How to Wrap Mirrors When Moving?

You can safely wrap mirrors when moving by using the right materials and following proper steps. Mirror boxes are the best option when packing your mirror for moving because they are much more customizable than standard boxes, and with careful wrapping, your mirrors will arrive at your new home without cracks or breaks.

Why Proper Mirror Wrapping Matters

Moving mirrors can be scary. These glass pieces are heavy and break easily. Mirrors are fragile and heavy—two qualities that make them difficult to move. When mirrors break during a move, you end up with sharp glass pieces that can hurt you and ruin your day.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, glass and glazing contractors had 2.7 total recordable cases of nonfatal occupational injuries per 100 workers in 2020, highlighting the real risks of handling glass improperly. Heavier floor mirrors can weigh around 100 pounds, so you may not be able to pack a large mirror on your own. But with the right approach, you can protect your mirrors and avoid the stress of dealing with broken glass.

The key is using enough padding and the right type of box. Mirror boxes are made up of four interlocking pieces of cardboard that can be assembled to create an outer size matching the dimensions of your mirror. This custom fit helps prevent movement that leads to cracks.

With about 33 million Americans moving each year and the moving services industry employing 106,000 people for a total market size of $23.3 billion, proper packing techniques have become more important than ever to prevent damage during transport.

Essential Supplies for Wrapping Mirrors

Before you start wrapping your mirrors, gather these supplies:

Basic Materials:

• Mirror boxes or picture boxes
• Bubble wrap (thick type works best)
• Packing paper
• Painter's tape or masking tape
• Packing tape
• Cardboard sheets
• Permanent marker

Optional but Helpful:

• Corner protectors (foam or cardboard)
• Moving blankets
• Foam sheets (1/4 inch thick)
• Styrofoam padding

Mirror boxes cost around $8.95 for corner protectors and range from $23-70 for complete kits, depending on size. You can find these supplies at hardware stores, moving supply shops, or online.

The EPA reports that glass generation in the United States was 12.3 million tons in 2018, with only 31.3 percent being recycled - meaning proper handling during moves helps preserve valuable glass items that might otherwise end up in landfills.

The standard rule for mirror boxes is that they should be about 30% larger than your mirror, as you will be adding lots of extra padding. This extra space is important for keeping your mirror safe.

Preparing Your Mirror for Wrapping

Clean Your Mirror First

Start by cleaning your mirror with glass cleaner. Remove any dust or grime that could scratch the surface during the move. A clean mirror is easier to wrap properly.

Remove Detachable Parts

Take off any parts you can remove, like frames or stands. Remove any detachable parts, such as frames or stands, to pack them separately and prevent damage. Pack these pieces in separate boxes with labels so you don't lose them.

Set Up Your Work Area

Most moving experts recommend using the kitchen table, as it will be easier to pack on an elevated surface. If you have small kids around, use a bedroom instead where they won't bump into the mirror.

For large mirrors, clear a space on the floor with thick blankets. Clear a table or a large floor area near the mirror and place a thick blanket (or multiple thinner blankets) on the surface.

Step-by-Step Mirror Wrapping Process

Step 1: Apply Protective Tape

Take some painters tape and place a large "X" across the face of the mirror from corner to corner. Or, create a grid across the entire face of your mirror. This tape helps in two ways:

• It makes the glass stronger
• If the mirror breaks, the tape holds pieces together so they don't scatter

Since mirrors are slightly flexible, taping a mirror can help strengthen the glass. If your box shatters, the tape will hold the glass fragments in place so you don't accidentally cut yourself during cleanup.

Step 2: Add Corner Protection

If your mirror has sharp, 90-degree edges, take some cardboard and create corner protectors to keep them from getting damaged. You can buy foam corner protectors or make your own from cardboard.

You can use cardboard as a protective shield that absorbs impact and prevents your mirror from bending, even before you put your mirror in a mirror box. Cut two pieces of cardboard slightly larger than your mirror and tape them to the front and back.

Step 3: Wrap with Packing Paper

Place the mirror on a large piece of packing paper. Wrap the mirror completely in the packing paper as if you were wrapping a gift. Make sure every part of the mirror is covered. Tape the paper in place, but don't let the tape touch the glass directly.

Step 4: Add Bubble Wrap Protection

Wrap the entire thing again in a tight layer of bubble wrap. Make sure every inch of the mirror is covered. The bubble wrap should touch the mirror surface for the best protection.

Styrofoam and cushioning foam are the most effective materials for packing a large mirror. Wrap the mirror on the front and back with at least ¼ inch thick cushion foam or Styrofoam.

For extra large or valuable mirrors, add a moving blanket over the bubble wrap.

Step 5: Final Cardboard Layer

Add another layer of protection by placing pieces of cardboard over the foam. Then use the packing tape to secure the cushioning foam and cardboard on the mirror.

This creates multiple layers of protection:

1. Tape on the glass
2. Corner protectors
3. Packing paper
4. Bubble wrap or foam
5. Outer cardboard layer

Packing Your Wrapped Mirror in the Box

Prepare the Box Bottom

Take crumpled packing paper, and create a bed of padding on the bottom of your mirror box. This cushioned base helps absorb shock from bumps during transport.

Place the Mirror Carefully

Gently slide the wrapped mirror into the box and fill any empty spaces with more crumpled packing paper. Keep the mirror upright - never lay it flat.

Gently lift the mirror into the box, and ensure it remains vertical the whole time. Having someone help you with large mirrors makes this much easier.

Fill All Empty Space

Make sure there is no empty space in the box, as that will cause the mirror to shift during transit and potentially break. Use crumpled packing paper to fill every gap.

Test for Movement

Once you are satisfied, tape up the box. Lift it, and gently shake to feel if anything moves around. If it does, open the box and add more padding.

