Safeguard Your Prized Mirrors with This Step-By-Step Professional Moving Guide

When moving, mirrors tend to be one of the items that require the most careful attention and care. They are fragile, often expensive, and are an unusual shape that can be difficult to pack and transport. Whether you are moving down the street or across state lines, mirrors are at a high risk of breakage if not properly protected while moving.

In this professional guide, we will equip you with everything you need to know to pack mirrors as a professional would. You’ll know all about the various options to safely pack mirrors, how and when to label them, and how to handle them when moving into a new location. Let’s get started.

Why Proper Mirror Packing Matters

Mirrors are more than just reflective surfaces – they are oftentimes valuable – be it sentimental or monetary. Some mirrors belong to families and contain meaning, others are decorative art pieces, or part of a collection of antiques. When mirrors are not packed properly, it can lead to:

• Glass breaking out in transit.
• Injury or damaged items from sharp mirror edge.
• Scratches, chips, or damaged frames from insufficient padding.

Therefore, safe packing of mirrors is not just optional, it’s a necessity.

Tools and Materials You Will Need

Before starting your project, assemble all your packing materials. Here is what is recommended by professionals:

• Mirror or picture boxes (telescoping and adjustable boxes for mirrors/art)
• Packing paper
• Bubble wrap
• Cardboard sheets or corner protectors
• Masking tape or painter’s tape
• Stretch wrap or plastic wrap
• Packing peanuts or foam inserts (optional for added protection)
• Permanent marker and “FRAGILE” labels.

Pro Tip: Do not use newspaper as it may leave ink stained on the mirror or frame.

Step-by-Step Guide to Packing a Mirror for Moving

Step 1: Clean the Mirror

Make sure your mirror surface is clean. Use a glass cleaner and some sort of soft microfiber cloth to wipe off all of the dust and smudges.

Why this is important: Dust and debris have very minute particles in them, and may scratch the surface during the wrapping procedure.

Step 2: Tape an “X” on the Mirror

Take some kind of masking tape or painters tape and gently tape an “X” across the face of the mirror.

Purpose of this:

• In case the mirror breaks, it will not shatter into large sharp pieces.
• The tape should contain the glass together in case of an accident.

Do not use duct tape or something else with a strong adhesive, you don’t want to damage the glass when you take off the tape.

Step 3: Protect the Corners

The corners are going to be the most vulnerable areas. Use either foam or cardboard corner protectors and apply those to all four corners of the mirror.

Pro Tip: You can always make corner protectors! Fold cardboard into triangles, and tape those into place.

Step 4: Wrap with Packing Paper

Put the mirror on a large surface area and cover it completely with several sheets of packing paper. Tuck it in, and tape down the small corners of paper gently to the mirror.

Packing paper is a first layer of scratch prevention.

Step 5: Apply Bubble Wrap

Then wrap the mirror in bubble wrap, again provide padding on all sides and corners. I would use two layers for larger mirrors.

Why you need it: The bubble wrap layer will help to absorb the shocks and vibrations of transit.

Make sure to use packaging tape to secure the bubble wrap, but do not place tape directly on the mirror frame and/or glass.

Step 6: Put in a Mirror Box

Add the wrapped mirror into a mirror box, which is a special type or cardboard box created for larger flat items such as mirrors or framed artwork or glass.

Mirror boxes come in two types:

• Telescoping mirror boxes: These are adjustable in the size of the box for a custom fit.
• One-piece mirror boxes: Easier to use, but less customizable.

Once the mirror is in the box, carefully slide the mirror into the box. If the box feels loose, fill the box with packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or foam inserts around the box edges to prevent movement.

IMPORTANT: the mirror should not be able to move once it is in the boxed. 

Step 7: Tape and Label

Once the box is sealed with packing tape, apply at least three strips of tape at all seams, including the top and bottom.

Label the box clearly on all sides:

• “FRAGILE”,
• “GLASS”,
• “DO NOT LAY FLAT”,
• “THIS SIDE UP”, (with arrows).    

This labelling gives the movers, or your friends, instruction to handle the item more carefully.

Pro Tips for Special Mirror Types

Antique Mirrors

Antique mirrors often have fragile frames and unusual finishes. Here are the steps to pack an antique mirror:

• Wrap the frame itself separately in bubble wrap.
• If the frame is gilded or ornate, consider wrapping the frame in acid-free tissue paper first.
• Do not apply pressure on decorative elements.

Oversized Mirrors

If the mirror is taller than 3 feet:

• Have multiple people assist with packing and carrying the mirror.
• Before placing the mirror in the box, reinforce the back with an extra sheet of cardboard.
• Add double edges and corner padding.

Frameless Mirrors

Frameless mirrors are more fragile due to exposed glass edges.

• Wrap the whole mirror with double bubble wrap.
• Cardboard sandwich method – putting the mirror between two flat cardboard sheets and taping them together.

How to Transport Mirrors Safely

Packing is only half the puzzle. Here’s how to actually transport mirrors:

Always Move Them Upright

Knock on wood, mirrors travel best upright (vertical position), and that means never flat. Mirrors are more likely to crack when shifted or when their panels are pressed on when laid flat.

Here are three ways to safely transport the mirrors from your friend (or to a friend’s new apartment):

• Put the mirror between two mattresses or two other flat padded surfaces.
• Slide the mirror between two big heavy items like two sofas or wardrobes.
• To add foam or extra protection wrap the boxed mirror in a moving blanket, especially if it is traveling with heavy furniture.

What to Avoid When Packing Mirrors

• Don’t skip the corner protectors – this is where your cracks will start.
• Don’t use cheap boxes or thin boxes – ie. breakage can happen if boxes collapse or fold under the weight.
• Don’t pack mirrors loose in with heavy boxes – other boxes that fall on the mirror can break them.
• Don’t forget the labels – all parties have a propensity to mishandle unlabeled fragile items.
• Don’t overuse tape directly on the surfaces – it may damage paint, finishes or glass.

Should You Hire Professionals?

If you’re transporting large, valuable, or multiple mirrors, consider hiring professional movers. A reputable moving company will:

• Provide custom crating services for high-value items.
• Offer insurance and liability coverage.
• Handle heavy or oversized mirrors with proper lifting equipment.

What to Do If a Mirror Breaks During a Move

Despite all precautions, accidents can happen. If your mirror breaks:

1. Do not touch the glass with bare hands.
2. Use thick gloves and a broom to collect large shards.
3. Wrap sharp pieces in cardboard or thick paper before disposal.
4. Document the damage for insurance claims.
5. For antique or heirloom mirrors, consider restoration services.

Final Thoughts

Packing mirrors for a move doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right materials, a little patience, and a methodical approach, you can ensure your mirrors arrive at your new home safely and intact.

Recap of Key Tips:

• Use quality materials: mirror boxes, bubble wrap, corner protectors.
• Always pack mirrors upright.
• Label everything clearly.
• Consider hiring professionals for complex moves.

Protect your mirrors like a pro—and they’ll keep reflecting your beautiful spaces for years to come.