Moving mirrors requires a little extra care to avoid cracks, chips, or shattering. Knowing how to pack a mirror for moving will ensure your mirrors arrive at your new home in perfect condition. Whether you’re relocating locally or working with a removalist for a longer move, following the right steps will keep your mirrors protected throughout the journey. To help you in your move with packing your precious possessions, check out our moving house packing guide.
Steps for how to pack a mirror for moving
Packing a mirror correctly is crucial since they are fragile and often oddly shaped. Use this step-by-step guide to ensure your mirrors are safe and secure during transit and arrive at your new location in pristine condition.
1. Gather the right packing materials
You’ll need high-quality packing materials to ensure your mirror is well-protected:
- Bubble wrap or foam sheets
- Packing tape and tape gun
- Corner protectors (foam or cardboard)
- Strong thick cardboard or moving blankets
- A mirror box or flattened cardboard sheets
- Markers for labelling or “Fragile” labels
If you’re using furniture removals Brisbane services, they may provide some of these materials or help you pack larger mirrors with proper moving blankets.
Take care if you are moving the mirrors as they are quite heavy by nature. Get help to move the mirror rather than struggling yourself and make sure you have decent protective footwear on since you are basically moving glass.
2. Prepare the mirror
Before packing:
- Clean the mirror to remove any dust or smudges
- Securely tape an “X” or a grid pattern across the glass with masking or painter’s tape. This simple step will help prevent the mirror from shattering if it gets damaged in transit.
- Only pack one mirror per package.
3. Protect the corners
Mirrors are particularly vulnerable at the edges and corners. Use foam or cardboard corner protectors to cushion these areas. If you don’t have corner protectors, wrap the corners with bubble wrap and tape them securely. Cushioning the edges is important for mirrors that are unusually shaped like round or teardrop mirrors. Don’t be shy about using a lot of tape.
4. Wrap the mirror
Cover the entire mirror with a layer of bubble wrap or foam sheets. If you have a large mirror, consider adding extra layers of padding. Secure the wrapping with tape to keep it in place.
Cutting two pieces of cardboard to fit front and back is a way of creating a secure cocoon for your mirror if you don’t have the original packing.
For additional protection, use flattened cardboard sheets or moving blankets to wrap the mirror again. Create a layered effect with your bubble wrap or blankets and other packing material. This will provide more cushioning, especially if you’re relying on furniture removals Brisbane for interstate or long-distance moves.
5. Place the mirror in a box
If you have a mirror box, slide the wrapped mirror into the box and tape it securely. If not, place the mirror between two sturdy pieces of cardboard and secure them with tape. Add cushioning materials like paper or foam around the mirror to prevent it from shifting inside the box.
6. Label the box
Clearly label the box with “Fragile – Mirror” and mark which side should remain upright. This will ensure the removalists handle it with care. Using proper labelling helps the team know which items need special attention during the move.
Tips for moving a mirror safely
- Avoid laying mirrors flat in the moving truck, as this increases the risk of breakage. Always transport them upright. Laying them flat almost ensures that they will break.
- Use blankets or padding to create a buffer if the mirror will be packed with other items.
- For particularly large or antique mirrors, consult professional removalists to ensure they’re moved safely.
- Be cautious when unpacking the mirror watching for any glass that might fall out. This is an indication that you might have a broken mirror in which case extreme caution is advised.
Conclusion
Understanding how to pack a mirror for moving is key to keeping it safe during transit. Whether you’re moving down the street or across the state with furniture removals Brisbane, following these steps will protect your mirrors from damage.
Taking the time to wrap your mirror correctly ensures it will arrive at your new home in one piece, giving you one less thing to worry about during the moving process and that is always a good move.
Happy Moving!
