How to Pack a Big, Breakable Mirror for Moving
Large mirrors represent an investment in your home's aesthetics. Whether you use a big mirror to maximize light in a room (which can even offer health benefits), make an artistic design statement, or simply check your appearance before leaving home, mirrors add beauty and brightness to your home.
When you are relocating in a household move, the last thing you want is to open a moving box, only to discover a pile of sharp, glittering shards.
These tips will help you pack a big mirror for a move.
Mirror Packing Supplies
Start with a mirror box designed specifically for moving mirrors and large, fragile pieces of art. Also called a mirror carton, this specially constructed container consists of four durable pieces of cardboard—the pieces interlock, allowing you to create a box that’s sized just right for your mirror. Check with your moving company to see if they have specialty boxes.
You'll also need the following packing supplies:
- Thick pieces of cardboard
- Packing paper
- Packing tape
- Bubble wrap
- Moving blankets
- Painter's tape
- Permanent marker
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Corner protectors (If applicable)
Designate a Mirror Packing Area
Choose a safe staging area in which to pack your mirror. An elevated, flat surface — such as a dining or kitchen table or even a bed — will allow you to work comfortably.
Place moving blankets on the surface like a cushion, and set moving paper in the center. Next, gather the rest of your supplies and place them within easy reach.
Bonus: You can use this staging area to pack other fragile items after you finish packing your mirror.
Prepare Your Mirror
Before removing your mirror from the wall, measure the top, bottom, and sides. You'll need these measurements later in the packing process.
Next, use painter's tape to make an "X" across the glass from the upper left corner to the lower right corner, and vice versa. You may also make a grid. In case a break does occur, the tape will help keep pieces in place during the move.
Apply corner protectors. Now you're ready to (carefully) move your mirror onto your staging surface.
Pack Your Mirror
Cut two pieces of cardboard the exact shape and size of the mirror and tape them to the front and back. Place the mirror on the packing paper, and wrap it as you would a gift. Then wrap the entire mirror in bubble wrap and secure it with packing tape. Finish by covering the whole thing in moving blankets.
Slide the wrapped mirror onto half of the mirror box, and interlock the sides to create a very close fit. Fill in any gaps with wadded packing paper or bubble wrap. Make sure no spaces are left in the box when it's all put together.
When you're satisfied that the mirror can't move, tape the box closed and label with:
- FRAGILE
- DO NOT LAY FLAT
- MIRROR
Large mirrors add beauty and light to your home — and most aren't cheap due to the manufacturing, materials, and craftsmanship that go into each mirror. Protecting your investment means taking special care to pack your mirror safely and securely. These mirror-packing tips will help you get your mirror to your new home in one piece.
Moving with Confidence
Are you preparing for an upcoming move? Contact us for a free quote. We can help with all of your relocation needs. From packing to transport - we can even handle your unpacking. Let us help reduce your stress today.
