Changing pad - mammas

Ok mammas - do you use your changing table/table pad??  I was organizing all of our baby stuff and we were gifted a changing mat.  I put it on top of the dresser and it takes up most of the space.  I'm wondering if it is even worth keeping.  Just thinking back to my nanny days, I usually changed diapers wherever we were at - slapped a blanket down and that was good enough.  I'm trying to be practical and minimize the amount of stuff we have - this just seems like it might be one of those unnecessary things.  Would love to hear your thoughts!