Is it time for new carpet? According to [examiner.com](http://www.examiner.com/article/when-should-you-replace-your-carpeting), your carpet should be replaced every 10 years. But new carpet comes with a host of potential “side effects.” Get some new wall-to-wall and you might just relate to these ailments.

Everyone is barefoot

You were never going to be that homeowner who made guests take off their shoes before stepping into your home — but that was before you got brand new wall-to-wall carpeting. Now, the site of outdoor sneakers so close to your sand-colored shag makes you panic.

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You broke up with area rugs

You used to love rugs — a runner down the hallway, an area rug under the coffee table, mats near every door. But now, those rugs have been relocated to the garage — where they’ll remain indefinitely. When you’ve got beautiful new carpet, how can you bear to cover it up?

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You’re breathing better

You didn’t find some miraculous allergy or asthma treatment, but suddenly, you’re breathing easier — and sneezing less — than ever before. According to CBS, many homes have dust mite infestations and don’t even know it. Since new carpet rids you of dust mites, you may (literally) feel a change in the air.

Photo credit: BBC / Buzzfeed

You're shocking people (literally)

You can hardly wait to rub your feet across the carpet, extend that finger (not the birdie) and shock someone. After all, leveraging static electricity not only makes you feel smart, but the trick has withstood the test of time. It's a classic.

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You’re enjoying the quiet times

Not many households can boast “quiet” as one of its chief features. But if you have newly installed carpet, you may be reveling in a whole new world of noise reduction. Carpet helps to absorb loud sounds, like that NFL game (complete with surround sound), your son’s trumpet practice or that recent fight over Malibu Barbie.

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You’re seeing fewer bumps and bruises

Let’s be honest: Wood, tile and linoleum floors can be slippery places. And sock-cladded kiddos can easily fall victim to newly waxed surfaces and sharp corners. If you have new carpet, you’re probably enjoying the reduced possibility of slipping and sliding — not to mention a softer place to land.

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The couch is getting lonely

Your kids used to argue over that corner spot on the couch. Now, your throw pillows are still perfectly arranged and your couch is looking a tad lonely. That’s because everyone is enjoying the plush comfort of your new carpet.

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You keep saying, “But not in the living room!”

Have a snack, play a game, do an art project — but not in the living room! If one of your rooms has suddenly become off limits for, well, everything, you probably just gave it a new-carpet makeover.

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Camp-outs have become “camp-ins”

The plush grass in the backyard used to be the prime location for a summer evening campout. But now, there’s no reason not to break out the sleeping bags and spend a comfy night in front of the family room television.

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You’re already thinking about a new color or pattern

Carpet is easy to maintain — and easy to replace. That’s why you’re already thinking about what the dining room would look like in that bold cobalt-blue geometric pattern. Okay, maybe you’ll hold off — for a few months, at least.

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If you've ever had new carpet you can probably relate to many (if not all) of these. If your carpet just isn't doing the trick anymore and it's time for an upgrade, make sure you get the best quality at a fair price.

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