When you’re moving houses, you need to pay close attention to the things you want to protect the most. Appliances like TVs, fridges, air conditioners, washing machines, etc. are some of the most delicate ones. Then there are jewelry, glass items, and family heirlooms like grandfather clocks or pianos.
One of the most overlooked things is the mirrors you own. They’re just as fragile as glass items. We know it for a fact because we’ve seen our fair share of broker mirrors.
So, let’s understand how to pack mirrors for moving the right way.
Gathering Supplies for Mirrors Moving
When packing mirrors for moving, the first thing you need to do is gather the right supplies. Without them, you can’t expect safe transportation and handling during the move. Here’s a quick guide on what you’ll need.
- Packing Tape: This is essential for securing wrapping materials and keeping everything in place. The good thing about this is that you can use the tape for plenty of other things as well.
- Bubble Wrap: For something as delicate as mirrors, you must have bubble wrap handy. These funky-looking sheets provide a cushion that absorbs shocks and prevents scratches.
- Cardboard Sheets: You need these to protect the mirror’s surface. That’s the whole point, right? If you can’t get your hands on dedicated sheets, you can always make them by cutting big boxes according to size.
- Moving Blankets: These thick, padded blankets are perfect for cushioning large items. If you’re moving a large mirror, you need this.
- Mirror Boxes: While they’re not mandatory, they help a great deal. As they’re specifically designed for mirrors, these boxes provide a snug fit for pretty much all sizes. You can place the wrapped mirror inside, and fill any gaps with packing paper or more bubble wrap to prevent movement.
- Packing Paper: Lastly, you get to use this to fill gaps in boxes or to wrap smaller mirrors. It’s a versatile material that adds extra cushioning.
Preparing the Mirror for Moving
Before you can go for the big move, you need to prepare the mirror. The better you prepare, the safer the handling will be. You’ll also have a good time unpacking it after you settle down at your new home.
Of course, the first step is cleaning your mirror with a gentle glass cleaner. Ideally, you should do this while the mirrors are still mounted. If it’s a handheld mirror, it should be even easier. Use soft rags or microfiber towels to clean off the surface. But make sure it’s completely dry before you start packing.
Once the mirror is squeaky clean, start removing the attached hardware. Of course, it only applies to mounted mirrors. Common hardware includes hooks and screws. Occasionally, you may find mirrors attached with adhesive to the wall directly. These are slightly tricky to remove. You can always call a professional to help you out. As for the hardware, put them in a ziploc bag and label them.
From what we’ve seen, mirrors often get damaged at the corners. So, you should focus on the corners when you handle them. You may use foam corner protectors that you can readily buy from the nearest hardware store or packing supply store.
Reinforce with Cardboard: Cut cardboard strips to fit the edges of your mirror. Secure them with packing tape to create a protective frame. This will help prevent chips and cracks during the move.
When you’re learning how to pack a mirror, apply painter’s tape or masking tape across the mirror in a star pattern. This prevents the glass from shattering if the mirror gets hit accidentally. These tapes are very gentle and are easy to clean.
If you’ve made it this far, you’ve successfully completed the preparation step. You can now go ahead and wrap the mirror for moving by following our instructions.
How to Wrap a Mirror for Moving
Arguably, packing is the most important part of the whole process. You need to use the right materials and wrap mirrors the right way to make sure they’re not damaged during mirror transportation.
As you’ve already gathered the supplies, here’s how to use them.
Using Cardboard for Added Protection
Ideally, you should have cardboard sheets handy. If they’re not the right size, cut them into strips that match the dimensions of your mirror. These strips will act as a protective frame.
Place one strip on a flat surface and place the mirror on top of it. Do it for all the mirrors you’re planning to move. Also, don’t forget to put another strip on the top of the mirrors. Essentially, your mirror is the patty of a sandwich. Finally, secure the strips in place with packing tape.
On the sides, you can add some more strips to create a buffer. As the edges are more likely to hit other things, we recommend doing this as added protection.
What you’re trying to do here is create as much buffer as you can to make sure the mirror doesn’t get damaged. Even if it happens, unfortunately, the painter’s tape is there to help you minimize the mess.
After securing the cardboard, wrap the entire mirror in bubble wrap. Ensure the bubbles face outward to provide cushioning. Tape the bubble wrap securely, covering all exposed areas.
Packing the Mirror in a Box
Once your mirror is wrapped in cardboard and bubble wrap, it’s time to place it in a box. Mirror boxes are ideal for this purpose, as they are designed to fit mirrors snugly. But it can be a challenge to find the right size, especially if you have custom mirrors installed all over the house.
If you can’t find dedicated mirror boxes, similarly sized cardboard boxes will also work. Before placing the mirror in the box, add a layer of packing paper or foam peanuts at the bottom of the box to provide extra cushioning.
Carefully slide the wrapped mirror into the box. Ideally, it should fit snugly. If it doesn’t, you need to fill any gaps around the mirror with more packing paper or foam peanuts. This prevents the mirror from moving around inside the box during transit.
Seal the box securely with packing tape. Label the box as “Fragile” and indicate which side should face up. This helps professional movers handle the box with extra care.
Handling and Transporting the Mirror
So, what is the best way to transport a mirror, you ask? Well, for starters, you should always carry it upright. This reduces the risk of the glass cracking under its own weight. Also, avoid laying it flat, as this makes it more susceptible to damage.
Here, you can use moving blankets to cushion the mirror and secure it in the moving vehicle. If you’re moving large mirrors, call for help to manage the weight and bulk safely.
If you’re moving from a house, you’re not using the moving truck for the mirror alone. Use it to your advantage by placing the mirror between sturdy items in the moving truck to keep it from shifting.
If possible, use adjustable straps to hold it in place. Ensure the mirror is not exposed to pressure points that could cause cracks.
When unloading, you need to be just as careful. Always lift the mirror from its edges and avoid twisting motions.
Unpacking the Mirror
Once you’ve arrived at your new home, it’s time to unpack the mirror along with everything else. Surprisingly, more accidents happen when unpacking than packing. Let’s see if we can avoid that for you.
First, find a flat, stable surface where you can lay the box down. It’s best to do this in the room where you’ll hang the mirror. This way, you don’t have to carry an exposed mirror from one room to the other.
Then, carefully open the box by cutting the packing tape. Once the box is open, gently lift the mirror out and make sure you hold it by the sides. If it’s a big mirror, get help from another person.
Now, it’s time to remove all the packing you put in place to secure it. Stary by removing the outer layer of packing material, such as bubble wrap and cardboard. Do this slowly to avoid any sudden movements that might cause the mirror to slip out of your hands.
Once it’s out, check the mirror thoroughly for any damage that might have occurred during transport. If you used painter’s tape on the glass, carefully peel it off to reveal the mirror’s surface. Painter’s tape is designed to come off easily without leaving residue, but take your time to avoid any potential issues.
Conclusion
Packing and moving mirrors may not be as easy as it sounds. But with the right steps, you can ensure they arrive safely. To sum it up, you need to start by gathering essential supplies like packing tape, bubble wrap, and sturdy boxes. Then, you carefully prepare the mirror by cleaning it, removing hardware, and securing it with cardboard and bubble wrap.
Unpacking the mirror at your new home requires just as much attention. Take your time to remove all packing materials safely, and inspect the mirror for any damage.
For large or valuable mirrors, consider hiring professional movers. They have the expertise and equipment to handle fragile items, ensuring a smooth and stress-free moving experience.
