How to use moving blankets (plus buying, cleaning, and storage tips)

Avoid damaging your items during a move by knowing how to use moving blankets correctly.

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Should you use removal blankets to move your things? The answer is a resounding yes. Moving blankets are as essential as packing tape and moving boxes since they provide additional security for your precious belongings.

But not all removal blankets are made the same. In this guide, learn what removal blankets are, what types you can buy, and how to use moving blankets correctly. 

What are moving blankets used for?

stack of furniture pads for home moving

Moving blankets act as a furniture pad. They protect furniture and other belongings from damage when moving. They absorb shock, and the extra layer provides greater protection and safety for larger items, hardwood floors, and other sensitive surfaces. 

Heavy-duty furniture pads have lighter and darker-coloured sides, corresponding to the ‘clean’ and ‘dirty’ sides. You use the clean side facing the appliance or furniture and the dirty side facing out. 

Types of moving blankets  

What type of removal blanket do you need? There are three different types: Lightweight, mediumweight, and heavyweight. Know what type you need to buy the right one at home improvement stores or online retailers.

  • Lightweight moving blankets are an affordable option and perfect for a one-time move. They’re light and made with less fabric and must be replaced. Thus, they don’t offer the same protection as heavy-duty moving blankets.  

  • Mediumweight moving blankets are more durable than lightweight furniture pads and can be used multiple times. These secure moving blankets are perfect for people who often move and are also used by professional removalists.

  • Because of the extra protection layers, professional movers use heavyweight moving blankets to transport expensive or valuable items. These furniture pads are also the most expensive to purchase. 

Other options for removal blankets 

If you don’t have the time or the budget to purchase moving blankets, there are alternatives that you can use for your move. For example, you can opt for heavy-duty fabric like textile blankets. You can also use old blankets and quilts. Even if they’re not as thick, you can use several blankets for added protection.  

How to use moving blankets for furniture

Moving is time-consuming. But you can save time, energy, and money by doing it correctly. Using moving blankets helps protect items and ensures they arrive in the same condition as they left. 

So follow these steps to properly use moving blankets for your next move.
 

1. Put your moving blanket on or around the item you want to protect 

man packing furniture with moving blanket

Place it evenly but not too tightly. If you have larger furniture, you can use two moving blankets for full coverage. But if you prefer to use just one blanket, you can cover and protect the most fragile sides.
 

2. Secure the moving blanket with stretch wrap or packing tape 

armchair and other furniture wrapped in protective padding for moving

Wrap your item with stretch or plastic wrap from the top, then work your way down. You can overlap the stretch or plastic wrap to wrap your item fully. If you’re using packing tape, apply it around the entire thing so the blanket doesn’t move.

The stretch wrap also provides additional coverage when you move on a rainy day. It will prevent the blanket from absorbing water.
   

3. Your item is ready to be moved

big object wrapped in moving blanket on power lift

Once your moving blanket is wrapped securely, you can transport your item to the moving truck. Remember that even if your items are securely covered with a moving blanket, it’s not a 100% guarantee that there won’t be any damage during transport. So once the items reach their destination, carefully remove the blankets and check for any damages. 

Use moving blankets for a safer and hassle-free move

Anything can happen during a move, like your desk getting a dent after banging on a wall or your coffee table getting scratched by other furniture. This usually happens if your things are not properly covered and don’t have an extra layer of protection.

With a removal blanket, you can protect your things and prevent your floors and walls from scratches. You can rent a moving blanket for one-time use or hire professional removalists to take care of everything for you. 

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FAQs on furniture blankets

Moving blankets are usually made of polyester mesh, cotton, nylon, or similar materials. They’re usually stitched like a quilt, measuring one to two metres (three to six feet) on each side. Since they act as furniture pads or moving pads, they also have extra padding and multiple layers of fillers. 

This will be based on your estimates. For example, bigger items like tables, bookshelves, and headboards may need two to three moving blankets to cover them entirely. Determining how many big things you have is essential so you can rent the correct number of moving blankets. 

You can still use your moving blankets long after the move is completed. They can protect stored items in the garage, basement, loft, or cupboard. Here are other ways to use moving blankets: 

  • Some heavy-duty moving blankets also have soundproofing capabilities, so you can use them for the music room or home office. 

  • A moving blanket can help protect car seats and keep the bed warm on cold winter days. 

  • It can even work as a camping rug or sleeping bag padding. 

  • If you have pets, they can work as pet blankets. 

  • Use them as floor protectors or pads for heavy furniture or gym equipment.  

To some degree, yes. But you can throw the moving blankets in the wash on a gentle or delicate cycle if you want to wash and clean them. It’s recommended that you use cold water for this. 

They need to be hang-dried, too. After which, put them in the dryer for not longer than two minutes on the lowest setting (no heat setting also works) to fluff them up. 

Store them in a warm, dry place. Keep your moving blankets off the floor and from any water or moisture to prevent mould buildup. 

Yes, some moving companies across Australia offer customers free moving blankets. If you have many things to pack and move, you may need to rent a few more at an extra cost. Make sure to rent a moving blanket only from a reputable, trusted company. You don’t want torn or damaged blankets scratching your precious furniture or appliances.

Alternatively, you can post a task on Airtasker for moving blanket rentals from local removalists. Or delegate the entire packing task to a Tasker to save you time and trouble. You can also DIY your move by buying what you need at moving supplies stores.

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