If you're like most homeowners in the midst of moving, you probably want to make the packing process as quick and easy as possible. However, it's important not to make the mistake of being too hasty. When it comes to moving your rug, you may think you can simply roll it up and toss it on the furniture removalist's van. But think again—rugs can actually get damaged very easily while moving if you're not careful when packing them. Thankfully, with a little advanced planning, it won't take too long to get your rug packed up safely and ready to go. Here are three tips on moving your rug to a new home.

1. Flip it

This might come as a surprise, but flipping your rug before rolling it can be the main key to preventing damage. Many people instinctively roll up their rug with the pile (front side of the rug) facing inwards, but it's actually better for the pile to face outwards. The reason why lies in the rug's backing, which is typically fragile and likely to get damaged if it knocks against your other furniture during the move. The pile, on the other hand, is soft enough to bounce back, which is why the backing should face inwards when you roll up your rug.

2. Roll it

Once you have your rug flipped the right way, it's time to think about how you should roll it up. Some rug owners try rolling from the longest side, and others even make the mistake of folding the rug up into a neat square. Both are a recipe for disaster—particularly folding, which can leave permanent creases in the rug. Rolling is best to keep the fibres and backing in top condition, and rolling from the shortest end is best to keep the rug compact and minimise the risk of damage. Keep in mind that it's also best to roll the rug as tightly and evenly as possible; keeping it compressed helps it withstand knocks and bumps in the removalist's van.

3. Wrap it

After all the flipping and rolling is done, don't toss your rug in the van just yet. The last step you need to follow is wrapping. Rolling correctly will go a long way in preventing damage, but wrapping increases your chances of keeping your rug intact even further. Use a large blanket if you have one, or purchase some thick wrapping paper. Wrap the rug top to bottom, then secure it with tape. This will shield your rug from a beating in the moving van and significantly reduce the risk of staining.

For more tips, reach out to a local household removalist.

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