How to Pack a Mirror for Moving
Mirrors can be one of the most difficult items to pack when moving homes. They are large, heavy, and extremely fragile. Luckily, learning how to pack a mirror for moving isn’t as difficult as it looks. There are some simple, straightforward steps to follow in order to safely pack and move your mirror.
Step 1: Gather Supplies
You will need:
- A mirror box
- Packing Tape
- Cardboard
- Bubble Wrap
- Packing Paper
- Painter’s Tape
- Sharpie
Mirror boxes are the best option when packing your mirror for moving because they are much more customizable than standard boxes. They can be purchased at any moving supply store and most home improvement stores. Mirror boxes are made up of four separate pieces of cardboard that interlock together to create a custom-sized that allows you to fit it closely around the mirror. If you are unable to buy a mirror box, you can make your own by breaking apart several large moving boxes and flattening them to fit around your mirror. The standard rule for mirror boxes is that they should be about 30% larger than your mirror, as you will be adding lots of extra padding.
Packing peanuts are not listed in the supplies because they are not recommended for packing mirrors. They tend to shift around in the box they are placed in, and therefore do not provide the protection needed for your mirror.
Step 2: Preparing Your Mirror
When packing your mirror for moving, it’s best to designate a safe place to get it ready. Most moving experts recommend using the kitchen table, as it will be easier to pack on an elevated surface. If you have young children and fear the mirror getting knocked off the table, consider instead packing in a closed-off room such as a bedroom.
Before wrapping up your mirror, take some painters tape and place a large “X” across the face of the mirror from corner to corner. Or, create a grid across the entire face of your mirror. Placing tape across the front will help keep broken pieces in place if your mirror gets damaged during travel.
If your mirror has sharp, 90-degree edges, take some cardboard and create corner protectors to keep them from getting damaged.
Step 3: Packing Your Mirror
First, cut two pieces of cardboard to size and affix them to the front and back of your mirror. Then, place the mirror on a large piece of packing paper. Wrap the mirror completely in the packing paper as if you were wrapping a gift. Then, wrap the entire thing again in a tight layer of bubble wrap. Make sure every inch of the mirror is covered.
After your mirror is wrapped to your liking, take crumpled packing paper, and create a bed of padding on the bottom of your mirror box. Gently slide the wrapped mirror into the box and fill any empty spaces with more crumpled packing paper. Make sure there is no empty space in the box, as that will cause the mirror to shift during transit and potentially break. Once you are satisfied, tape up the box. Lift it, and gently shake to feel if anything moves around. If it does, open the box and add more padding.
Step 4: Moving Day
In a large Sharpie marker, write FRAGILE, HANDLE WITH CARE, and DO NOT LAY FLAT on the box in big, bold letters. Ensure that your mirror is never placed lying down. It will not be able to handle the pressure of another object and will break. Your mirror should be placed on its side when moving with nothing stacked on top. Make sure, also, that your mirror is not squeezed too tightly in between other items when moving, as the pressure of that may also cause damage.
When it comes to packing a mirror for moving, there is no such thing as too much protection. Make sure you use trusted packing materials, pack the mirror tightly, and keep it safe during transit. For more tips on moving, sign up for our once-monthly blog newsletter.
