How to use Furniture Pads for Moving 

Furniture pads are tough; quilted covers are used to protect everything from chairs, tabletops, and refrigerators to dressers, nightstands, etc. They are typically 6 or 7 feet per side and are made of multiple layers of cotton and filler or a synthetic material such as polyester.

They are typically available in two-tone blue, brown, or green, but they are also available in paisley and camo for fashion-conscious families on the go. If folded and secured appropriately, one furniture pad will usually cover relatively small items like chairs and end tables. Still, for appliances and triple dressers, you'll probably need two or three.

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Why Should You Use Furniture Pads When Moving?

There are numerous and varied reasons for using furniture blankets. But, in the end, it all comes down to safeguarding your home, your "stuff," and yourself.

Furniture pads guard against walls, floors, and doorways damage

Especially for the no experienced, do-it-yourself kinds, moving any large items from a home apartment amid narrow doorways and halls, up and downstairs, and into trucks is often fraught with drops, falls, and bumps. While not preventing all damage, heavy-duty moving pads significantly reduce the likelihood of costly mishaps.

Furthermore, suppose you're disconnecting and moving a refrigerator (or washer and dryer). In that case, you'll need to slide the appliance out from against the wall before padding, strapping it tightly to a dolly, and wheeling it out.

They Maintain Cleanliness

Moving is both a literal and metaphorical filthy business. Pads will not protect you from moving scams, but they will keep you safe from grit, grime, dirt, and dust. They'll also keep your belongings dry if it rains or snows on moving day.

Keep in mind that heavy-duty furniture pads absorb water and related liquids and, if left along with the wood and metal surfaces for more than an hour or two, such as during a cross-country move, can cause warping, cracking, and even rust.

They Aid in the Prevention of Serious Injuries

Stubborn toes, bloodied fingers, and scraped knees are part of moving. On the other hand, moving pads work as an extra layer of cushioning between walls and doors, furniture, and exposed body parts, making moving injuries less severe. Of course, gloves, appropriate footwear, and long shirts and pants are all recommended.

Also, for the sake of safety:

• Ensure that your path to the truck is clear and unobstructed.
• Keep children and pets out of the way;
• take breaks when you're tired, and
• spread out large moves over two or three days. 

They keep your belongings safe While Traveling

Even on local moves, your furniture will be subjected to bouncing, rubbing, and shifting while in transit to your new home. Furniture pads keep everything snug and secure while preventing shifting, especially long-distance interstate moves.

Before using moving pads, shake them vigorously to dislodge dirt and grit trapped in the fibers – this will help prevent scratches and abrasions.

They Secure Small Items

Smaller items can usually be wrapped inside the house and safely transported to the truck.

Here we are discussing:

• Chairs for the kitchen and dining room 
• Nightstands, coffee tables, and end tables 
• Bed Rails 
• Barstools

Follow these steps to wrap them like a pro:

1. Make a space on the floor large enough to spread out the pad.
2. Ensure that the light side of the pad is facing up (yes, pads have two distinct sides)
3. Center the item you're wrapping, with the top pointing toward one of the pad's corners.
4. Fold the bottom corner first, then the sides and top.
5. Your chair or nightstand should now be completely covered.
6. Secure the pad in place with tape or rubber bands. 

They protect large items from damage

Wrapping large items such as good dressers, washers, dryers, and sideboards is more difficult in the upright position.

Take the following steps:

1. Ensure you have enough room to maneuver on each side of the item.
2. Grasp a pad with both hands and raise your arms to shoulder height.
3. Position the bottom of the pad to level with the floor.
4. Begin by wrapping the item's front and sides, folding the excess padding neatly over the top (secure with band or tape if necessary)
5. Drape a pad or two over the top and secure all pads together.
6. If carrying the item is difficult, use an appliance dolly with wheels.

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See Also: How to Use Furniture Moving Sliders

They are adaptable

Like versatile Swiss Army Knives and WD-40, moving pads are good investments for budget-conscious families.

In addition to protecting furniture; they're great for:

• Canine beds
• Mats for yoga
• Equine blankets
• Mudroom area rugs
• Picnic tablecloths
• Seat covers for farm trucks
• Moving objects across hardwood floors

What Are the Distinctions Between Furniture Pads?

Furniture pads are evaluated using a variety of criteria.

The material used

Quilted Furniture Pads can be made from the following materials:

• A tightly woven fabric made of cotton and polyester: Furniture pads made of poly-cotton blends are the most durable, strong, and protective, and they hold well to furniture without slipping off (as usually, all-polyester materials might do).
• A woven fabric entirely made of polyester: All-poly fabric will not provide the same level of protection as a cotton-poly blend and is thus not recommended when transporting high-end, more fragile, and valuable furniture and objects. Furniture pads made entirely of polyester provide adequate coverage but do not last as long as those made of a cotton-polyester blend and must be replaced more frequently.
• Non-Woven Synthetic Material: Because of their low cost, heavy-duty moving blankets or pads made of artificial, synthetic, non-woven material have gained popularity in the moving industry. However, referring to these pads as furniture pads is a misnomer because they are best used as storage pads. These moving tarps provide some protection during a move, but the synthetic material makes them prone to rips and tears, necessitating frequent replacement. The usage of tape on these pads can cause them to tear. Increasing the weight of these pads (as shown below) does not necessarily make them more protective or durable.

