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Best Practices for Shipping a Large Area Rug
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Packing an area rug may be fairly straightforward — often, all you have to do is roll it up, wrap it, and tie it. But moving that heavy, bulky area rug is a whole different story.
Instead of balancing a rolled up rug on your shoulder (and trying to avoid taking out any innocent bystanders when you turn a corner), hiring a professional shipping company to transport large area rug to its new home can simplify the packing and moving process, saving you valuable time and trouble and ensuring that your rug makes it to the new home without unravelling. Please continue reading to discover our top tips for shipping a rug.
Common Mistakes When Shipping a Large Area Rug
The most common mistakes people make when learning how to ship a large rug include:
- Inadequate rolling: Rolling the rug too loosely can cause wrinkles and damage during transit. It's crucial to roll the rug tightly, ensuring the protective layer is against the rug's fibers. If the roll is not secured properly, it can unroll during transit, causing damage to the rug and potential hazards for the carrier.
- Insufficient protection: Without proper protection, your rug is vulnerable to damage from moisture, dirt, tears, and abrasions during transit. Properly wrapping the rug after folding or rolling can prevent this damage.
- Improper handling: Careless handling during loading and unloading can damage the rug.
- Inadequate labeling: Missing or unclear shipping labels can cause delays, misrouting, and even loss of the rug. Clearly labeling the package with the recipient's name and address, as well as fragile markings, is essential to ensure proper handling and delivery.
- Lack of communication: Failing to communicate clearly with the shipping provider about any special handling instructions or delivery requirements can lead to misunderstandings and issues. Open communication ensures a smoother process.
7 Tips for Shipping a Large Area Rug
Here's how to ship a rug the right way:
1. The first step in preparing your area rug for shipment is to give it a thorough, deep cleaning. Make sure the rug is completely dry before proceeding.
2. Many large rugs (approximately 6 feet by 9 feet and larger) can be folded before rolling. Folding them in half or in thirds makes for a tighter and easier-to-handle rolled item. Fold along the direction of the pile to avoid creasing or damaging the fibers. Avoid making sharp, tight creases. If possible, pad the folds to further cushion the fibers and prevent any harsh lines from forming during the journey.
3. Roll area rugs along the width, so the rolled rug is as short as possible. This makes for easier handling and stowing in the truck and protects the delicate fibers from direct contact and potential damage. Ensure the roll is uniform in diameter to prevent any awkward pressure points during handling and transportation. A well-rolled rug is easier to manage and less susceptible to creases.
4. A tight roll helps prevent shifting, but don’t roll too tightly, as it may damage the rug. Aim for a snug fit that keeps the roll secure without compressing it excessively. The goal is to maintain its rolled form, not to flatten it.
5. Secure the rolled rug to prevent it from unrolling during transit. Use strong, wide packing tape to firmly wrap around the rolled rug at several points along its length, including the ends. Consider using sturdy straps with buckles for added security, especially for larger or heavier rugs. Proper securing will help the rug maintain its shape and prevent damage from shifting.
6. Wrapping the rolled carpet requires care. If you are using polyethylene rug shipping bags, go for an opaque color rather than a transparent one. Opaque bags, especially with UV-protective additives, protect the rug from exposure to the sun. However, be sure any additive or coating in the bag will not transfer to your carpet (the manufacturer or retailer should be able to tell you this). Polyethylene sheeting (sometimes referred to as poly shrouding) is also available in many hardware stores, sometimes with nylon reinforcement to give it extra strength. Sheeting is a good alternative to a plastic bag, and all plastic materials have an advantage over moving blankets when it comes to providing moisture resistance.
7. Whether plastic or moving blankets are used to wrap the rolled rug, ensure your rug can breathe — an airtight package can result in the rug “sweating,” creating warping or a breeding ground for moths. Also, make pinholes in sheeting or plastic bags to make sure the rug can breathe.
The Best Way to Ship Your Area Rug
Smaller area rugs can be shipped via parcel shipping services, provided the item does not exceed weight or girth limits. Even for smaller rugs that do not exceed these limits, parcel shipping may not be the best option. To ship via parcel, the rug will likely need to be boxed or wrapped very securely with durable material.
A better option is to ship your area rug with a less-than-truckload (LTL) moving company. These companies specialize in the transportation of smaller shipments of various types of products. Competent LTL companies know how to ship rugs and are able to handle an area rug job safely and efficiently. Your best LTL carrier option is one with experience moving furniture items and familiarity with the shipping route your item will be taking.
If you’d like to consider TSI SHIPPING, we recommend our White-Glove Service which makes sense for rugs that are very valuable, such as antique Orientals and/or rugs that are extremely large and heavy. These rugs require expert care in packaging, something we have been doing for years.
If your rug is small and/or inexpensive, it may make sense to simply purchase a new one. The overall service becomes more cost-effective if you are also shipping other items - like furniture or boxes.
Ship a Rug Conveniently With TSI
TSI Shipping offers a seamless, reliable solution for transporting large and valuable rugs. From meticulous packing to secure transit, we take the stress out of shipping. Request a quote today and experience the best way to ship a rug.
About the author: Rachel Hazzard is the Content Solutions Manager for TSI, a seven-time honoree on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing companies. After years in the industry, she’s an expert on packing, organizing, and downsizing. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her eating out or hanging with her cat Nilla.
