How To Use Moving Blankets

Prevention is better than cure.

Imagine this: You've just arrived at your new place, excited to start anew, but as you unpack, you discover that your cherished furniture pieces have sustained unsightly scratches or serious damage.

It’s disappointing, isn’t it?

Unfortunately, such incidents are far too common, yet easily avoidable with the simple use of moving blankets.

Moving blankets are essential for shielding your valuables from the inevitable jostles of relocation.

A study shows that the proper use of moving blankets can reduce the incidence of furniture damage by as much as 70%.

That's a significant figure, considering that the average American moves approximately 11 times in their lifetime.

Every move presents a risk to your belongings, but with moving blankets, that risk diminishes greatly.

In this blog, we will guide you through everything you need to know about these protective wonders.

What Are Moving Blankets, and Why Are They Essential?

Imagine you are moving a delicate wooden table or a brand-new stainless-steel fridge.

Without protection, these items could have scratches, dents, or worse.

Curious about your moving costs? Fill out the details, and we’ll calculate them for you.

Moving blankets are thick, padded coverings designed to protect your belongings during the move.

Often crafted from polyester, cotton, or a blend of materials, they are a staple for professional movers and DIYers alike.

By incorporating thick moving blankets, you significantly reduce the likelihood of damage during your move.

Types of Moving Blankets

Before we get into how to use them, let’s discuss the types of moving blankets available and their specific use cases:

Woven Moving Blankets

Made of heavy-duty cotton or cotton/polyester blends.

Durable and ideal for long-distance moves.

Often reusable and machine-washable.

Non-Woven Moving Blankets

Lightweight and stitched from layered padding.

Perfect for short moves or less fragile items.

A cost-effective choice for one-time use.

Eco-Friendly Moving Blankets

Made from recycled materials.

Suitable for environmentally conscious movers.

Provides adequate protection while being sustainable.

Skin Moving Blankets

Thin and light with minimal padding.

Suitable for non-fragile items like plastic furniture.

Affordable but less protective.

When and How to Use Moving Blankets

Let’s break down the scenarios where moving blankets can be invaluable and how to use them effectively.

Protecting Furniture

Wrap furniture like tables, chairs, and cabinets in thick moving blankets to prevent scratches and scuffs.

Follow these steps:

Lay the blanket flat on the ground.

Place the furniture on the blanket and fold the edges over.

Secure the blanket with stretch wrap or packing tape.

Shielding Appliances

For large appliances like refrigerators or washing machines:

Drape the heavy-duty moving blankets over the appliance.

Use bungee cords or straps to secure the blanket snugly.

Covering Fragile Items

Glass tabletops, mirrors, and artwork require extra care:

Double-wrap the item with a moving blanket and bubble wrap for added protection.

Tape the layers tightly, but avoid adhesive on delicate surfaces.

Padding Moving Trucks

Line the walls of your moving truck with bulk moving blankets to create a cushioned interior. This prevents your furniture from sliding and colliding.

A Quick Reference: Blanket Selection Based on Use

Other Practical Uses for Moving Blankets

Beyond their primary role in moves, moving blankets are versatile tools that can be repurposed:

Soundproofing

Their dense material absorbs sound waves, making them perfect for makeshift soundproofing in home studios or noisy apartments.

Pet Bedding

Old moving blankets can double as comfortable, easy-to-clean bedding for your furry friends.

Home Renovations

Lay blankets over floors and furniture during painting or remodeling projects to catch spills and debris.

Where to Buy Moving Blankets

Finding the right moving blankets near me or online is easier than ever.

Here are some top options:

Hardware Stores: Retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s offer in-store and online moving supplies blankets.

Online Platforms: Amazon provides a wide selection, from cheap moving blankets for sale to premium options.

Special sites like ULINE stock bulk moving blankets for large-scale moves.

Rental Services: Moving companies like U-Haul often rent out heavy-duty moving blankets for single use.

How Many Moving Blankets Do You Need?

A common rule of thumb is to have one blanket for every 5 square feet of truck space.

For larger moves, purchase bulk moving blankets to save money.

Pro Tips for Using Moving Blankets

Invest in Quality: Cheap doesn’t always mean effective. Go for durable, best-moving blankets for high-value items.

Secure Properly: A loose blanket won’t protect your furniture. Always tape, wrap, or strap them down.

Read Reviews: Before purchasing, check out moving blanket reviews to ensure you’re getting the best product.

Go Green: Always go for eco-friendly moving blankets to minimize waste.

How Much Do Moving Blankets Cost?

If you are planning a move, one of the first questions you might ask is: “How much do moving blankets cost?”

Well, let’s break it down step by step.

The Cost of Moving Blankets

The cost of moving blankets typically ranges from $5 to $30 per blanket.

For those purchasing in bulk, the price per blanket often decreases.

If you only need them temporarily, renting might be a cost-effective alternative.

Let’s discuss some specific factors that affect the cost:

Material and Quality

High-quality, thick moving blankets made from woven cotton or polyester blends are expensive, costing $15–$30 per blanket.

Lightweight or non-woven options are cheaper, ranging from $5–$10 per blanket.

Size

Standard sizes like 72" x 80" cost more due to the larger surface area and material used.

Smaller sizes, such as 54" x 72", are often priced lower.

Brand and Vendor

Buying from top-tier brands like ULINE or Sure-Max might cost more, but the quality and durability justify the price.

Budget retailers, including Amazon or Walmart, offer cheap moving blankets for sale at discounted rates.

Purchase vs. Rent

Purchasing is ideal if you plan to reuse them for other purposes.

Renting can cost around $10–$20 per blanket for a move, depending on the rental company.

Common Dimensions and Sizes of Moving Blankets

When selecting moving blankets, size matters.

Here’s a breakdown of standard sizes and their applications:

Real-Life Example

Let's say you're moving into a one-bedroom apartment and need to protect 15 pieces of furniture, including a couch, a bed frame, a coffee table, and a refrigerator.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’d likely spend:

Furniture Count

2 Large Items (Couch, Refrigerator)

3 Medium Items (Bed Frame, Coffee Table, Desk)

10 Small Items (Chairs, Nightstands, Side Tables)

Blanket Requirements

Standard (72" x 80") Blankets: 10 blankets for medium and large items.

Small (54" x 72") Blankets: 5 blankets for smaller pieces.

Estimated Cost

Factors That Influence Blanket Costs

Bulk Discounts

Buying in bulk can significantly reduce costs. For instance, purchasing a pack of 12 bulk moving blankets might lower the cost per blanket to $8–$12.

Eco-Friendly Options

Environmentally conscious choices, such as eco-friendly moving blankets, might cost slightly more, around $15–$25 per blanket.

However, these are reusable and made from recycled materials, making them a sustainable choice.

Shipping Fees

When buying online, factor in shipping costs. For example, a pack of 6 blankets may cost $50, but shipping might add another $10–$20.

Used vs. New Blankets

Used blankets are available at discounted prices (sometimes under $5 per blanket) through local moving companies or marketplaces like Craigslist.