How to Ship a Rug Safely (Without Ruining )

Boulder Rug
1 day ago
2 min read

How to Ship a Rug Without Ruining It

People ship rugs all the time—when they're moving, returning one they bought online, sending it out for cleaning, or selling it to someone else.

But if you pack it wrong, you could end up with mildew, permanent creases, dye bleeding, or damaged fringe. Here's how to avoid all that.

Step-by-Step: The Safest Way to Ship Your Rug

1) Vacuum It First

Get rid of any loose dust or dirt before you roll it up. This keeps debris from grinding into the fibers during transit.

2) Roll It (Never Fold)

Always roll the rug with the front side facing inward.

Why not fold? Because folding creates sharp creases that can actually crack the foundation, especially on older or more delicate rugs.

3) Wrap It in Something Breathable

The best options are:

Kraft paper
Rug wrap
A breathable fabric cover

Whatever you do, don't wrap it directly in plastic. Plastic traps moisture, which can lead to mildew or mold.

4) Protect the Fringe

The fringe is made up of the rug's end threads, and it's easy to damage. If you're taping anything, make sure the tape never touches the fringe directly.

5) Use a Tube if You Can

If possible, slide the rolled rug into a carpet shipping tube. It adds a lot of protection and keeps the shape intact.

6) Add a Waterproof Outer Layer

If you want to use plastic for weather protection, that's fine—just make sure it's only the outermost layer. The rug itself should still be wrapped in something breathable underneath.

Shipping Labels and Carriers

Most people ship rugs through: