Moving carpets, rugs and curtains in Jeddah: how to get them to your new home clean and intact
Carpets and curtains are the items people most often forget when planning a move, and then they become a problem on the day: a heavy rug that will not fit in the lift, a long curtain that creases and gets dirty in the truck, or a wool carpet that starts to smell of mildew days after short storage. In a coastal city like Jeddah, with its humidity, dust and summer heat, how these furnishings are handled matters even more. This page explains how we move rugs of different kinds, fitted carpet and curtains with their rods, what you should do before the appointment, and which mistakes ruin expensive pieces.
At Al Forsan Al Thalatha we move furniture inside Jeddah and to and from the city, and our services include packing, dismantling and reassembly and storage. We do not quote fixed prices or promise more than we can deliver; instead we focus on practical information. For the broader picture see furniture moving in Jeddah, and for packing details see furniture packing and wrapping.
Why carpets and curtains need special handling
- Weight and size: a large rug can be heavy and long and cannot be folded freely without damaging the fibres.
- Delicate fibres: wool, silk and hand-knotted rugs suffer from sharp folds, moisture and rubbing.
- Dust and dirt: trucks and hand carrying expose them to dust and contamination.
- Moisture: wrapping a damp or dirty rug in sealed plastic can cause mildew and odours.
- Fabric and creasing: curtains in soft or sheer fabrics crease and soil easily.
- Rods and accessories: curtain rods, rings and rails are small parts that are easily lost.
Rug types and how moving differs
Not every rug is moved the same way, and knowing the difference saves damage:
- Hand-knotted and heavy wool rugs: rolled, not folded, kept from moisture, and carried by a crew because of weight.
- Light machine-made rugs: can be rolled or folded carefully and handle simpler wrapping.
- Fitted carpet: usually lifted in a specific way and rolled; it may not be reusable if it is old or glued.
- Prayer mats and small rugs: moved in boxes or bags with fabrics.
- Children's play mats: washed, dried and rolled before moving.
If you have a rug of high monetary or sentimental value, tell us its type and size before the appointment so we can decide how to roll and cover it.
Step one: clean and dry before rolling
The most important advice on this page: never wrap a dirty or damp rug. Wash or clean it at a specialist rug laundry before moving if you can, let it dry completely, and then roll it. A rug wrapped while damp or dirty becomes a good home for odours and mildew in the truck and in storage. If you have no time for full cleaning, shaking out dust and airing the rug in the shade for a few hours is a simple step that reduces harm. We do not offer rug washing as part of the moving service, but we advise using a specialist laundry.
Rolling or folding: the practical rule
For a good rug, the rule is to roll it and tie it with soft ropes or straps, rolling in the direction of the pile or as the maker advises, and never to fold it sharply because that breaks the fibres and leaves permanent lines. Light rugs can be folded with wide folds. After rolling, the rug is wrapped in plastic or cloth to protect it from dust and rubbing, with small ventilation gaps or a breathable cotton cover if storage will be long. Long rugs are carried by enough people instead of being dragged along the floor.
Curtains: from the window to the box without creases
Curtains suffer from creasing and stains, so we recommend:
- Take curtains down with their rings and hooks into a bag or carton and label each with the room and window.
- For heavy or lined curtains: fold them with wide folds into cartons padded with paper or cloth.
- For sheer, delicate curtains: use cloth or paper bags and avoid pressing weights on them.
- For long curtains: it is best to carry them hanging on covered hangers, which reduces creasing.
- Photograph the windows and rods before taking down so you remember the position of each curtain and its hanging height.
- Put rings and screws in a small, sealed, labelled bag.
Rods, rails, rollers and blackout blinds
Curtain rods, rails, roller and zebra blinds and blackout blinds all have their own method of removal and refitting. We take down rods and rails, wrap them and tie them together, and refitting in the new home can be agreed depending on the wall type and tools needed. We do not recommend fixing heavy rods into a wall of unknown strength without checking it. For motorised curtains, motors and connections must be disconnected carefully, and if there are hidden wires consult a qualified technician. For more on this service see furniture dismantling and assembly.
Comparison table: item and suitable wrapping
| Item | Suitable wrapping | Key note |
|---|---|---|
| Hand-knotted wool rug | Roll, tie and a breathable cover | Never fold; must be dry and clean |
| Light machine-made rug | Roll or wide fold and a cover | Avoid rubbing and moisture |
| Lifted fitted carpet | Roll, tie and cover | May not be reusable if old |
| Heavy fabric curtain | Wide fold in a padded carton | Write the window name |
| Sheer curtain | Cloth or paper bag or hanging | Do not press under weight |
| Rods and rails | Tie and wrap in a tube or cover | Put screws in a sealed bag |
Protecting carpets from Jeddah's heat and humidity
High heat dries out fibres and affects colour if pieces stay in the sun, and humidity encourages mildew. We therefore reduce the time rugs spend in the sun and in the truck, load them in a shaded spot away from direct contact with hot floors or machines, and cover them suitably. If you must store them between two moves, choose a dry, ventilated place, and read about furniture storage in Jeddah and our guide to protecting furniture from heat and humidity.
