How to Store a Rug
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July 25th, 2016
A self storage unit can be used to store many things, including but not limited to clothing, appliances, holiday decorations, and even boats and cars. Because there is such a wide variety of things you can keep in your self storage unit, there also exists an equally wide variety of rules and guidelines for making sure your belongings stays safe.
One common item that we often see stored in our Extra Attic Self Storage units are large area rugs. A good rug isn’t cheap—they can cost hundreds of dollars, and are often passed down through generations. While these rugs are beautiful, they don’t always fit in your home. Perhaps you inherited an antique oriental rug from a relative. Maybe you’re downsizing and don’t have room for the rug, but aren’t ready to let it go. Sometimes you find a great deal on a rug and want to save it for your future home. Every now and then, you adopt a new pet who doesn’t—ahem—give the rug the love and care it deserves.
If you find yourself in any of the above situations, fear not—a self storage unit is a great place to store your rug until you’re in a position to give it a good home. And, by following these simple steps, your rug will be just as beautiful when you bring it home as it was when you decided to store it.
- Clean the rug before you store it.
- Rent a steam cleaner and make sure you get rid of all the dirt and debris that may be lurking in the rug’s fibers. This is especially true for rugs you may have inherited or found at an antique shop. Let the rug dry completely before you do anything else—you don’t want to store a damp rug!
- Apply a moth deterrent to the rug.
- Moths are known for moving in and chewing holes and tears in all kinds of fabrics and fibers, and that includes rugs! Spray it with a moth deterrent every few months in order to keep it safe from bugs and bites.
- Roll the rug with the pile side in.
- Rugs should never be folded. This will cause creases and cracks and prevent it from lying flat in the future. Rolling the rug is the proper way to store it. Making sure the pile is facing inward will offer another layer of protection.
- Roll the rug with a sheet of cotton or muslin.
- This extra layer of fabric will serve as an excellent barrier for light and dust.
- Store the rug off the ground in a cool, dark, dry place.
A self storage unit at any of our Extra Attic locations is an ideal place to store your rugs and other valuables. Many of our units are climate controlled, and all of them are safe and secure.
We hope these guidelines help keep your rugs beautiful for generations to come. To learn more about our storage units and how we can protect your most treasured belongings, contact Extra Attic Self Storage today.
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