How best to store rugs with not much storage space?

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kit279

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I've got the horses at home these days and need to sort out all their rugs, of which there are (ahem) several...

Problem is that there is not much in the way of storage space currently. I've got two small outhouses - one is a feed room and the other was a coal shed in times gone past but both have low ceilings so putting up a rug rack and hanging the rugs probably wouldn't be an option. The rugs haven't really been cleaned either - they are pretty clean on the inside, just muddy on the outside and I don't see a huge amount of point trying to clean them in this weather.

Any suggestions as to how best to store the rugs? At some point, I'll get round to sorting a proper barn type space but for the moment, how best to store them?
 
Fold neatly as if they were new and store in tie top bin bags, label so you know whats in the bag and stack either on a shelf or on the floor or on a pallet. They will be fine like that provided the area is mouse free. In the tie top bags they will still be able to "breathe" and shouldnt go mouldy - check they aren't wet before you put them in.
 
For the rugs you won't be using at the moment I would bag up into the strong bin liners you get and tape them shut - will stop them getting damp/ mice moving in - then you can store them in the old coal shed without them getting dirtier. The other good storage option is the big plastic trunks you get from garden centres for storage.
 
Vacuum Bags the best way I think but dry them in the house (depending on how horse friendly the parents/OH is) so they are not outdoor 'dry' but inside 'dry' then use a dandy brush to get off most mud so it doesn't all go in your hoover. Also found in charity shops quite a few metal trunks which are quite good to combine with the vacuum bags to keep mice out. (about a fiver)

Then in summer get out the bikini and have a wash and mending day then reproof. (Or if rich and don't have your own au pair, groom, children or slave send to a rug lady :D) Nb. have been rug mending child, groom and au pair!
 
The rugs I use regualrly are kept up on a pulley (hanging up high) and so all I have to pull the chord and pull off / throw on the rug.

The other rugs are all put in bags and tucked away.
 
Im in the same situ as you having just moved and put up new stables, was admiring and comparing in your pic the other day!
Ive found a rug pole in the back of each stable is a great option. You can dry the rugs you are using and they will be vermin free. Summer rugs that I am not using are folded up in a metal dustbin with a lid tight on.
Although its taking me ages to get organised its exciting isnt it!
 
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