Moths and insects: should you worry?
Wool rugs and natural fabrics can attract moths and insects if stored for a long time somewhere unclean. It is advisable to clean rugs before storage, to use suitable repellents following the seller's guidance, not to seal them for long periods in airtight plastic, and to inspect them from time to time. This point concerns long storage; a direct move on the same day carries less risk.
Measuring rugs and planning the new home
Before the move, measure large rugs and the rooms in the new home. You may find that the old majlis rug does not suit the new living room, so you avoid moving it needlessly or decide to cut it or reuse it in another room. For curtains, measure the width and height of windows in the new home and compare with the old sizes; you may need alteration or new curtains instead of paying to move ones that will not fit.
What we ask before moving rugs and curtains
- How many rugs are there and what sizes and types?
- Are any hand-knotted or valuable?
- Are they clean and dry?
- Do you want us to take down and refit curtain rods?
- Do the curtains have motors or remote control?
- Is the new home close or outside Jeddah?
- Will you need temporary storage before fitting?
The clearer the photos, the more accurate the plan, so send us pictures of the rugs and windows on WhatsApp.
Moving day: a sequence for rugs and curtains
- We lift rugs after heavy furniture has been moved off them, not before.
- Rugs are rolled, tied and wrapped in suitable covers.
- Curtains are taken down and packed in cartons or hung on hangers according to type.
- Rods and rails are taken down and wrapped.
- Rugs are loaded at the bottom or on a safe side away from sharp objects, and curtains go on top of a clean load.
- On unloading we lay rugs in place before bringing in heavy furniture where possible.
- Curtains are hung to the height you choose.
Rugs in large majlis rooms and entrances
In homes with wide Arabic majlis rooms, the rug may be one big piece covering the room or several adjoining pieces. Light furniture is moved first, then the rug is lifted by enough people, rolled with the pile and each piece is labelled with its room. If the rug is fixed with tape or a pad underneath, it needs careful release so it does not tear. Send a photo and an approximate measurement so we can decide how many people and what method, and check that the rolled rug passes through the door and lift before the appointment. See also our page on majlis and sofa moving, because sofas and rugs are often moved together.
Curtains in villas with large windows
In villas with large windows, curtains are long, heavy and often lined with a blackout layer. They need more than one person to take down so rings are not torn and fabrics do not split. Share the job: one person unhooks and another receives the curtain, which is then folded with wide folds into a big carton or cloth bag. If the curtains were made to a specific size, keep the original measurements and the tailor's details, because they help if you need to alter them for the new windows.
Laying out the new home
Start with rugs before heavy furniture if possible, since it is easier to lay a big rug in an empty room. Put a suitable underlay beneath to stop slipping and protect the floor. Then bring in big furniture carefully, lifting rather than dragging. Hang curtains before placing furniture in front of windows, because reaching the rods is easier and the risk to furniture is lower. If the floor is new or glossy, use protection sheets while bringing furniture in.
Common mistakes that damage rugs and curtains
- Folding wool rugs sharply: it breaks the fibres.
- Wrapping in plastic while damp: it causes mildew and odours.
- Putting heavy furniture on top of a wrapped rug: it crushes the pile.
- Mixing curtains without labels: hours are lost working out where each belongs.
- Packing pale curtains with dirty or oily items: they get stained.
- Not measuring the new windows: you move curtains that do not fit.
What affects the price
We give no general figures. Cost depends on the number, size and weight of rugs, the floor and lift, the carrying distance, the wrapping required, removing and refitting curtain rods if requested, temporary storage if needed and the distance between addresses. The factors are on our page about furniture moving prices in Jeddah, and we estimate after seeing details and photos.
Summary
Rugs and curtains need cleanliness, dryness, correct rolling, labelling and covering before they enter the truck. Prepare them as described and send us photos so we can choose the right method. Call or WhatsApp us and we will plan the careful move of your furnishings with you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Carpets and Curtains
Do you move rugs and curtains as part of a furniture move?
Yes. We move rugs, fitted carpet, curtains and rods with suitable wrapping, and refitting rods can be agreed case by case.
Should I wash my rug before moving?
It is best if the rug is clean and completely dry before rolling and wrapping, to avoid odours and mildew. We do not wash rugs as part of moving and recommend a specialist laundry.
Can a hand-knotted rug be folded?
We do not recommend sharp folds. A hand-knotted rug is best rolled, tied and covered with a breathable wrap.
How do you move curtains without creasing?
We pack them by type in padded cartons or cloth bags, and long curtains may travel hanging on hangers. We suggest labelling them by room and window.
Can you remove and refit curtain rods?
It can be agreed depending on the wall type and tools needed. For motorised curtains or heavy rods we advise a qualified technician.
Can rugs be stored between two moves?
Yes, once cleaned, dried and wrapped in a way that allows ventilation, ideally in a dry place away from humidity.
How do I get a price?
Cost depends on the number and size of rugs and curtains, the floor, the distance and the services. Send photos on WhatsApp for a suitable estimate.