Why Choose a Storage Unit for Your Extra Area Rugs?
Do you have unused area rugs to store? Before you bring these extra items to your basement, take a look at the top reasons to use a storage unit for this type of flooring item.
Light-Tight Environment
Natural sunlight is not your rug's friend. Over time, exposure to light can fade fragile fibers and discolor your area rug. Even though your basement, attic, or other in-home space may only have a few windows, the light may still sneak in. Self-storage rentals are typically window-less and provide a light-tight way to keep your area rugs safe when they're not in use.
Moisture-Free Setting
Light isn't the only potential danger to your area rugs. Moisture can rot rugs and support mold growth. In-home storage spaces such as basements and garages are often humid or damp environments. Along with moisture in the air, these household areas can flood. An overflowing washing machine, old water heater, or leaking wall can put your rugs at risk.
Unlike your home, most storage rentals are low-moisture or moisture-free settings. Ideally, you should rent a climate-controlled unit. These storage options have temperature and humidity controls that keep the overall indoor moisture level in check.
If the storage facility doesn't offer climate controls, an off-site rental unit may still provide benefits your in-home options don't. Without an extensive maze of plumbing or potentially leaky appliances, you won't need to worry about substantial area rug water damage.
Added Storage Space
How much extra space do you have in your basement, garage, or attic? If you already use these in-home areas to store overflow or extra items, you may not have room to add an area rug (or a few). A rental unit offers all the space you need—even if you plan to store more than just area rugs. Measure the unused area of an existing storage unit before you move rugs in. If you don't have enough space or you don't already have a unit, rent a new one. Decide what you want to store in addition to the rugs before you select a size.
Talk to the facility's manager or staff about appropriate and affordable size options that will fit your area rug (and additional item) storage needs. To properly store area rugs, you'll need to roll the flooring item and wrap it in protective fabric. Store the rugs standing up to reduce wear and tear or other types of damage. Instead of measuring the overall square-footage of each rug, measure the width of one rolled end and the total height.