Moving Blankets 101: A Complete Guide

Moving blankets, also called furniture pads, are one of the simplest ways to protect your belongings during a move. They help prevent scratches and scuffs on furniture, appliances, and other household items while loading, transporting, and unloading. If you’re planning a DIY move, using moving blankets for furniture is an easy step that can make a big difference.

Here’s what to know before you start packing with moving blankets, moving pads, or packing blankets.

Key Takeaways: Moving blankets protect furniture, appliances, and surfaces from damage during a move. You’ll typically need at least one blanket per item, with larger pieces requiring more. Pairing moving blankets with plastic stretch wrap helps keep everything secure while moving without leaving any residue.

What Are Moving Blankets?

Moving blankets are large, durable cloth coverings designed to protect items during a move. You’ll also hear them called moving pads, packing blankets, or furniture blankets.

Most moving blankets are made from materials like cotton, polyester, or recycled fabrics. U-Haul® furniture pads, for example, use recycled denim and are designed to be both reusable and easy to handle. Their size allows you to fully wrap most household items for all-around protection.

Uses for Moving Blankets

Moving blankets are primarily used to cushion and protect items, but they’re more versatile than you might expect. During a move, they help shield furniture from damage, reduce shifting inside boxes, and fill up empty space in your moving truck to keep items from sliding around.

They’re especially helpful when loading a truck, where gaps between items can lead to movement during transit. Folding packing blankets into those spaces adds an extra layer of stability and protection.

Types of U-Haul Moving Blankets

As the DIY moving and storage leader, U-Haul offers a few different types of furniture pads depending on your needs.

Furniture Pad

The standard U-Haul furniture pad is a lightweight, reusable option made from recycled denim. Measuring about 68” x 85”, it’s large enough to cover most furniture and provides reliable everyday protection.

If you’re moving multiple rooms of furniture, the Furniture Pad Value Pack can help you save on supplies by giving you six furniture pads for the price of five. It’s a practical option for larger DIY moves where you’ll need several moving blankets for furniture protection throughout the truck.

Quilted Pad

Quilted pads are designed for added protection. Made with multiple layers of compressed recycled cotton fibers and double-stitched for durability, they’re ideal for long moves, storage, or more delicate items. 

These are heavy-duty moving blankets that have a double-stitched border and weigh more than five pounds. This moving blanket is perfect for moving a pool table, gun safes, or any large appliance.

Paper Pad

Paper pads are a budget-friendly alternative. While not traditional moving blankets, these 3-ply paper pads are useful for wrapping mirrors, artwork, and décor, or for protecting floors and surfaces during projects.

How to Use Moving Blankets to Protect Furniture

Using moving blankets the right way helps ensure your items stay protected throughout your move. Pairing them with Mover’s Stretch Plastic Wrap keeps everything secure without leaving residue behind.

Here’s how it works:

1. Start by draping the blanket over your item so that it’s evenly covered on all sides. For larger furniture, you may need more than one blanket to fully protect the surface.
2. Next, wrap the item with stretch plastic wrap, working from top to bottom. Overlap each layer slightly so that the blanket stays in place and doesn’t shift. A few passes around the item will create a snug, secure hold.
3. Once wrapped, your item is ready to load. Using equipment like a furniture dolly or lifting straps can make the process safer and easier.

Pro Tip: Mover’s Stretch Plastic Wrap comes with hand-holds to make wrapping easier and more accessible.

How Many Moving Blankets Do You Need?

The number of moving blankets you need depends on how much you’re moving and the size of your items. A good rule of thumb is to plan for at least one blanket per item. Larger pieces like dining tables, headboards, or bookcases may require two or three blankets for full coverage.

If you find yourself needing several packing blankets, a Furniture Pad Value Pack may help lower your overall supply costs. Because larger moves often require multiple furniture blankets, buying in bulk can be an easy way to stay protected while keeping your moving budget in check.

To estimate your needs, walk through your home and make a quick list of the items you plan to wrap. Start with one moving blanket per piece, then add extras for anything oversized or fragile. This approach helps you stay organized and avoid running short on moving pads on move day.

Where to Buy Moving Blankets

You can find moving blankets anywhere moving supplies are sold, including U-Haul centers and dealers across the United States and Canada. Availability may vary by location, so it’s a good idea to check ahead of time when planning your move.

Another way to get moving supplies is to rent them while reserving your rental truck or trailer from U-Haul, this way they will already be in the truck/trailer when you pick up your rental. You can also purchase moving blankets at uhaul.com or on the U-Haul App.

Because furniture blankets are reusable and washable, many customers choose to keep them for future moves, storage, or household projects.

Other Uses for Moving Blankets

Moving blankets aren’t just for moving day. Their durability and padding make them useful long after your move is over. Many people use them to protect items in storage, line vehicle interiors, cushion pet areas, or provide surface protection during painting and home projects.

Keeping a few extra packing blankets on hand can come in handy for everyday tasks around your home.

How to Rent Moving Blankets

If you don’t want to purchase moving blankets, renting is a convenient option. U-Haul offers furniture pads as an add-on when you rent a moving truck or trailer, and in many cases, you can rent them on their own.

This can be a practical choice if you only need moving blankets for a short time and want to keep your moving costs simple.

Start your reservation today!