Everything You Need to Know About Moving Blankets

Protecting Your Belongings During a Move

It may become necessary at some point in life to make a grand relocation. Maybe to a new home, a new town, or possibly to a different state. Wherever to destination, the journey will require certain tools to ensure personal belongings are in their best condition. The right truck is important, a dolly for heavy items, the stamina of the crew loading the truck, and of course, protective moving blankets.

Of all of these tools, moving blankets seem to be the one item most commonly forgotten. They are an afterthought, much to the chagrin of those who have found their flat-screen TVs shattered and expensive furniture scratched and scored. So, what is a moving blanket, what makes the moving blanket so important, and how can it be repurposed after the move?

What Is a Moving Blanket?

The term “moving blanket” is kind of a misnomer. It is actually closer to a quilt by the material design. Also, known as a furniture pad, the moving blanket is constructed of cotton, polyester, and assorted recycled materials, patched and stuffed, much like a quilt. The batting within is intended to support and cushion shifting items during a move.

They are most often 72” by 80”. The size will cover most furniture and flat electronics and for larger, longer pieces can be worked in tandem with a second, or even a third, blanket. If you prefer, other sizes are available, some that suit specific furniture pieces such as oblong or rectangular dining tables.

How Can I Use Moving Blankets?

The conventional use is for covering furniture, especially if it will be stacked on with boxes or other furniture. You can use moving blankets as filler to put into gaps in the truck where holes cannot be filled by boxes, or even to fill in boxes that are mostly empty for additional protection and support. Protecting your walls and floors against dings and dents while unloading into your new location is also a valid use.

How Do I Know How Many Moving Blankets I Will Need?

This is a simple answer. For every piece of furniture, you want to protect, that is how many blankets you need. Usually, TVs and such will travel separately in a vehicle if an SUV or pickup truck is handy, but they also need their own moving blanket. If it can be banged around, maimed, or otherwise be compromised during the trip, it needs a protective shield. In this case, more is always better.

Other Uses After the Move

Moving Blankets can double as batting for soundproofing a room. Similar to adding tapestries to the walls or a throw rug to your floor, moving blankets cotton structure and internal batting absorbs sound like a sponge. It is a wonderful addition to a sound stage, music room, gaming room, or movie theater room.

Moving Blanket FAQ

Final Thoughts

When going through a move, stress is just part of the process, but stressing about your belongings doesn’t have to be a factor if you follow these three simple guidelines:

• Take your time and do it right.
• More moving blankets are better than not enough.
• Use your head.

If something looks like it might shift, reinforce it. If something looks like it will be damaged, protect it. And if you are afraid to open the rolling door on your moving fan expecting a cascade of boxes and small furniture items, brace everything to prevent it. Moving is supposed to be the start of a new adventure. Start your trip knowing you packed everything brilliantly.