When packing for a move, you will run into some difficulties regarding particular items, including throw rugs and Persian rugs. They can’t fit into cardboard boxes, but we assume that you have planned to just roll them. Are we right?
If you want your rugs to be well-protected, you should follow a few simple steps for proper packing. That way, you won’t worry about potential damage during the move. Instead, you can think about what part of your new house will be decorated with your beautiful floor coverings.
Take Some Time and Think About Your Precious Rugs
It might sound funny at first, but as with all other belongings in the house, you should also decide which rugs you are going to bring to the new home. It all depends on their value and how attached you are to each one. Let’s put it this way. You probably have standard area rugs all over the house. Not all of them are new, undamaged, and valuable to you. Correct?
Estimate First, Pack Later
We’ll put aside how much you paid for them, because throw rugs are relatively inexpensive, and focus on the sentimental value. We point this out because, when you think about the price, you will conclude that some common area rugs you own are not worth the time and money you are investing in the move.
So, take a good look at your standard area rugs, estimate their condition and sentimental value, and then decide which ones are going to be relocated to your new home. The bottom line is that, at any time, you can buy new ones at a lower price than the one you’ve paid for packing and moving the old rugs.
On the other hand, Persian rugs are expensive and valuable in so many ways. That’s why you should be extra careful when preparing them for the move.
Prepare Your Persian and Throw Rugs for the Move
Like every item you plan to move, rugs should go through a check. It all depends on the condition of each one, but before you start with the packing, make sure that all rugs are in good condition.
Tip #1: Cleaning
Throw rugs should be cleaned adequately before packing, so there’s no chance for pests to appear. Vacuuming will remove dust, hair, or crumbles. It is crucial to clean it, especially if you have pets.
If there is a chance, you should put the rugs outside and leave them for a few days. The exposure to the sun and fresh air will better prepare them for packing. Of course, if you have the time and the money, you can leave the cleaning to the professionals.
Persian rugs should also be vacuumed and cleaned of any dust and dirt, but given their value, you should undoubtedly consider getting the help of expert cleaners.
Tip #2: Establish the Direction of the Rug Pile
Throw rugs have a specific direction of the fibers, and to perform proper packing, you should identify the orientation of the fibers. All you should do is run your palm over the carpet’s surface, and while doing it, you will feel resistance in one direction and smooth feeling when you are going the other way. When the time comes for folding, you should do it against the grain.
For Persian rugs, you should first start with folding and then identify the direction of fibers. We will talk about folding in a sec. To establish the fibers’ direction, rub your hand over the surface of the Persian carpet, and see which direction gives you resistance and which one gives you the smooth feeling. Again, the rolling goes against the grain.
Tip #3: Turn Rugs Upside-Down
While being prepared for the move, both throw and Persian rugs should be turned upside-down. For throw rugs, this is a crucial step because most of them are stiff-backed, and if you try to roll them with the rug’s pile facing you, you might apply extra pressure to the rug’s backing and cause stretching or even cracking of the carpet.
Let’s Roll (the Rugs)
Before you start thinking about unpacking after the move, you should relocate first. But even before that, you should pack everything, including carpets. To wrap the rugs as smoothly as possible, you should know a few simple steps of the proper rolling (and folding) of rugs.
Tip #4: Rolling or Folding Then Rolling
The process of rolling the common area rug goes like this – to form a right cylinder, you should start rolling the carpet slowly. Be careful because, at one point, you will feel that it is beginning to go right or left. In that case, go back a little bit and straighten it up. Throw rugs are small, and you’ll be able to perform the rolling all by yourself.
The Art of Rolling a Persian Rug
To roll a Persian rug, you will need more time. It would be good to have someone to help you because Persian rugs are large and heavy. First, fold it in thirds. Do that by taking one corner of the carpet and folding it toward the center. Then, go to the other end and draw it over the folded part. Now you have three layers, one on top of the other.
Folding – Folding – Rolling – Folding
Remember the tip about the direction of the fibers? It is time to use it. When a Persian rug is folded into thirds, identify the course of the nap. You have to roll the rug against the grain.
Now, let’s go back to folding. The thing you should do, after you have identified the direction of fibers, is to stand on the rug, pick up the right end and start walking backward, folding it over itself, to the other end. When you are 3ft away from the other end, stop, and put down the end you had in your hands.
Next, you should go back to the “first” end and start rolling. Stop with the rolling when you come to the 3-foot section that is still unfolded. Finally, go to the end of the 3-foot section, fold it in the direction of the already folded part and then fold both sections one over the other. Voila, the Persian rug has been rolled.
It’s Packing Time
When planning a relocation, you shouldn’t forget about packing materials for moving. The good news is, when it comes to packing rugs, you will need just two pieces of strings per carpet, durable wrapping paper, and packing tape.
Tip #5: Tie Up
To prevent the unfolding of rugs, you can use strings or rope. You’ll need two pieces of chosen material for each carpet. All you should do is tie them up on each end of the rug, firmly enough so that it can’t unroll, but loosely enough to prevent any damage.
Tip #6: Use Kraft Paper
Don’t use plastic wrap to pack rugs because it can cause the growth of mildew and mold. Instead, roll your carpets in brown or kraft paper and finish the packing by taping the paper.
That is it! Your rugs are packed and ready for the move. If everything else is already packed, you can relax and wait for the company that provides moving services to come and transport the belongings to your new address.
