Moving to a new home can be a challenging process. Not only do you have to plan on how to transport your belongings but also suitable ways to pack them. While most items can go into packing boxes, things such as rugs may require a little more care. Below are tips to help you pack and keep your carpets safe during your move.
Clean the Rugs
You wouldn’t want to move dirty items into your new house. Rugs tend to lock in dust which you may not necessarily see. Before you roll them up, it is advisable to dust off and clean them properly. You may need to have them washed by a professional especially if they are made of heavy fabric.
Oriental rugs require professional cleaning to ensure they remain in the best state possible. After your mat is clean and dry, take pictures of them before rolling them up to record their condition. Additionally, you can use a fabric-safe moth spray to prevent damage from moths if they will be stored for a long period.
Roll Rugs Correctly
When rolling rugs, you will need plastic ties and large bags. First, ensure the carpet is on a flat surface, and the top side is facing up, this will help to prevent straining the back of the rug which could lead to stretching or cracking. Carpets made of goat hair, silk or wool must be rolled not folded as it may cause creasing or warping.
Same way, oriental rugs should stay tight enough to hold when rolled up, however, leave space when rolling to avoid creases. Roll the carpet following the pile (refers to the density of fibers, flat means short pile, shaggy means long pile) direction to prevent straining the weave base. Get strings to tie around the rolled rug to keep in place and make it easy to wrap.
Wrap Your Rugs in Suitable Material
Next, get a large wrap to protect the rug. You can arrange with your moving company to get enough wrap of different sizes depending on the types of carpets you have. You can use plastic bags that will keep the rugs free form dirt and raindrops, however, synthetic bags can trap in moisture which could cause mildew or mold formation. There are specific bags with air vents that can help emit moisture. Alternatively, you can use brown paper if moving quickly.
Move your Carpets Safely
After packaging all your rugs, you ought to load them safely into the moving truck. Ensure the mats lay flat on the surface. You can place them straight up if you have limited space. Avoid putting other items on top to avoid creasing and possible cracking. Also, avoid stacking rugs together as the top ones can exert pressure on the bottom ones causing creases.
While getting your rugs ready for a move can be a lot of work, it is essential to pack them safely. Clean up your carpets and roll them up carefully. Ensure you have enough packing wrap and secure with string or tape to protect the rugs. Most importantly, save enough space while moving your mats to prevent damage.