Unexplained Movement: Mystery of Shifting Rug in Empty House

  • Thread starter JDługosz
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In summary, the interesting thread on teacups reminded me of my own unexplained mystery. And it makes me think how many people will immediately think of ghosts or gods when something strange happens, instead of finding out what is really going on. There could be a whole category for such stories!
  • #1
JDługosz
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The interesting thread on teacups reminded me of my own unexplained mystery. And, it makes me think how many people will immediately think of ghosts or gods when something strange happens, instead of finding out what is really going on. There could be a whole category for such stories!

Anyway, I had just moved into a rental house. There was a scrap of carpet matching the stuff on most of the floor, that was apparently meant to go in front of the fireplace for extra protection against dropping burning logs or whatever.

Without anyone else in the house yet, not even pets, I found that this piece of rug would move on its own. After some hours, it was seen to have shifted position. Furthermore, it creeped with enough force to bunch itself up when it ran into the couch, forming huge folds.

Any clue what causes this?
 
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  • #2
Unfortunately, your phenomenon does not fall into the same category of, say, spontaneously moving wet beer glasses on a bar, which can be explained.
Having no possibility of a natural explanation, I regret to suggest that your phenomenon is unsuitable for this forum.
You could post this at www.unexplained-mysteries.com
 
  • #4
What category? Kitchen vs. living room?

I hold out hope that someone may have heard of something like this.
 
  • #6
I should have phrased my question "Are you walking on the piece of carpet"?

You do not notice the carpet moving when you walk on it because it moves so little. But over a period of time you notice that it has changed position. I noticed this with one of my rugs many years ago (I lived alone). And just like in the case of the OP, my rug would fold up against the leg of the coffee table.
 
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  • #7
The movement is caused by pressure fluctuation on the top carpet, this is primarily caused by walking on it. The pressure causes the standing fibres of the bottom carpet to bend in one direction, this pressure displaces the top carpet and as the pressure is released the tips of the bottom carpet grab the top and cause it to move.
 
  • #8
There are also changes in temperature and humidity that can cause expansing and shrinking - producing this 'walking' effect.
Or is it just a draft down the chimney?
Try putting some feathers / light paper in the same position.

I don't think it's a matter of Bell Book and Candle!
 
  • #9
Install a webcam.
 
  • #10
TurtleMeister said:
Is the piece of carpet being walked on?

No, it was not walked on.
 
  • #11
Borek said:
Install a webcam.

There was no such thing, at the time. I thought about setting a camera to take exposures once an hour or so (this was still film!) but didn't get around to it before GF and cats moved in too.
 
  • #12
OK, I thought it is a recent development.

After watching Inception today (fight in the hotel corridor) moving carpets don't look that impossible. Are you sure you were not dreaming?
 

Related to Unexplained Movement: Mystery of Shifting Rug in Empty House

1. What could be causing the rug to shift on its own in an empty house?

There are several possible explanations for this phenomenon. It could be due to changes in temperature and humidity causing the floorboards to expand and contract, resulting in the rug shifting. It could also be caused by air currents or drafts in the house. Another possibility is that there is an unseen presence or spirit manipulating the rug.

2. Is there any scientific evidence for paranormal activity causing the rug to move?

Currently, there is no scientific evidence that supports the existence of paranormal activity. Many unexplained phenomena can often be explained by natural causes or scientific principles. Further investigation and data collection would be necessary to determine the true cause of the rug's movement.

3. Could this be a hoax or a prank?

It is possible that the shifting rug is a hoax or a prank. Before jumping to conclusions, it is important to thoroughly investigate and rule out any possible natural causes or mechanical issues. If there is no evidence of a hoax, it is also important to consider the credibility and motives of those reporting the phenomenon.

4. Has this type of unexplained movement been observed in other cases?

There have been many reported cases of unexplained movement, such as objects moving on their own or furniture shifting. However, these cases are often difficult to validate and may have natural explanations. It is important to approach each case with a scientific mindset and gather as much evidence as possible before drawing conclusions.

5. What steps can be taken to investigate and potentially solve this mystery?

The first step would be to gather as much information and evidence as possible. This could include setting up cameras to monitor the rug, recording environmental conditions, and interviewing witnesses. It may also be helpful to consult with experts in fields such as physics, psychology, and parapsychology to offer different perspectives and potential explanations. A thorough and objective investigation is key to potentially solving this mystery.

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