Buying guide for Best moving blankets
Moving blankets are designed to protect your furniture, furnishings, and valuables from damage during a move. Whether you’ve hired professional movers or are doing it yourself, you want to make sure your items are protected from scratches, dings, and dents as you journey to your new location. Buying your own moving blankets can be cheaper than renting them from a mover, and when you wrap your items yourself, you know you’ve protected things the way that you want.
Because your moving blankets will be protecting some of your most prized possessions, it is imperative that they be of appropriate quality for the task. All moving blankets are not the same; as you shop, you will find them in a multitude of quality and trim levels.
To get the most out of your move, reading our handy buying guide on moving blankets. We offer tips and information that will help you as you move, and we spotlight some of our favorite moving blankets for your consideration.
Considerations
Blanket size
The size of a standard moving blanket is 72 x 80 inches. Many of these can be used for wrapping large items, such as dressers and LED TVs. If you don’t need something quite so large, consider blankets with smaller dimensions. For example, a blanket that is 72 x 54 inches might be more appropriate. Smaller blankets are useful for wrapping items like end-tables and lamps.
Outer material
The outer layer of most moving blankets is made of non-woven fabric, polyester, or another synthetic fabric. Generally, non-woven fabric is the least durable of the three. Polyester is slightly better, and cotton is considered to be the premium moving blanket material, as it’s the most durable.
The type of outer material a moving blanket has affects its price. Since cotton is thought to be the best, it’s also the most expensive. Price goes down as you move into the realm of polyester and non-woven moving blankets.
Thickness
The thicker the blanket, the more protection it offers your items. Moving blanket thickness is measured by the weight of the blanket itself. If you want the thickest blanket possible, look at blanket weight, which should be indicated in the product specs. For example, a set of 12 moving blankets may have a specified weight of 65 pounds per dozen. This is in the higher range for thickness.
Items to be transported
Fragile items require more protection than hardy items, of course, and chances are you own a mix of fragile and not-as-fragile items. You may ultimately decide on a mix of moving blanket sizes and thicknesses to accommodate your possessions. Alternatively, you might choose to only purchase moving blankets for your fragile items or for your large items. It really depends on the mix of items you intend to move.
Frequency of use
Some people use moving blankets regularly. For example, military families are expected to move often, which creates a need. Also, if you operate a moving business, you will have a regular need for moving blankets. If you plan to use your moving blankets regularly, whether it’s for personal or business use, you will want to make sure you have the most durable blankets possible. You may also want to purchase a variety of different sizes to handle your varying needs.
Storage space and other uses
Moving blankets can take up a lot of space when not in use. How much storage space do you have for your moving blankets? You may need to get creative when searching for a place to stash your blankets. Some people keep them in a vehicle trunk, under a bed, or on the floor of a closet.
Others find secondary uses for their moving blankets. Consider the following ideas.
Soundproofing: You might hang your moving in a room where you want extra soundproofing. Thicker moving blankets are preferred for this.
Pet bedding: You might place your moving blankets on the floor to create a cozy space for pets to lounge or sleep.
Drop cloths for painting: Drop cloths are usually very long, which can make them less versatile than moving blankets. You might get paint on them, but that won’t prevent them from being useful the next time you move!
- Camping: Some folks take their moving blankets camping. The blankets can be used to create a thick barrier between the ground and the people.
Features
Camouflage pattern
Some moving blankets come with a green and brown camouflage pattern. This is mostly for aesthetic value, but it gives your moving items some flair when you open that moving truck. It’s also great for military members and veterans who want to show their pride.
Burlap backing
A few companies add burlap backing to their moving blankets. These moving blankets are highly durable but less heavy than standard polyester-backed moving blankets. The burlap is lightweight and thin, so it doesn’t add much weight.
Moving bands
Some moving blankets come with rubber bands you can use to keep them in place once they’re wrapped around furniture or other household goods. Granted, rubber bands aren’t expensive, but the inclusion of these bands is highly convenient, especially if you’re stressing about an upcoming move.
Moving blanket prices
Inexpensive
Individual blankets start at $5. For a dozen lower-quality blankets, you may pay up to $100. Moving blankets in this price range tend to be smaller. As price goes up, so does size.
Mid-range
If you spend $100 to $200, you can get roughly the same number of blankets as you would in the lower range, but the blankets will be thicker. This is useful if you plan to wrap highly delicate items like electronics or antique furniture. Just remember, you’ll need more space to store these thicker blankets.
Expensive
From $200 to $350, you can get as many of 24 blankets in a set. Often, these blankets offer maximum thickness and include fun aesthetic options, like a camouflage print. Premium blankets tend to last longer than cheaper options. If you move often or own your own moving company, this price range is probably your best bet.
Did you know?
If you don’t have access to rubber moving bands, stretch wrap is a good substitute for attaching a moving blanket to furniture or other valuables.
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Tips
To avoid buying too many (or too few) moving blankets, make a list of the items you plan to pack. This will help you determine how many moving blankets you will need.
Do not put your moving blankets away damp or wet. Doing so could lead to mildew, mold, and bad odors. Allow them to thoroughly dry, either in the open air or in the dryer, first.
Consider using moving blankets to pull heavy furniture along the floor. This is, in fact, one of their intended uses. Note that moving blankets with heavier weights are the best choices for pulling furniture.
Use moving bands to hold your moving blankets in place after wrapping them around large furniture items. As mentioned, some moving blankets come with moving bands.
Even if all of your items are wrapped in moving blankets, try not to let hard surfaces touch each other in the moving truck. The back-and-forth friction could damage delicate items.
- Never store moving blankets near aerosol cans, gasoline, or other highly flammable items. Moving blankets stored near flammable materials pose a serious fire hazard.
FAQ
Q. Could I just pack my valuable furniture and other large items with blankets from home?
A.Yes, you could. However, you are much more likely to avoid serious damage to your items when you use moving blankets that are specially designed for protective purposes.
Q. How many moving blankets do I need to purchase as a starter kit?
A.There’s no set number, but 12 might be a good starting point — not too many and not too few. You could always purchase more if you need them.
