Do You Really Need Moving Furniture Pads?
Fact Checked by: Moving often means worrying about dents, dings, and scrapes — especially if you have furniture or appliances you want to keep in good shape. That’s where furniture pads (also called moving blankets) come in. They’re thick, protective layers that shield your belongings — and your walls, floors, and doorways — from the rough-and-tumble of moving day.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Are moving blankets (furniture pads) really necessary?
If you want to avoid damage, furniture pads are absolutely worth it. Skipping them often leads to scratches, chips, and dents that cost more than the pads themselves.
- Essential for: Long-distance moves, insured moves, valuable or delicate items, and any home with stairs, elevators, or tight turns.
- Optional for: Short, low-risk moves with sturdy, low-value items — as long as you’re OK with minor cosmetic wear.
- Real talk: We’ve seen plenty of moves go sideways after skipping pads. In one Better Moves Project story, a crew forgot to blanket several items. The result: broken wood on a dining table, damaged frames, and only partial compensation. Don’t gamble with irreplaceables.
What should you protect with furniture pads?
Any surface that can scratch, dent, or snag deserves a layer of protection. Start with your most fragile or expensive items.
- Tables: Dining, coffee, end, and nightstands — protect tops and legs.
- Seating: Chairs and sofas, especially wood arms and upholstered corners.
- Case goods: Dressers, cabinets, bookcases — pad edges and door fronts.
- Beds & headboards: Wood and upholstered pieces scuff easily.
- Appliances: Refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves — blanket + strap to dolly.
- Electronics & glass: TVs, monitors, mirrors, glass tops — double-pad and face glass up.
- Instruments & art: Pianos and framed art need heavy-duty pads and extra strapping.
|
|
|
|
rating
How many furniture pads do you need?
Quantity depends on home size and how much you’re padding. When in doubt, add a few more — sofas, appliances, and armoires often need two or three pads each.
| Home size | Furniture pads needed |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bedroom | 6–12 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | 12–24 |
| 4+ bedrooms | 24–36+ |
- Prioritize wisely: Pad delicate or high-value items first, then use extras on less critical pieces.
Types of moving blankets: Which one should you choose?
Different grades offer different levels of protection and durability. Use this quick comparison to match your needs.
| Type | Material | Thickness/Weight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Cotton or polyester blend | Light–medium | Short moves, light furniture |
| Heavy-duty | Thick cotton/polyester | Thick, quilted | Long-distance, heavy/delicate items |
| Professional-grade | Dense polyester, reinforced stitching | Extra thick/heavy | Pro movers, frequent reuse |
| Consumer-grade | Cotton, polyester, or blends | Thin–medium | One-time or DIY moves |
Materials affect both protection and handling:
- Cotton: Soft and pliable, great shock absorption, but can take on moisture.
- Polyester: Durable and tear-resistant, easier to clean, less absorbent.
- Blends: A practical mix of softness and strength for most households.
How to use furniture pads for moving (step-by-step)
Correct wrapping and securing is what keeps damage at bay. Follow these steps like the pros do:
1) Prepare the area
Clear space: Lay a blanket flat on a clean floor and remove loose items from the furniture.
2) Wrap the item
- Lay the blanket with the lighter “clean” side up.
- Place the item centered, top aimed toward a corner.
- Fold bottom corner up, then sides, then top — fully enclosing edges and corners.
3) Secure the blanket
Lock it in: Use stretch wrap, moving bands, rubber bands, or packing tape with the sticky side out so tape never touches finishes.
4) Move carefully
In the truck: Strap wrapped items to rails so they can’t shift. Double-wrap fragile or high-value pieces.
- Pro tip: For upholstered items, apply plastic stretch wrap first to block moisture, then blanket-wrap.
- Safety warning: Blankets can make items slippery. Use a dolly and team lift for bulky or heavy pieces.
Benefits of using furniture pads
Furniture pads are affordable insurance that prevents costly mistakes.
- Damage prevention: Shields against scrapes, edge chips, and pressure marks.
- Cleaner move: Keeps dust and grime off surfaces; adds a moisture barrier when used with stretch wrap.
- Less shifting in transit: Padding reduces vibration and contact with other items.
- Safer handling: Blunts sharp corners and hardware to protect people and walls.
“My move was mostly heirlooms and antiques. With professional-grade blankets and careful wrapping, we had only minor scuffs — worth every penny.” — Stephanie’s move, TX → CA
Alternatives to moving blankets
Household substitutes can help in a pinch, especially for short, local moves — but they’re not as protective as real pads.
- Thick comforters or quilts: Good coverage for large items; add cardboard on corners.
- Bath or beach towels: Wrap small pieces and fragile edges.
- Old blankets or bedspreads: Quick protection when you’re short on supplies.
- Bubble wrap or foam: Add cushioning for glass and electronics under the blanket layer.
- Cardboard pads: Slide between stacked items or against walls.
If you use substitutes, double up on fragile items and strap everything securely. For best results, pair with real pads wherever possible.
FAQs about furniture pads for moving
What are furniture pads for moving?
Furniture pads — also called moving blankets or moving pads — are quilted or woven blankets designed to absorb bumps and prevent abrasion while items are carried, loaded, and transported.
Can I move without furniture pads?
You can, but you’ll increase the risk of scratches, dents, and broken parts — especially during loading and in transit. Household alternatives help for short local moves, yet dedicated moving blankets provide the best coverage and impact protection.
Are moving blankets reusable?
Yes. With basic care (cold wash, low heat or air dry), quality pads can last through many moves and are useful for storage or projects between moves.
Are furniture pads worth the cost?
Absolutely. You might spend $50–$100 on pads, which is typically far less than repairing a gouged dresser or replacing a damaged fridge panel. Consider them inexpensive insurance.
Can I wash moving blankets?
Most are machine-washable — check the label. Use cold water and a gentle cycle, and air dry or tumble on low to protect stitching and binding.
Summary: Are furniture pads worth it?
Yes — furniture pads are one of the smartest investments you can make for a safe, low-stress move. They protect what matters, reduce in-truck shifting, and make handling safer for everyone.
- Use pads on valuables, fragile, or heavy items: Double up for glass and antiques.
- Confirm pad usage with pros: Most reputable movers include them — ask at booking.
- DIY movers should rent or buy: Stock 6–36+ pads based on home size and inventory.
- Reuse beyond moving day: Great for storage, projects, pets, and more.
Ready to plan your move? Get personalized estimates and dial in your budget now.
How Much do Movers Cost?
Get instant ballpark pricing. No email or phone required. It's fast, free, and easy.
How we chose the best moving companies
The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:
Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.
Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.
Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.
State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.
Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).
Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
