Mirrors can break easily when you are moving them around. If a mirror gets cracked it is basically useless. So proper wrapping is a number 1 thing you want to think about before moving.
Why Mirror Packing Requires Extra Care
If you think glass is easy to break, you should know that mirrors are even more likely to get damaged. They have a special coating on the back that makes them extremely fragile when something heavy is put on them. So extra cushioning is always a good idea when packing mirrors.
Mirrors can be weird shapes. Full-length mirrors are tall and it makes them less steady. The mirrors you find in bathrooms often have these clips or other hardware stuck to them. Mirrors with frames can be tricky to handle because the weight gets all uneven if the frame starts to come loose.
A basic 24×36-inch wall mirror costs $50 to $150 to replace, according to home improvement retailers. Custom or antique mirrors can run into the thousands. Professional mirror packing by a moving company typically costs $30 to $75 per mirror, depending on size (American Moving & Storage Association). Packing materials for DIY wrapping cost $15 to $40 total if you buy new supplies.
Materials You’ll Need
You do not need special products but having the right combination of materials really makes a difference:
- Painter’s tape or masking tape (for the glass surface)
- Bubble wrap (small or medium bubbles, at least two rolls for large mirrors)
- Cardboard corner protectors or custom-cut cardboard pieces
- Heavy-duty packing tape
- Moving blankets or thick towels
- Permanent marker (to label the wrapped mirror)
You can find most of these materials at hardware stores or home improvement centers. Some people also go to moving supply retailers to get what they need. If you are looking for mirror boxes you can check out U-Haul or Home Depot.
Preparing the Mirror Before Wrapping
To get started you should clean the surface of the mirror lightly with a microfiber cloth. The mirror should be cleaned gently. You should avoid using glass cleaner on the mirror unless the mirror is really dirty. This is because the moisture from the glass cleaner can seep under the tape and leave a residue on the mirror.
Look for any damage that’s already there. If you find any, take a picture of it with your phone. This is an idea because it will be helpful if you need to file a claim later.
Take off any hardware that sticks out of the mirror. This includes things like wall anchors and hooks. If your mirror has a hanging wire, on the back use tape to stick it against the frame. This will help prevent it from catching on blankets. The mirror and its hanging wire need to be secure so the wire does not get in the way.
Taping the Glass Surface
To start you should apply painters tape in a X pattern right across the glass. The painters tape does not stop the mirror from breaking. Instead it holds the pieces of the mirror together if the mirror does break. Broken glass is really hard to clean up. It is also more dangerous when the shards of glass scatter everywhere.
Use painter’s tape, not duct tape. Duct tape leaves sticky residue that’s difficult to remove. Don’t press the tape down aggressively. Lay it gently across the surface.
Step-by-Step Wrapping Process
Wrapping a mirror takes a time that is around 15 to 30 minutes. This really depends on the size of the mirror. It is a good idea to get some help from another person. This way you can avoid dropping the mirror and breaking the glass.
Step 1. To start you should place the mirror on something clean. This can be a carpet or a blanket or a big piece of cardboard. The mirror should be lying down flat. Do not stand the mirror up against a wall while you are working with it.
Step 2: Now we need to cover the glass with bubble wrap. The bubble side of the bubble wrap should face the mirror. When you put the bubble wrap on make sure to overlap it by least two inches each time. If the mirror is really big, like, more than 36 inches you should use two layers of bubble wrap. Then use packing tape to hold the bubble wrap in place at the edges of the mirror.
Step 3: It is time to add cardboard corner protectors to the frame. The cardboard corner protectors go over the bubble wrap at each corner of the frame. The corners of the frame take the most impact when you are loading and unloading the frame. You can buy ready-to-use cardboard corner protectors or you can cut your own ones from old cardboard boxes.
Step 4: You need to wrap the mirror in a moving blanket. This will help keep the mirror safe. You should fold the moving blanket around all sides of the mirror. Then tape it closed. If you do not have a moving blanket you can use some towels instead. The main thing you want to do is add some cushioning to the mirror. This will help prevent the bubble wrap from tearing when you move the mirror.
Step 5: Label the package clearly. Write “FRAGILE – MIRROR – GLASS” on multiple sides in permanent marker. Add an arrow indicating which side should stay upright. Clear labels reduce mistakes.
Where to Place Mirrors in the Moving Truck
It is really important that you keep mirrors upright. Do not lay them flat. If you put boxes on top of a mirror that is lying flat the weight of the boxes can break the mirror.
You should place the mirror against the truck wall to keep it safe. The mirror will be okay if it is against the truck wall. It can get damaged if it is, against the boxes.
Some moving trucks have built-in straps or bars along the walls. Use these to secure the mirror if available. If not, wedge the mirror between a mattress and the wall or between two heavy furniture pieces that won’t move.
| Getting a Moving Quote is simple. It's fast & easy GET FREE QUOTE NOW |
Common Mistakes
- Using only bubble wrap is enough to keep their glass safe. The thing is, bubble wrap only helps when something hits the glass. It does not keep the glass from falling if it breaks. Skipping the tape-on-glass step is an error.
- Not using enough cushioning. When you are moving your things around the town one layer of bubble wrap is probably okay. When you are moving to a different state that is a whole different story. Interstate moves are a lot tougher on your things, so you should use 2 or more layers of bubble wrap to keep your things safe.
- Last but not least, not measuring the mirror’s dimensions before moving day. A 60-inch mirror won’t make a turn in a narrow apartment hallway.
Final Thoughts
By using the right materials and following these steps, you can ensure your mirrors arrive at your new home intact and damage-free. For greater peace of mind, consider a local moving with professional assistance. You can also find out the average cost of moving services on our blog.
Get in touch with A Plus Moving Group today by calling (800) 919-6332 for professional moving services. We look forward to being at your service.
