenges. Moving blankets offer flexibility and can be draped over these items in any configuration to minimize potential damage during transportation.
Protecting Fragile Items: Dishes, glassware, artwork, or delicate electronics all require extra care when moving. After wrapping these items individually (bubble wrap is a good addition), secure them further by wrapping them in moving blankets.
Filling Empty Spaces in Boxes: Even well-packed boxes can shift during a move, leading to broken contents. Fill empty spaces in moving boxes with smaller moving blankets or pads to act as a buffer and reduce the chance of breakage.
Protecting Floors and Walls: When navigating furniture through hallways and doorways, the corners or extremities of most items can easily scratch walls or damage floors. Drape moving blankets over those vulnerable areas so you don’t incur costly repairs.

Other Creative Uses of Moving Blankets

If you invest in your own moving blankets or furniture pads, they won’t necessarily just be gathering dust after providing protection during a move. They can come in handy in any number of other situations.

For example, moving blankets are very good for muffling noise, making them useful for temporarily soundproofing rooms.

If you are moving with pets, you can line their travel boxes with moving blankets to create a more comfortable and secure space for your furry buddies.

Moving blankets are also ideal for instantly creating a soft play area for children, indoors or outdoors; And they are great for outdoor picnics, where you may be forced to sit on uneven or uncomfortable terrain.

You can also use moving blankets as temporary curtains in winter, helping to block drafts through aging windows, or as insulation to block the space under doors when it’s windy.

How Many Moving Blankets Do I Need?

The ideal number of blankets depends on the size of your move and the number of items you need to protect. A good rule of thumb is to have at least one moving blanket per large piece of furniture and a few extra pads for odds and ends. Consider how many rooms you’re moving from and how much furniture you own. It’s always better to have more moving blankets than not enough.

Another question to ponder is how much your moving blankets will add to the cargo cost. Heavy duty blankets giving maximum protection weigh up to 45 pounds (20kg) per dozen, and the standard advice is to use a dozen blankets for every five feet of truck space.

While this cost could add up significantly over the duration of a long-distance move, the weight of even thick moving blankets is usually very minor compared to the furniture being moved, and their impact on overall moving costs is likely to be minimal.

Renting vs. Buying Moving Blankets

Here’s a breakdown of both options:

Renting Blankets Many moving companies offer the option to rent moving blankets. This can be a cost-effective solution for one-time moves and it reduces the hassle of storing them after the move. Ask in advance if your movers rent out their blankets, so you can compare prices.
Purchasing Blankets If you move frequently or anticipate using the blankets for other purposes, moving blankets may be a worthwhile investment. You can find them at hardware or home improvement stores, and also buy them through online retailers.

Safeguard Your Belongings

Moving blankets are truly the unsung heroes of a successful move. Whether you’re protecting your prized possessions from scratches and dents, safeguarding fragile items from breakage, or simply ensuring peace of mind throughout the moving process, these versatile blankets are indispensable tools. By understanding the many uses of moving blankets and investing in the right number for your needs, you’ll be well on your way to a seamless and damage-free relocation.

Ready to simplify your move and ensure your belongings are protected every step of the way? Armstrong is your trusted partner in moving solutions. We offer comprehensive moving services, handling everything from packing and loading to transportation and unpacking, so you can focus on the excitement of your new beginning. With our expertise and high-quality moving supplies, including durable moving blankets, your belongings will arrive at your new home safe and sound. Contact Armstrong today to learn more about our services and start planning your move!