The mirror should not move at all when you shake the box gently.

Proper Labeling and Handling

Label Your Box Clearly

In a large Sharpie marker, write FRAGILE, HANDLE WITH CARE, and DO NOT LAY FLAT on the box in big, bold letters. Write these labels on multiple sides of the box.

This acts as a reminder to yourself, and the people helping you move, that your mirror needs to be moved with extreme care and shouldn't have anything stacked on top of it.

Important Handling Rules

Always Keep Upright: Your mirror should be placed on its side when moving with nothing stacked on top. Never lay mirrors flat in the truck.

Avoid Pressure: Make sure, also, that your mirror is not squeezed too tightly in between other items when moving, as the pressure of that may also cause damage.

Load Carefully: In the moving truck, place mirrors between mattresses or other soft, large items to keep them stable.

Different Types of Mirrors Need Different Approaches

Small Bathroom Mirrors

Small mirrors are easier to handle but still need care. You can often pack multiple small mirrors in one box if you:

• Wrap each mirror separately
• Use cardboard dividers between mirrors
• Keep the total weight under 50 pounds

Large Wall Mirrors

Packing a large mirror is difficult compared to smaller mirrors, especially because of the many corners. For large mirrors:

• Always have someone help you
• Use thicker foam padding
• Consider professional help for antique or very valuable pieces
• May need custom-sized boxes

Floor Mirrors

Floor mirrors are the heaviest and need extra care. Heavier floor mirrors can weigh around 100 pounds, so you may not be able to pack a large mirror on your own. Consider hiring professionals for these.

Money-Saving Tips for Mirror Packing

DIY vs Professional Packing

The cost to hire movers is usually around $25 to $50 per hour for each mover. You can save money by packing mirrors yourself, but consider professional help for valuable pieces.

Make Your Own Mirror Box

If you are unable to buy a mirror box, you can make your own by breaking apart several large moving boxes and flattening them to fit around your mirror.

Simply use the "Double Stacked Carton" trick which allows you to create extra tall (or extra wide) boxes which can accommodate tall or wide articles.

Reuse Materials

You can reuse:

• Old blankets as extra padding
• Towels for small mirrors
• Newspaper (though packing paper is better)
• Cardboard from other boxes

What Not to Use When Packing Mirrors

Avoid Packing Peanuts

Packing peanuts are not recommended for packing mirrors. They tend to shift around in the box they are placed in, and therefore do not provide the protection needed for your mirror.

Packing peanuts lack a measure of firm support. Mirrors must be protected in rigid and constant fashion so as not to break, which is not provided by the peanuts.

Don't Use These Methods

Never do these things:

• Skip the tape step on the glass
• Use newspaper directly on the mirror (ink can stain)
• Pack mirrors lying flat
• Leave empty spaces in the box
• Stack heavy items on mirror boxes

Loading and Transporting Your Mirrors

In the Moving Truck

When loading your mirrors in the truck:

• Keep all mirrors upright
• Place them between mattresses or furniture
• Secure with straps to prevent sliding
• Never stack anything on top of mirror boxes

During Transport

Avoid Stacking: Keep mirrors upright and never stack heavy items on top of them to prevent breakage. Check on your mirrors if you make stops during a long drive.

Unpacking Your Mirrors Safely

Take Your Time

When you reach your new home, unpack mirrors carefully. Cut tape away from the mirror without letting the blade get close to the glass.

Check for Damage

Look over each mirror before removing all the packing materials. If you find any damage, take photos right away for insurance claims.

Save Packing Materials

Keep the bubble wrap and boxes in case you need to move again. Our packing services team always recommends saving good packing materials for future use.

When to Hire Professional Help

Consider Professionals For:

• Antique or very valuable mirrors
• Mirrors over 50 pounds
• Oddly shaped mirrors
• Long distance moves
• If you don't have help lifting

If you have a large, antique, valuable or sentimental mirror and you don't feel confident about moving it, we'd recommend that you hire an experienced removals team.

Professional movers have the right equipment and experience. Our local moving services include expert packing for fragile items like mirrors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Not Using Enough Padding

Many people think one layer of bubble wrap is enough. Use multiple layers and fill all empty spaces.

Mistake 2: Laying Mirrors Flat

This puts too much pressure on the glass. Always keep mirrors upright.

Mistake 3: Mixing Mirror Types

Don't pack different sized mirrors in the same box. Each mirror needs its own proper fit.

Mistake 4: Forgetting Labels

Without clear "FRAGILE" labels, your mirrors might not get careful handling.

Mistake 5: Rushing the Process

Take time to wrap each mirror properly. Rushing leads to broken glass and injuries.

Special Considerations for Different Moves

Local Moves

For local moves in the Edmonton area, you still need proper packing even for short distances. Our Edmonton moving services can help with both packing and transport.

Long Distance Moves

Long distance moves need extra protection since mirrors will be in the truck longer and face more bumps.

Apartment Moves

Apartment moving often means narrow stairs and tight spaces. Plan your mirror moving route ahead of time.

Senior Moving

Senior moving services often involve family heirlooms and valuable mirrors that need extra care.

Final Thoughts

Wrapping mirrors when moving doesn't have to be scary if you follow the right steps. The key is using proper materials, taking your time, and keeping mirrors upright throughout the process. With painter's tape on the glass, multiple layers of padding, and a properly sized box, your mirrors will arrive safely at your new home.

Remember to gather all your supplies before starting, clean your mirrors first, and never skip the taping step. If you have valuable or very large mirrors, don't hesitate to get professional help.

Moving can be stressful enough without worrying about broken mirrors. Follow this guide and you'll have one less thing to worry about on moving day. For complete peace of mind with your Edmonton move, contact Last Stop Moving for professional packing and moving services that keep your mirrors and other belongings safe.