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Why You Need Moving Blankets (and How To Use Them)

Closeup of hands pulling packing tape from the roll to put over moving-blanket wrapped furniture.

When you’re preparing for a move, you’re probably thinking about boxes, bubble wrap and packing tape. But there’s one tool many people overlook that can make a huge difference: moving blankets. These thick, padded blankets are essential for protecting your belongings and ensuring your move goes smoothly. Here’s why you need them and how to use them properly.

Why Use Moving Blankets?

Moving blankets, or furniture pads, protect your furniture and other large items from damage. Without them, the bumps and jolts of the road can cause scratches, dents or broken corners. Here are a few key benefits:

  • Prevent Scratches: Wrap delicate furniture (like tables and bed frames) to avoid nicks and scrapes
  • Reduce Breakage: Moving blankets absorb shocks, which helps protect fragile items such as mirrors, TVs and artwork
  • Avoid Floor and Wall Damage: Padding heavy or bulky items can prevent them from scuffing walls, doorways and floors during loading and unloading
  • Noise and Vibration Control: Blankets help reduce rattling in the back of the truck, making your load more secure

How Many Moving Blankets Will I Need?

The number of blankets depends on how much furniture and how many delicate or fragile items you’re moving. A general rule of thumb is at least 12 to 24 blankets for a standard-sized household move. It’s always better to have a few extra to ensure full protection.

How to Properly Use Moving Blankets

To get the most out of your moving blankets and furniture pads, follow these best practices:

1. Wrap and secure each item

  • Fully cover furniture and appliances with a blanket or pad. Use stretch wrap or moving straps to hold the blanket in place.
  • For delicate or high-value items, like glass-front cabinets or artwork, add an extra blanket for additional protection.

2. Pad the moving truck

  • Line the walls of the truck with moving blankets to protect both your belongings and the truck.
  • Use blankets on the floor to protect heavier items that might be dragged during loading or unloading.

3. Stack with protection in mind

  • When stacking furniture in the truck, place a furniture pad between layers to prevent hard surfaces from damaging each other.
  • Use blankets and pads to fill gaps and prevent shifting while in transit.

Where To Get Moving Blankets

Moving blankets can be rented or purchased at most truck rental locations. When you rent a Penske truck, you can easily add furniture pads and other moving supplies, like hand trucks, to your reservation, ensuring they’ll be ready and waiting in your truck at pickup.

Tips for After the Move

Once you’re done moving, you can continue to use purchased moving blankets around the house. They’re great for garage projects, pet bedding or protecting surfaces during home renovations.

Make Moving Easier With Penske

Planning your next move? We offer moving truck rentals and packing hacks along with all the supplies you need, including moving blankets, hand trucks and boxes. Reserve your truck and supplies today to make your move safe and stress-free.
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