Moving Blankets: What They Are and How to Use Them
Fact Checked by: Moving blankets (aka furniture pads) are the easiest, most affordable way to keep furniture, appliances, walls, and floors safe on move day. Used correctly, they prevent the dings, scratches, and broken parts that lead to costly repairs and stress. Below, our moving experts break down what they are, how to use them like a pro, where to get them, and what they cost.
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How to use moving blankets: Quick answer
Moving blankets are thick, padded covers used to protect your belongings and home during a move. In most cases, they’re essential for avoiding damage. Use them to wrap and pad items, line your truck, and separate stacked pieces so nothing rubs or shifts.
We’ve distilled lessons from thousands of moves: follow the walkthroughs below to avoid common mistakes and keep your move on track.
What are moving blankets?
Moving blankets, also called furniture pads or shipping pads, are heavy-duty, quilted covers made from cotton, polyester, or recycled blends. The quilting and binding add shock absorption and abrasion resistance during handling and transport.
- Standard size: 72 inches x 80 inches (about 6 ft x 7 ft) fits most furniture and appliances.
- Smart design: Most have a lighter “clean” side for your item and a darker “dirty” side for the truck or ground.
Types of moving blankets
Choose the protection level that matches your items and distance.
- Standard: Versatile for most household furniture and short moves.
- Heavy-duty / quilted: Thicker padding and reinforced stitching for fragile, high-value, or long-haul shipments.
- Woven vs. non-woven: Woven polyester/cotton holds up better to repeated use; non-woven is budget-friendly for one-time moves.
- Cotton vs. polyester: Cotton is soft and pliable; polyester is tougher, sheds less, and is easier to clean.
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Primary uses of moving blankets
Blankets protect more than just furniture, they safeguard your home and truck, too.
- Protect furniture & appliances: Prevent scratches, dents, and cracked corners on wood, metal, and glass.
- Shield the home: Pad doorframes, stair rails, and tight corners so you don’t lose a security deposit or ding walls.
- Beyond moving day: Great for storage padding, basic sound dampening, and temporary floor protection during projects.
Real-world proof: “A number of large musical instruments made it safely thanks to careful padding and wrapping.” — Janna’s U-Pack move
Step-by-step guide: How to use moving blankets
Use these pro techniques to wrap, load, and secure with confidence.
1) Wrapping and securing items
For small items (chairs, nightstands, lamps)
Smaller pieces usually need one blanket if you wrap snugly.
- Lay a blanket flat, clean side up.
- Place the item centered and angled toward a corner.
- Fold bottom corner up, sides in, then top down to cocoon edges and corners.
- Secure with stretch wrap, large rubber bands, or packing tape with the sticky side out (so it never touches finishes).
For large items (sofas, appliances, dressers)
Big items need layered coverage and tensioned straps.
- For fabric/soft goods, apply plastic stretch wrap first to repel moisture.
- Drape a blanket over the front, then wrap sides and fold excess over the top/bottom.
- Use moving bands or tie-down straps to snug the blanket around the piece; add a second blanket for full coverage.
- For appliances, pair with an appliance dolly and straps.
“Bellhop forgot to wrap my couch and bed frames with blankets. The result? Significant damage to almost all my wooden furniture.” — Madisen’s Bellhop move
2) Padding and lining the truck
Prevent rub marks and shifting while in transit.
- Line high-contact areas: Place blankets on the truck floor and against walls where items will rest.
- Layer between stacks: Put a blanket between furniture pieces and boxes to stop friction.
- Guard corners & doorframes: Tape or clamp blankets over surfaces you’ll bump while loading.
Pro tip: Lining the truck keeps it cleaner, which can help you avoid extra cleaning fees.
3) Securing items in the truck
Strapping is what keeps a careful wrap from failing on the road.
- Strap heavy items to E-track or rails using ratchet straps or rope.
- Heaviest items on the bottom; lighter, fragile items on top.
- Fill gaps with extra blankets or soft goods so nothing can slide.
- Do a “sudden stop” test: if anything could topple, re-strap.
Choosing the right moving blankets
Match blanket quality to your inventory and distance; then buy or rent accordingly.
- Quality: Look for thicker padding, dense quilting, and reinforced binding.
- Size: Standard 72″ x 80″ fits most; oversized pieces may need two or more.
- Thickness: Heavy-duty or quilted pads provide the most protection for glass, antiques, and long hauls.
- Material: Cotton = flexible and soft; polyester = tough and low-shed; recycled blends = budget- and eco-friendly.
