It's difficult to move! While you probably know how to pack your pots, pans, books, accents, and clothing, Moroccan rugs are a different story. They're large and bulky, and they don't easily fit into a standard moving box. So, how do you pack your Moroccan rugs when moving? We have your guide right here! It takes a little more care and effort, but it will ensure that your rugs arrive in your new home looking just as good as they did in your old one. Let's get started!
1. Before Moving, Clean Your Moroccan Rugs
First and foremost, you should thoroughly clean your area rugs before rolling them up and packing them. After all, you don't want to bring dirt and debris from your previous residence into your new one! Furthermore, it is important to give your Berber rugs a thorough cleaning on a regular basis, and this is the ideal time to do so.
There are several options for cleaning your rugs before moving:
- Hire a rug cleaning service to do the job for you. Pick up your Moroccan wool rugs and clean them. This will most likely be the most expensive option, but it will also provide the most thorough cleaning of your Berber rugs. If you haven't had your rugs professionally cleaned in a while (or ever—no judgment!) or if you notice foul odors or pesky spots on the rug, we recommend going this route.
- Rent a heavy-duty rug vacuum from a local hardware store and clean them that way. These vacuums will provide a deeper clean than your average household vacuum and are usually quite affordable to rent for the day.
- Do it yourself by thoroughly vacuuming your Moroccan area rugs and then taking them outside to beat with a sturdy stick to remove excess dirt. You could also leave them out on a flat surface in the sun for a few hours to air out and get rid of any lingering odors.
If your Moroccan rugs are beyond repair—that is, they have tears, odors that will not go away, or particularly large and permanent stains—don't be afraid to toss them and find a new style for your new home. A new rug will add a special touch to your space, and our prices at Babakech rugs make it simple and affordable to find the perfect piece!
2. Prepare Your Moroccan Rugs for Transport
If you hire professional movers, they will most likely wrap and pack your area rugs for you. If you're not, this is the best way to pack your Moroccan rugs for moving. If your rug is large, have someone on hand to assist you if necessary!
- Turn your rug upside down (pile facing the floor) and start rolling it up from the short side, not the long side. The backing will be less stressed if the pile is facing out while rolling from the short side will make the Moroccan wool rug easier to manage and move around. Folding your rug can cause creases that are difficult to remove.
- After rolling your rug into a proper burrito, tie it on both sides with a strong string or twine. At this point, avoid using tape, which can cause permanent damage to your shaggy rug.
- Wrap your rug tightly in packing paper or brown kraft paper, both of which are available in large sizes at your local hardware store. Tape both ends together with packing tape. You can also use an old sheet or quilt as a packing blanket. We advise against wrapping it in plastic, which can trap moisture and lead to mildew formation—especially if the rug will be stored for a while.
- It's finally time to move the rug! Place it carefully on the floor or top of a mostly flat surface in your moving truck. To avoid damage from added pressure, avoid placing anything on top of the rug, especially heavy furniture or boxes.
3. Unpack Your Moroccan Rugs
The difficult part has been completed! You've packed and moved—now it's time to make your new place feel like home! Fortunately, unpacking your Moroccan rugs after moving is simple. Remove the tape, paper, and twine with care. Then just roll them out! It's normal for your rugs to curl up on the ends right after you unroll them. Allow a few days for them to flatten, or use heavy books or furniture to hasten the process. That's all there is to it!
