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When you’re preparing for a move, the right packing materials make all the difference in ensuring your belongings arrive at your new home in good condition. Moving blankets are a must-have for wrapping furniture and other fragile items . Keep reading to find out what moving blankets are for, how to use them, and how to calculate the number you need during your move.
You may not have heard of moving blankets if you haven’t undertaken a big move. Also called furniture pads , they’re a staple for wrapping pieces like furniture that are prone to scratches and dents during a move.
Think of an item’s full journey during a move from one house to the next. It will likely go through doorways, narrow halls, and stairwells, not to mention being stacked in a truck or storage unit with all of your other belongings.
Moving blankets pads your belongings to prevent scratches while in motion. They’re also helpful in preventing shifts within a moving truck . If you or your professional movers are stacking items, extra blankets can also help fill in gaps so nothing topples over.
Moving blankets are typically made from quilted fabric materials such as polyester and cotton blends. They’re heavy-duty enough to withstand multiple moves without tearing or falling apart. In other words, they’re designed to withstand the full brunt of a big move.
There are a few reasons why you should use moving blankets . The biggest benefit is that they protect your investments. Whether you favor antique sideboards or modern coffee tables, you’ve probably put a lot of time and financial resources into curating your home’s design pieces. Using moving blankets as an extra layer of cushioning ensures those items stay in their original condition.
In addition to preventing nicks and scratches, moving blankets can also help absorb shock. They’re helpful for moving electronics such as televisions and stereo systems to ensure perfect picture and sound quality at your new home .
After the move, you can also repurpose your blankets. Use them in a storage unit to protect stacked items or cover flooring and furniture with them when you take on a home renovation project, such as painting.
Follow these packing tips to keep your fragile items in pristine condition with moving blankets .
Step 1: Unfold the blanket, and drape it around the piece of furniture you’re packing. Make sure it hangs evenly on each side. If it’s short, you can layer two blankets over one another so that they overlap.
Step 2: Secure the moving blanket in place with a roll of stretch plastic wrap . Movers prefer plastic wrap or stretch wrap over packing tape because it doesn’t leave sticky residue behind. It’s also much easier to remove at your new home . Wrap the roll around several times. You’ll notice the plastic wrap sticks to itself, making it a simple process.
Instead of plastic wrap , you can also secure the moving blankets with straps. This works particularly well for heavy items , such as a dining room table .
Step 3: Load your furniture, and start wrapping the next piece.
As you can see, it doesn’t take any specialized skill or tools to use moving blankets effectively. Plus, moving blankets can perform double duty by going underneath heavy furniture to slide it without damaging the floor.
There are two methods for estimating the total number of moving blankets you’ll need. The first is to hire a full-service moving company that provides you with a comprehensive quote including labor and supplies. Usually, an estimator creates the quote based on a home visit. Then you don’t have to worry about those details.
The other option is calculating your own moving blanket estimate. According to Uhaul .com, the average moving blanket measures 65 by 85 inches. Inventory each room in your home to determine which items need moving blankets . Larger items , such as a piano or headboard , may need two blankets depending on their size. Estimate the final tally and consider adding a few extra moving blankets to account for surprises. Smaller items , such as bookshelves , may not need a blanket at all.
It’s possible to either rent moving blankets or buy them. A full-service mover will likely procure moving blankets on your behalf and include the cost in your quote. For a do-it-yourself ( DIY ) move, there are plenty of places to rent or buy moving blankets .
Most moving truck rental locations, such as U-Haul and Budget Trucks, offer blanket rentals when you reserve a vehicle. Big-box home improvement stores , such as The Home Depot , Walmart , or Lowe’s , also have large selections of moving supplies. You can buy just a few moving blankets or purchase them in bulk if you have lots of high-quality pieces to protect. Online retailers also sell them if you prefer to have your moving supplies delivered to your home.
No matter how you plan to execute your next move , be sure to include moving blankets on your supply list. The extra padding keeps your furniture safe from dents and scratches as each piece is moved. Blankets also keep your large items secure during transit regardless of potholes or other damaging road movement.
The primary difference between a moving blanket and a normal blanket is the thickness. Moving blankets are much thicker than normal blankets, which provides more protection for your belongings. Plus, the material is more durable, so theyu0026#8217;re less likely to rip or tear. If you do use normal blankets, plan to use more than one and expect some wear and tear once the move is over.
Moving blankets aren’t essential, but they’re strongly recommended. The cost of buying moving blankets is quite low compared to your furniture’s value. While using moving blankets requires more time to pack, you can enlist professional movers to help streamline the process.
Depending on the size and thickness, one moving blanket from U-Haul costs between $10 and $15. A 12-pack of moving blankets on Amazon costs about $60. Rental costs are as low as $5 for six blankets, according to Movers.com.
You can certainly get creative and use some alternatives to moving blankets. Regular blankets are an option, although they may not be as sturdy. Towels can be used for small items and cardboard may protect some flat pieces, such as a headboard. Assess what you have in your home before buying any moving blankets.
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