Most people have relocated enough times in the past to know that breakage and damage occur during a short- or long-distance relocation. You may accidentally drop a plate while packing up the kitchen, or your refrigerator may get dented on the way out the front door. Despite the inherent moving risks, there are several methods and strategies that you can use to protect your belongings while you prepare for the relocation as well as on moving day. In addition to the bubble wrap, plastic wrap, wrapping paper and other materials, moving blankets are a moving day essential to protect furniture.

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Where to Buy Moving Blankets

Moving blankets are available from home improvement retailers, moving supply vendors, and online. Here are some of the best places to find good deals on moving blankets for your upcoming move:

Harbor Freight

To protect your furnishings from wear and tear during the move, Harbor Freight offers double-stitched moving blankets manufactured by Haul-Master. These durable blankets come in three colors: black, blue, and camouflage, and range in price from $4.49-$10.99 per blanket. Choose from three convenient sizes:

  • 80” x 72”
  • 72” x 40”
  • 50” x 40”

Home Depot

Major home improvement retailer, Home Depot, offers four different blankets for your relocation needs. From Pratt Retail Specialties, choose from either the premium, double-sided blanket or the cheaper, standard blanket made from recycled material. The premium blanket, available in two sizes, comes with a woven outer layer for enhanced durability, and a non-woven inner layer to protect furniture. Additionally, Home Depot sells black and blue moving blankets from Stalwart, that are non-woven and padded. All blankets are between $9.97-$36.97, though some discounts are available for bulk purchases. Choose from the following sizes:

  • 144” x 80”
  • 80” x 72”
  • 72” x 54”

Walmart

Walmart offers an overwhelming selection of moving blankets, including quilted moving pads, textile skins, and ultra-thick furniture pads from several manufacturers, including Stalwart and US Cargo Control. While this retailer certainly has the most selection, and lowest prices, the wide range of options makes choosing trickier. Score a 24-pack of textile moving blankets, for just $79.85 (or just $3.33 apiece) or a 12-pack of quilted moving pads for just $68.95 ($5.75 each). Or buy blankets individually. Choose from these sizes:

  • 80” x 72”
  • 72” x 54”

Lowes

Lowes carries just one model of a quilt-stitched moving blanket from Blue Hawk. These standard-sized blankets come with reinforced edges that prevent ripping and fraying and cost $19.99. Only available in one size:

  • 80” x 72”

U-Haul

Made from recycled denim, U-Haul’s furniture pads are both eco-friendly and durable. These pads cost $7.95 and can be shipped to your home or picked up in-store. You may also add six furniture pads to your U-Haul truck rental for just $5. U-Haul also sells more traditional quilted pads made from cotton that are heavy-duty and more durable, with a double-stitched border, for $14.95 each. 85” x 68”

  • 80” x 72”

Rent Moving Blankets

If you hire a moving company, you won’t need to buy or rent your blankets; they’ll come included in the cost of your move. If you’re moving yourself, but don’t want to purchase blankets, you can rent them from rental truck and portable storage companies, including:

  • U-Haul
  • Budget
  • Penske
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How Many Moving Blankets Do I Need?

Professionals recommend one dozen blankets for every 5’ of truck length. For example, if you’re renting a 20-foot U-Haul, you may want as many as four dozen moving blankets on hand for the move.

One of the best ways to estimate how many blankets you need while relocating is to walk from room to room assessing your needs. Smaller furnishings, such as your nightstand, may take one blanket. A more substantial item, such as your entertainment center or armoire, may use two blankets. Some furnishings need disassembly before you load them onto the truck. For example, your dining room table may need to have the legs removed. Because of this, you may need one blanket for the tabletop, one to bundle the legs, and several more to wrap each chair. Remember also to count your appliances and electronics. If you run out of blankets on moving day, you will either need to run to the store or risk having your items damaged. These are both undesirable options. It is best to estimate on the high end and to have too many blankets than not enough. If you’re renting blankets, adding another dozen to your order isn’t expensive. If you buy blankets, you can always return the unused ones or resell them on Craigslist or another platform.

Explore Other Packing Protection Methods

Before you rush out and purchase moving blankets, think if of alternatives you can use to serve the same purpose.  For example, some movers will use plastic wrap around furnishings to protect the items as they are carried out the door. If you are loading your own truck, you may use comforters and blankets in your linen closet to protect your items. Many people do not own enough thick blankets for all of their relocation needs, so you may still need to rent or buy a bundle of blankets. Take stock of the blankets available for this purpose in your home. If you plan to use your comforters and blankets for this purpose, remember to keep them out of your boxes when you are packing.

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