Moving to a new home can be an exciting yet stressful time.

Protecting your belongings during the move is a top priority, and that’s where high-quality moving blankets come in handy.

But with so many options on the market, how do you know which moving blankets are worth buying?

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the 10 best moving blanket brands and manufacturers, key features to look for when shopping, and the best places to buy moving blankets for your upcoming relocation needs.

The Top 10 Moving Blanket Manufacturers

When it comes to protecting your valuables in transit, not all moving blankets are created equal. The best brands stand out for their exceptional quality, durability, and overall effectiveness at safeguarding fragile items. Here are 10 top manufacturers producing some of the highest-rated moving blankets on the market today.

1. American Blanket Company

Founded in 1907, the American Blanket Company is the original inventor of the modern furniture pad. Using dense cotton padding and non-abrasive woven exterior fabrics, their Ultra Plush Furniture Pad line remains the industry gold standard over 100 years later. Offering unbeatable cushioning and coverage, American Blanket Company’s moving blankets are trusted by top moving companies and discerning homeowners alike.

2. California Movers Products

This family-owned business specializes exclusively in manufacturing quality moving supplies and equipment. Their Cotton/Poly Furniture Pad features a durable 12-ounce cotton duck canvas with reinforced webbing handles for easy carrying. A great value choice, California Movers Products are used by such leading moving brands as Two Men and a Truck.

3. Great American Moving Equipment

Specializing in heavy-duty moving gear, Great American helps both large-scale commercial movers and DIYers transport oversized items with ease. Their 1/2 inch Thick Utility Moving Pad provides exceptional protection for bulky appliances, pianos, safes and more.

4. Father & Son Moving & Storage

Another trusted, family-owned manufacturer, Father & Son Moving & Storage produces professional-grade moving supplies in the USA. Made from heavyweight cotton canvas, their Quilted Furniture Pad features corner grommets for tying items down securely in the moving truck.

5. Moore Packaging Corporation

This leading manufacturer and distributor offers a wide array of quality moving supplies, including their 15oz Heavy Weight Cotton with Poly Back Furniture Pad. Durable, reversible and washer-safe, it provides great versatility for protecting household and office furnishings.

6. PackTite

Employing advanced fabric technology, PackTite moving blankets feature a 3-layer design with a slick surface coating that makes loading, stacking and unloading easier. Available in multiple sizes with reinforced grommets, their Premier Series furniture pads are lightweight yet highly protective.

7. Protexer

Using an innovative, multi-layer padded fabric, Protexer moving blankets provide unparalleled cushioning and insulation. Popular choices like their Waterproof Furniture Pad and Woven Ripstop Quilted Pad are exceptionally durable, lint-free and reusable.

8. Quilted Movers

Living up to their name, Quilted Movers specializes in quilted furniture pads featuring 400GSM virgin cotton batting for superior shock absorption. Customers rave about their Heavyweight Cotton with Poly Back moving blanket’s plush yet rugged construction.

9. U-Pack Moving

U-Pack manufactures its own line of high-quality moving supplies for protecting household goods in portable self-storage containers. Offering excellent durability at affordable prices, U-Pack’s furniture pads help you transport furnishings safely during long-distance moves.

10. Ward Van Lines

Ward Van Lines has 90+ years of professional moving experience under their belt, so they know how to make effective padding blankets. Using a durable 12-ounce cotton duck canvas cover, their Furniture Pad With Handles is a smart budget-friendly option for DIY movers.

Key Features to Look For

With such a variety to choose from, deciding which moving blanket is right for your needs may feel overwhelming initially. Focus on these essential features to zero in on options that will properly protect your cherished possessions:

– Materials – Top-quality moving blankets typically feature a quilted design with padding made from dense cotton, sometimes combined with an outer layer of canvas, polypropylene or polyethylene for added durability. Avoid cheap vinyl or thin fabrics that tear easily.

– Padding thickness – Thicker padding equals better protection and insulation against shocks, bumps and surface scratches. Look for at least 1⁄2 inch to 3⁄4 inch padding depth. Skimping here can lead to damaged items.

– Ties & handles – Built-in ties, straps or handles make securing items much simpler while moving. Some even include grommets in corners to facilitate tying blankets flush to furniture.