How many do you need? Plan for 1–2 blankets per large item, plus extras for appliances and stacking. For a typical one-bedroom move, 12–24 blankets is a safe estimate. See our full Moving blankets guide.
Recommendations by move type
- Local moves: Economy pads can work if you’re careful and double-wrap fragile edges.
- Long-distance or storage: Choose heavy-duty quilted pads — they resist wear and vibration better.
- Storage: Use clean, dry blankets and elevate items off concrete to reduce humidity transfer.
Where to buy or rent moving blankets
You can purchase for reuse or rent for a one-off move.
- Retailers: Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, Harbor Freight, and Amazon (bulk packs are cost-effective).
- Truck rental: U-Haul, Budget, and Penske rent blankets with your truck or trailer.
- Full-service movers: Most top moving companies include furniture pads at no extra charge — confirm at booking.
Buying vs. renting: Pros & cons
- Buying: Higher upfront cost, but reusable for future moves, storage, or DIY projects.
- Renting: Pay per move and return afterward — ideal if you won’t move again soon or don’t want to store supplies.
Cost considerations: Buying vs. renting
Typical price ranges you’ll see online and at counters:
| Option | Average cost (per blanket) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Buying (standard) | $10–$20 | Multiple moves, storage, DIY projects |
| Buying (heavy-duty) | $15–$30 | Fragile/valuable items, long-distance moves |
| Renting | $10–$20 per move | One-time moves, limited storage space |
- Buy in bulk: 12- or 24-packs can drop the effective price to ~$7 each.
- Mind rental terms: Return clean and undamaged to avoid fees.
Cleaning and maintaining moving blankets
Clean pads protect surfaces better and last longer.
- Washing: Most are machine-washable (check labels). Use cold water and mild detergent.
- Drying: Air dry or tumble on low heat to protect fibers and binding.
- Stain/odor: Spot-treat before washing; a cup of white vinegar in the wash helps with odors.
- Storage: Fold and store in a dry, cool space. Don’t compress under heavy items for long periods.
Pro tip: Only launder one or two blankets at a time to avoid overloading your machine, and shake pads out before use to remove grit.
Alternatives to moving blankets
Running short? These DIY substitutes work in a pinch, but aren’t as protective as real pads.
- Thick towels and quilts: Good coverage for large flat surfaces; add cardboard on corners.
- Old comforters/bedspreads: Quick protection for local moves.
- Bubble wrap or foam sheets: Add cushioning for glass and electronics under a blanket layer.
- Cardboard sheets: Slide between stacked items and against walls.
Common mistakes & troubleshooting
Avoid these issues to keep your load safe and your claim file empty.
- Not using enough blankets: Under-padding leads to rub marks and chips — stock extras.
- Loose wraps: If the blanket can shift, it will. Add bands or straps.
- Skipping truck padding: Unlined walls and floors scuff items during vibrations.
- Taping finishes: Never put adhesive directly on wood or painted surfaces.
- Bad stacking: Heavy on light = crushed and cracked. Reverse it.
Sustainability and environmental impact
Good blankets are reusable for years and often made with recycled fibers.
- Eco-friendly picks: Look for recycled content or pads marketed for long-term reuse.
- Recycle & repurpose: Retire old pads as pet bedding, car-trunk liners, or renovation drop cloths.
- Donate: Clean blankets are welcomed by animal shelters and local charities.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about moving blankets
Can you wash moving blankets?
Yes. Most are machine-washable — use cold water with a mild detergent and air dry or tumble on low. Always check the care tag first to protect stitching and binding.
How many moving blankets do I need?
Plan for 1–2 per large item, plus extras for appliances, fragile pieces, and lining. For a typical one-bedroom, 12–24 blankets is common; larger homes may need 24–36+.
Are moving blankets reusable?
Absolutely. Quality pads can last through dozens of moves with basic care, and they’re useful for storage and projects between moves.
Are moving blankets waterproof?
Most are water-resistant, not waterproof. They’ll shrug off light moisture but won’t keep items dry in heavy rain. For protection, wrap with plastic stretch film before blanket-wrapping.
Can I use moving blankets for storage or soundproofing?
Yes. Blankets are great for covering stored items and can noticeably reduce echo and noise in home studios, workshops, and apartments.
Make the most of your move
Moving blankets aren’t just another supply — they’re your best defense against damage, hassle, and surprise costs. Wrap, pad, and strap items the way the pros do, and you’ll protect both your stuff and your sanity.
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