Lets get something out the way. Moving blankets and not better than moving boxes and vice-versa. If you are planning a big move then both are necessary. Some people ask me which is better and comparing them is like comparing apples and oranges. If you plan your move right then you must take an inventory of all your things. Once you have accomplished that then you will know what would be better off it were placed in a box or wrapped and secured in a moving blanket. Boxes for moving are also usually used once and then discarded. And you best option for getting free or cheap moving boxes is to ask your neighborhood stores. Most of them receive their merchandise in boxes and after unpacking their stuff they usually throw them away. The wont be a good as the ones from U-haul but they will do and you can secure them pretty well with masking tape.
Moving blankets however you need to buy them either online or for a place like home depot. You can also try visiting a moving company and asking them if they have used moving blankets that they want to get rid of or sell. You might just find some very good ones this way. They might be worn and faded but for one move then that will be more than adequate. The question you should be asking with regards of these two methods is which one you should use for what item or furniture. The answer is simple if you can’t fit inside a moving box then use a moving blanket. If however it is small and delicate then using box filled with styrofoam is what you should do. A glass frame is a perfect example of an object that would be better transported inside a box that is filled with styrofoam. Furniture however would be better off if you used furniture moving blankets on them. And if you think these type of moving blankets are unique well they are not. The term furniture moving blankets is basically used to describe moving blankets that are capable of securing furniture but by no means are they only used for such a purpose. Also keep in mind that some items might leak so before packing them make sure you put them in something like a resealable plastic bag, that way they won’t leak and make a mess.
Moving Blankets Ideal For Securing:
- Cabinets
- Large Wooden Picture Frame (without glass)
- Chairs
- Dresser
- Refrigerator
- Tables (non glass)
- Oven
- Bed Frames
- Sofa
Moving Boxes Ideal For Securing:
- Books
- DVDs
- Spice Canisters
- Kitchen Utensils (i.e. spoons, forks)
- Dishes (provided you use styrofoam and maybe newspaper)
- Small Picture Frames
- Clocks (use styrofoam or wrap with many wraps of newspaper)
- Shoes
- Personal items such as makeup, perfume, deodorant, etc
These are just simple examples of what is practical for either moving blankets or moving boxes. You will have to see what will work for you and use your judgment to determine which is better to make sure that your stuff arrives at its destination in one piece.