Whether you’re moving across town or across the entire USA with Pricing Van Lines, being prepared with the right supplies and tips will make the process easier and cost you less in the long run.
We will now delve into the importance of moving pads and blankets, give you some creative alternatives for moving supplies, and offer moving tips that will help you stay organized and get to your destination. Pricing Van Lines is back with more great tips!
New Home Tips
When you’re moving to your new home, protecting your furniture and other items of the home is should be a top priority. Furniture moving pads and blankets are the tools you need to ensure your stuff remains in great condition during the move. They are part of a larger puzzle when it comes to a successful, stress-free move without broken furniture.
The Importance of Furniture Moving Pads and Blankets
We know they may seem overrated and you might think you can move without them just down the road, but professional furniture moving pads and blankets are nonegotiables for protecting your things. They serve a dual purpose: protecting your furniture from scratches, dings, and dirt, and keeping fragile items cushioned and secure.
Moving these heavypieces without proper protection will result in costly damage or frustration. Trust me, spend a little more now to get the protection right and you will save time, effort, and money in the longterm.
Types of Furniture Moving Pads and Blankets: Let’s Delve In
- Quilted Moving Pads: These are the most popular option and widely found. Made from soft, quilt fabric, they provide great cushioning and protection for your furniture. They are made from cotton or polyester and have a padded interior. You can rent them from moving companies in different sizes for minimal costs and to fit your furniture.
- Furniture Pads with Straps: Some moving pads come with built-in straps, making them easier to lock down around big things like sofas, mattresses, or cabinets. This is useful if you’re doing the move yourself and need things to stay in place but lack the strap.
- Stretch Wrap: Is a great addition to your moving supplies tool kit. It can be used together with furniture pads to keep them in place, prevent items from moving around, and protecting against dust and dirt.
- Water Resistant Blankets: Some moving blankets are treated with a water-resistant coating which is very useful if you’re moving in rainy conditions. They will keep your wood pieces from getting water damage and later rot. The water wicks off them making them perfect for the move and well worth renting.
Why Do I Need Them? Real Talk:
- They protect your furniture from scratches, scuffs, and impact. Whether it’s your small coffee table, glass dining table, or your couch, furniture pads will absorb the shock of bumps and bangs during transport.
- Protection from dust, dirt, and stains. Since they cover the entire piece of furniture, it’s less likely that dust or dirt will end up on your things and it will save you from having to reclean your new home.
- Moving pads make it easier to handle heavy or bulky items. With the added padding, you can move your furniture with less friction that means they have more grip to lift and you are less likely to get hurt.
- The pads are great for protecting appliances, electronics, and even floors or walls during the move so you won’t have to repaint.
Creative Moving Supplies Ideas
While furniture pads and blankets are a must (don’t cheap out), there are plenty of other creativ ways to make your move happen. Here are a few to get your thoughts rolling:
1. Towels and Bed Sheets
- If you need a little extra padding in a pinch, you can use towels and bed sheets to protect fragile or delicate furniture. Towels are soft, absorbent, and will help cushion surfaces from scratches and impacts.
- You can use them to fill empty spaces in boxes, wrap your glass dishes, or more creative ideas.
- Bed sheets can be wrapped around your furniture to protect it from dirt and dust. They protect from scratches as well on fragile items.
2. Bubble Wrap
- While not environmentally friendly, it can be used for small pieces of furniture to protect from bumps.
- It is a great option for wrapping delicate things like frames, plates, cups, mirrors, and lamps. It will prevent breakage and provide a cushioning layer.
- You can use bubble wrap to protect sharp corners and walls as well.
3. Heavy-Duty Trash Bags for Soft Items
- Heavy-duty trash bags can be a cheap way to pack and protect things as well as keep them together.
- Simply stuff things into bags and tie them so nothing falls out.
- When you are nearing the end and lack the effort to box things up, bags will be your best friend to finishing the move off right.
4. Mattress Covers
- Mattress covers are important so that your mattress stays clean and protected during the move. They prevent water damage and protect from dirt in the truck.
5. Plastic Wrap
- Plastic wrap which looks like a stretchy film is a low cost and simple moving supply. You can use it to wrap around furniture, boxes, or appliances to hold everything together. It will become your best friend for a DIY move.
- It’protects furniture from scratches and spills and can be used on drawers and cabinets to keep the contents inside from spilling out.
6. Plastic Bins and Containers for Small Items
- Instead of using cardboard boxes for everything, consider buying a few plastic bins with lids.
- They are more durable than cardboard boxes and will help protect against water damage, dirt, or pests.
- You can keep things in them in the garage or storage and they will remain as your organizational tool.
- They are more environmentally friendly as they will be reused and repurposed afterwards (even if they are plastic!)
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I protect my furniture during the move without spending a lot of money?
You can use old towels, blankets, or bed sheets to wrap your furniture and protect from dirt and scratches. Stretch wrap and bubble wrap are also cheap and effective for protection. Get creative and even start taping your yoga mats together if you really can’t afford more or source free left-over packing materials.
What’s the best way to move heavy furniture?
If possible, disassemble large furniture to make it more manageable. Use furniture sliders or a dolly to help lift and move heavy pieces. Never work alone, and if you have doubts about whether it is doable, hire professionals.
How far in advance should I start packing for a move?
Start packing at least 2-3 weeks before your move, minimum. Start packing up the non-essential items and work your way to the most frequently used items as the move approaches.
What’s the best way to pack fragile items?
Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or towels for extra cushioning, and place them in sturdy boxes. Make sure to label them as “fragile” so movers can handle them with care.
Do I need to hire professional movers or can I do it myself?
If you’re moving a few items or don’t have a lot of heavy furniture, a DIY move might be ok with friends and family. However, for big moves or valuable big pieces, hiring professional movers is the way to go.