The batting, or filler, is used on the inside of the pad

The manufacturer must use a smooth, single-piece batting that's heavy enough to protect the furniture and objects you're transporting. Batting made in separate pieces, often done to save money while in manufacturing, can cause subtle bumps and crevices in the furniture pads. As a result, the furniture or objects being moved may sustain damage.

The Stitch Design

The stitch pattern is an important and often overlooked factor in a pad's durability and protection. Pads are sewn with a chevron pattern—the sharper the chevron pattern, the better—are the best at resisting tears and exacerbating tears. Straighter or slightly curved stitch patterns allow tears to worsen.

The Pad's Weighing Capacity

The density of the filling, not the overall weight of the pad, makes the difference in terms of durability and protection. Nobody wants to lift and fold a dozen 90-pound pads at the end of the day.

Binding and Corners 

The furniture pad should ideally have square corners and binding.

Where Can I Buy Furniture Pads?

One of the advantages of hiring professional relocation experts is that they will bring many moving blankets to your home or apartment. And, like dollies, packing tape, walk boards, and logistics straps for cargo control, they should be included in the cost of the move.

Alternatively, on a DIY move, you can usually rent or buy them from a truck rental company, but you'll likely only get a dozen pads, far fewer than you'll need. Another option is to purchase your own. Pads aren't cheap, and neither are moving supplies.

The ones you buy will likely be smaller and less sturdy than the deluxe ones used by professional movers. Aside from size and durability, a wide range of furniture pads can be purchased from online retailers like Amazon and moving supply companies. 

What is the best way to use furniture padding?

While we know that moving blankets or furniture padding have numerous advantages, it is also critical to use them correctly. Only in this manner will you achieve the best results. Use only the original moving blankets. Of course, you can use old blankets and towels, but we recommend using the genuine article as a precaution for high-value items. Cover the entire item, making sure there are no exposed pieces of furniture. Once the item has been covered (you may need to use more than one piece of furniture padding for this), carefully tape the padding with tape or a mover's rubber band. You are now ready to transport your furniture to the moving truck.

Plastic moving wrap ultimately secures your moving blanket to your furniture, ensuring that it remains covered and does not slip out during transit. Unlike tape, the plastic moving wrap does not leave a sticky residue on your furniture. This is because Mover's Wrap leaves no residue and only adheres to itself.

Follow these steps below to effectively pack your furniture and other belongings with a moving blanket and plastic moving wrap:

1. Place an unfolded blanket loosely over the item you're wrapping/packing. Adjust the pad so that it is roughly even on all sides. If you're filling a large piece of furniture and need more coverage, use two or more pads.
2. Wrap the blanket in the mover's plastic wrap to keep it in place. Wrap the plastic wrap tightly around the item from top to bottom, leaving a bit of overlap each time so the blanket stays firmly in place. Make multiple trips around the item to create a thick layer.
3. Load the item into your moving truck after being covered and secured. Use a Forearm Forklift or a furniture dolly to make moving easier and avoid injuries.

How Many Furniture Pads Will I Require?

Do-it-yourself Movers frequently wonder how many moving blankets they will require for their upcoming move. The answer, of course, is dependent on the number and size of items being moved. To give you an idea, plan on having at least one moving blanket for each item you intend to wrap. 

Two or three furniture pads may be required to provide adequate converge for larger items such as headboards, armoires, dining room tables, and large bookcases. Take some time to go through your house and make a list of the items you're moving, as well as an estimate of how many furniture pads each item will require, starting with one. Use that total to determine how many moving blankets you will need to complete your move.

Also See: Best National Moving Companies in the USA

Conclusion

Furniture blankets, like most things, can be purchased on Amazon. If your budget does not allow you to buy standard moving blankets, you can find a variety of alternatives online, such as paper pads. Even though they are not as good or as protective as regular blankets, they are far superior to nothing. The best time to dispose of unwanted items such as furniture is during your moving process to reduce unwanted stress and clutter in your life.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are furniture pads required?

Moving blankets are required if you have furniture. They're the most effective way to keep your furniture and other bulky items safe.

Are furniture pads water-resistant?

They are not typically waterproof, but many are made of water-resistant materials. Look for water-resistant moving blankets with the word "poly" in the name, such as polyester or polypropylene.

Are furniture pads combustible?

Yes. Those made of polyester or similar materials, on the other hand, provide some flame resistance.

Read Also: Best Furniture Movers in the USA | How to Wrap and Move a Couch