Rent Moving Blankets and Other Equipment

If you're planning a DIY move, renting moving equipment can save money and make the job much easier. Instead of buying dollies, moving blankets, or lifting straps you'll only use once, you can rent them from truck rental companies and home improvement stores. This guide explains what equipment you can rent, where to find it, and whether renting or buying is the better option.

When moving you must have the right supplies. Boxengine offers branded moving boxes made of strong, multi-layered construction to shield your equipment from scuffs, scrapes, dents, and abrasion during transport or storage.

What Moving Equipment Can You Rent?

If you're handling your own move, you don't have to buy every tool you'll need. Most truck rental companies and some home improvement stores let you rent moving equipment for a day or the length of your move.

Common rental equipment includes:

Choosing the right equipment helps protect your belongings, makes lifting safer, and can save time on moving day.

Below is a closer look at each piece of moving equipment and when you should use it.

Moving blankets: Thick protective pads that help prevent scratches, dents, and damage to furniture during a move.

Hand truck (utility dolly): Ideal for moving stacked boxes, appliances, and other heavy items with less effort.

Furniture dolly: A four-wheel platform designed to transport large, bulky furniture such as couches, dressers, pianos, and refrigerators.

Appliance dolly: A heavy-duty dolly with built-in straps for safely moving refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves, and other large appliances.

Moving straps: Adjustable lifting straps that help distribute weight and reduce strain when carrying bulky furniture or appliances. Use them only when you can safely control the item and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Other moving supplies you might need include:

• Moving boxes
• Packing tape
• Plastic wrap
• Mattress bags
• Packing paper
• Tie-down rope or ratchet straps

What Size Is a Moving Blanket?

Standard moving blankets are around 72” x 80”, which is big enough to wrap most furniture pieces. But sizes can vary. Some companies offer smaller or larger options depending on what you’re moving. If you’re wrapping a couch, mattress, or dining table, the standard size should do the trick.

Typical Moving Equipment Rental Price Ranges

These are general starting ranges. Prices may be charged per item, per pack, or by rental period and can vary by provider and location.

Why Rent Moving Blankets?

Moving blankets, also called furniture pads, are designed to cushion furniture during loading, transportation, and unloading. They help reduce scratches, dents, chipped corners, and scuff marks when items shift inside the truck.

They're especially useful for protecting:

• Wood furniture
• Glass tables
• Appliances
• TVs
• Antique or valuable furniture
• Dressers and cabinets

If you're moving more than a few large pieces of furniture, renting moving blankets is usually much more affordable than repairing damaged items.

Are Moving Blankets Waterproof?

Most moving blankets are not fully waterproof, but many are water-resistant. They can handle a bit of moisture or a light spill, but they’re not meant to be left out in the rain. If you’re worried about water damage, look for blankets with a polyester outer shell or consider using plastic wrap in combination.

While moving blankets provide some protection against light moisture, they should not be used as the only barrier if your belongings may be exposed to rain. For extra protection, wrap furniture in plastic stretch wrap before covering it with a moving blanket.

Renting Vs. Purchasing Moving Blankets

Rent vs. Buy at a Glance

Your decision depends on how often you'll use the equipment. Renting is the most affordable choice for one-time moves, while buying makes more sense if you move frequently, own rental properties, or regularly transport furniture.

Where To Rent Moving Blankets & Other Moving Equipment?

There are quite a few places to rent moving blankets and other moving supplies from.

What Should You Look for Before Renting?

Before choosing a rental company, compare:

• Equipment availability
• Daily and one-way rental options
• Rental pricing
• Deposit requirements
• Condition of the equipment
• Pickup and return locations

Several national companies rent moving blankets, dollies, and other moving equipment. While inventory and pricing vary by location, these providers are among the most popular options.

U-Haul

U-Haul offers one of the widest selections of moving equipment. You can rent equipment on its own or add it when reserving a moving truck.

Best for: Renting a truck and moving equipment from the same company.

If you're renting a U-Haul truck, reserve dollies and furniture pads when booking your truck. Equipment availability can be limited during weekends and peak moving season.

Home Depot

Home Depot rents several types of moving equipment, including dollies, pallet jacks, loading ramps, and trailers. Moving blankets are typically available for purchase, while rental availability varies by store.

Best for: Short-term equipment rentals and DIY moves.

Example starting rental prices

Prices shown are examples and may differ by store and rental date.

Contact your local Home Depot to confirm rental inventory before moving day.

Penske

Penske rents moving trucks along with hand trucks, furniture pads, and vehicle towing equipment, making it convenient for long-distance moves.

Best for: Long-distance truck rentals with equipment add-ons.

Available Equipment

• Hand trucks
• Furniture pads (12-pack)
• Car carriers
• Tow dollies

Furniture Pad Guide

Budget

Budget offers essential moving equipment as add-ons to its truck rentals, including hand trucks, furniture pads, and towing equipment.

Best for: Budget-conscious movers who need basic moving equipment.

Available Equipment:

• Hand trucks with stair climber and straps
• Furniture pads (pack of 12)
• Car carriers
• Tow dollies

Compare Moving Equipment Rental Providers

Prices, rental terms, and equipment availability vary by location and may change without notice. Check directly with each provider before booking

Purchasing Furniture Blankets and Other Moving Equipment

If you expect to move frequently or regularly transport furniture, buying your own equipment may be more cost-effective than renting. Here are some popular places to purchase moving supplies.

• Home Depot has lots of options for dollies, furniture pads, moving carts, and even moving straps. Their prices are very fair and you will be able to find just about anything that you will need.
  
  
• Harbor Freight also has lots of options for hand trucks, furniture pads, moving carts, moving straps, and tools that you might need for your move. If you don't have a Harbor Freight near you, you can get their stuff delivered to your home. Their prices are great and it is a place that we highly recommend checking out.
  
  
• Amazon has everything, and moving equipment is no exception. Amazon truly has every moving need you might need, including dollies, moving straps, furniture sliders, an "all-terrain" furniture dolly, moving carts, and furniture blankets.
  
  
• Lowe’s also has all the moving equipment that you’ll need. Not only do they have sturdy moving boxes and kits for your move, but they also have hand trucks, furniture pads, moving straps, furniture dollies, and moving blankets. The prices are competitive and the reviews are great on their items.

Buying may provide better value for people who move frequently, manage rental properties, or regularly transport furniture.

Tips for Renting Moving Equipment

Before picking up your rental equipment:

• Reserve equipment at least one week in advance during peak moving season (May through September).
• Inspect dollies and moving blankets before accepting them.
• Ask whether straps or furniture pads are included.
• Return equipment on time to avoid extra rental charges.
• Make sure the equipment fits the size of your move.