– Reusable & washable – High-performance moving blankets hold up well to repeated machine washing without losing their shape or protective abilities. This comes in handy for multi-trip moves.

– Water resistant – Moisture-repelling materials prevent mildew or mold growth in transit and storage. Ideal for protecting outside gear or dealing with rainy moving days.

– Lint-free – Non-shedding surfaces prevent messy fluff and fibers from clinging to antique finishes or electronics. Required for delicate wood furniture and audiovisual equipment transport.

By selecting moving blankets equipped with these advantageous attributes, you can safely get all your household possessions to the new residence damage-free.

The Best Places to Buy Moving Blankets

Once you decide which style fits your upcoming move, where should you purchase your bundle of moving blankets? Convenient neighborhood big box stores often stock basic options, while niche suppliers carry more heavy duty specialty pads.

Here is an overview of the top retailers that offer quality moving blankets at affordable prices:

Home Improvement Stores

– The Home Depot – National retailer carrying affordable U-Haul brand cotton canvas furniture pads along with heavy-duty utility quilts. Order online for in-store pickup or home delivery.

– Menards – Large Midwest home improvement chain offering Mainstays Thick-Quilted and Duck Canvas Furniture Pads in-store or online.

– Lowes – Known for reliable house brands, Lowes sells reusable Standard Furniture Moving Pads online and in most locations.

Specialized Moving Gear Retailers

– U-Haul – As the leading moving truck and equipment rental provider, U-Haul stores stock an ample supply of their own U-Haul furniture pads and utility quilts perfect for DIY moves.

– Harbor Freight Tools – This popular discount tool and equipment outlet sells useful 4-pack Moving Blankets made of thick cotton padding with sturdy woven backing. Available online and at 700+ store locations.

Online Marketplaces

– Walmart – The mega retailer offers everyday low prices on Moreover cotton canvas quilt and Mainstays polyester furniture moving pads for delivery to your door.

– Amazon – Choose from dozens of moving blanket brands and materials sold by third-party vendors via Amazon Marketplace, most with rapid shipping through Prime. Sort by ratings, features or budget to narrow options.

– Uline – This shipping and business supplier stocks professional moving pads from brands like Shoulder Dolly and American Blanket Company available to order 24/7 on their website.

– Costco – Current members can shop Costco’s selection of large Winston Porter quilted cotton moving blankets online for curbside pickup or delivery in select areas.

Rent When You Need It

Rather than purchasing moving pads you may only use once, renting them as-needed makes solid economic sense.

– U-Haul Moving Blanket Rentals – Convenient one-way rentals mean you pick up pads at your local U-Haul store and drop them at the destination upon arriving. At just $5-$7 daily, it saves the hassle of storing and reselling used blankets.

– PODS Moving & Storage – If you book a PODS portable moving container, furniture pad rentals are included in the cost, with sizes adaptable based on your order specifications.

Protect Your Investment

Safeguarding your belongings during a move may seem daunting.

But equipping yourself with high-performing moving blankets shields fragile valuables so they arrive in mint condition at your new address.

Now that you know which manufacturers offer reliable padding durability and where to access the best deals, you can relax knowing your items remain protected across every mile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What thickness of padding is best for moving blankets?

Look for moving blankets with at least 1/2 to 3/4 inches of padding thickness to properly protect your items. Thicker, quilted layers cushion better against shocks and bumps.

Should I buy or rent moving blankets?

Buying your own allows reuse and typically costs less over multiple moves. But renting makes more sense for a single move so you don’t have to store blankets long-term.

What’s the difference between furniture pads and utility quilts?

Furniture pads usually have thicker padding for protecting breakables, while utility quilts are made of durable woven materials to shield odd-shaped items from scratching but don’t cushion as much.

Can moving blankets go in the washer and dryer?

High-quality reusable moving blankets are machine washable and dryable. Check labels to confirm. Air drying on low is best for longevity.

Where can I donate used moving blankets?

If still in usable shape, shelters, secondhand stores, U-Haul’s community donation program, and charities often accept donated clean moving blankets.

Do self-storage facilities provide moving blankets?

Some self-storage units like PODS include moving blanket rentals. But most standard units simply offer open space and you must still supply your own packing supplies.