How to Pack Mirrors for Moving
I broke three mirrors in my last move because I didn't know what I was doing. Don't make my mistakes. Finding the best moving services helps, but knowing how to pack mirrors yourself is a skill worth learning. I spent hours cleaning up glass shards and throwing away frames that couldn't be saved. Mirrors are tricky—especially those huge wall mirrors or the antique one from your grandma. Here's what works when you need to safely get mirrors from one home to another.
Choosing the Right Packing Material
Get mirror boxes. Period. Those regular moving boxes from the grocery store won't cut it. You need those specialty flat boxes designed for mirrors and artwork. While shopping, grab heavy-duty bubble wrap, packing tape, plain newsprint paper (not newspaper—the ink transfers), and corner protectors.
Don't be cheap with materials. I tried using just blankets once and regretted it immediately. Cover the mirror with paper first, then bubble wrap it like your life depends on it. The corner protectors aren't optional—mirrors typically crack from the corners inward, so protect those spots carefully.
Measuring and Preparing the Mirror
Pull out a tape measure and get the exact dimensions. Write them down—you'll forget otherwise. Check your mirror closely for existing damage. That tiny crack might seem harmless, but it's a breaking point waiting to happen during the move. Wipe the mirror with glass cleaner and let it dry completely.
Sounds unnecessary, but even tiny dust particles can scratch glass during transport. I learned this lesson with my bathroom mirror—arrived with fine scratches because I skipped cleaning it first. An adequately prepped mirror is half the battle.
Wrapping the Mirror for Protection
Clear some floor space for this part. Lay down packing paper, place your mirror face-down on it, and fold the edges over. Tape it secure without putting tape directly on the glass surface. Now wrap the whole thing in bubble wrap—I go around at least three times. My buddy who works at a glass shop taught me to focus extra padding on the corners and edges.
The paper layer prevents scratches, while bubble wrap absorbs the inevitable bumps. Every mirror I've packed this way has survived, even during my last cross-country trip with questionable roads.
Securing the Mirror in a Box
Your box must fit snugly—too much space is just as bad as too little. Put a cushion of crumpled paper at the bottom first. Always position mirrors vertically in the box, never flat. Glass has more structural integrity on its edge (weird physics fact I wish I'd known sooner). Fill every gap with more packing material until nothing moves when you gently shake the box.
Tape the box closed with multiple strips across all seams. My rule: if you think you've used enough tape, add three more strips. An adequately packed mirror box shouldn't make any noise when moved.
Labeling and Handling With Care
Mark that box like you're afraid someone might mistake it for a box of dumbbells. Write "FRAGILE" and "MIRROR" in big letters on every side. Draw arrows pointing up. People ignore labels all the time, so make yours impossible to miss. When lifting, bend your knees and grab from underneath. Never drag the box.
Keep it upright during the entire move—even in the moving truck. I once watched a mover lay my mirror box flat despite my warnings. Sure enough, I heard that heart-sinking crack before we even left the driveway. Stand firm about how your mirrors should be handled.
Pack your mirrors days before the moving rush hits. Do it right, take your time, and you won't be shopping for replacements while trying to unpack your new place. Your future self will thank you when you can check your hair on day one in the new house.
Other Related Topics: