How to Pack Area Rugs for Moving

February 27, 2020

With a house move coming up and plenty of area rugs to contend with, you may be wondering how best to move these heavy, awkward items to save on space – not to mention the toll on your back. As you know, you can’t just pack those area rugs in boxes along with all your other stuff. And you can’t really roll them up haphazardly and throw them into the moving truck.

Just like with anything else, there are proper packing steps you should follow to ensure your floor coverings reach your new home unscathed. This is especially important when moving expensive and valuable Oriental rugs, such as hand-woven Persian rugs.

Packing Tips

First, you have to decide whether your area rugs are worth making the move. If they’re old and threadbare, and you didn’t spend much on them, toss them and buy new when you move. If you decide to bring certain rugs with you, follow these steps:

  • Clean the rug, as you don’t want to bring along any dust, dirt, hairs and foul odors that may be clinging to it. This is especially important if you have a dog, cat, or bird as a pet. First, vacuum or steam clean the rug thoroughly, and if you can, leave it out in the sun for a few hours. Throw small ones in your washing machine if they have dirt or stains on them. For larger rugs, bring them to a professional cleaner.
  • Turn the rug upside down so that the rug pile faces the floor. You don’t want to roll up the rug with the pile face up, as you are placing pressure on the rug’s backing, which will cause it to stretch or crack.
  • Figure out the direction of the rug pile. This is called nap orientation. You can determine this by lifting one end of the rug and running your hand over the fiber surface. You’ll feel resistance of the fibers when going in one particular direction, with a smooth feeling when going the other way.
  • Roll the rug against the grain so it forms a tight cylinder-like bundle. Fold it straight; if you veer off course, back up and try again. A tight rug roll will ensure easier and safer transportation.
  • Tie the rolled-up rug with one piece of twine or string on one end, and again on the other end. This will ensure it doesn’t start to unfold while carrying it. Don’t use packing tape, as this could damage it.
  • Wrap your rolled-up area rug using sheets of hard brown paper, AKA Kraft paper, then tape it. Don’t wrap your rug in plastic, as the thick plastic materials will keep the rug fibers from being able to breathe and will trap moisture. This creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew – particularly important when planning to leave it in storage.

Contact the Moving Proz

Here at the Moving Proz, we have the skill and equipment to pack all your heavy, awkward items, including all kinds of area rugs. To get a free quote on our packing and moving services, contact us in Overland Park, Lawrence and Kansas City.