How to Safely Pack a Mirror for Moving or Shipping

When it comes to moving a mirror, it can be one of your trickier items to move.  Glass is fragile, frames can be bulky, and one wrong bump could leave you with shards instead of a reflection. If the mirror has sentimental value (like an antique piece), the stakes can feel even higher when it comes to safely preparing and moving it. That is why packing mirrors the right way is one of the smartest steps you can take for a successful long distance move.

At National Van Lines, we have spent over 95 years moving delicate and sentimental items, which often include mirrors. Our experience shows that with the right preparation, even the most fragile belongings can arrive safely. If you’re looking to pack your own mirrors, or are curious how a professional moving company would handle this process, keep reading to learn more. 

Types of Mirrors and What They Mean for Packing

Not all mirrors are created equal. Some are small and easy to carry, while others are oversized or have ornate frames that make them more delicate. Knowing the kind of mirror you are dealing with helps you choose the right supplies and packing method.

Here is a quick guide to get you thinking about what kind of materials and preparation you’ll need:

Wall mirrors
These tend to range from medium to large and are usually light to moderately heavy. They are common in living rooms, bedrooms, and entryways.

Full-length mirrors
Tall and often heavy, these are the type you lean against a wall or mount in a closet. They almost always need two people to handle safely.

Framed mirrors
The weight depends on the frame, but thick wood or metal frames can make even a small mirror surprisingly heavy.

Antique mirrors
These come in all shapes and sizes, but what makes them unique is their fragility and value. Many people choose professional help for antiques.

Bathroom or vanity mirrors
Medium in size, these are often mounted securely to walls or cabinets. They can be heavier than they look and require careful removal before packing.

Think about what you have in your own home. A slim full-length mirror from a furniture store may weigh less than 20 pounds, while a thick wood-framed antique mirror can weigh more than 60. Larger or unusually shaped mirrors often need both special materials and extra help to move safely. Packing correctly protects sentimental pieces, prevents unnecessary costs, and avoids last-minute panic when unloading at your new place.

PRO-TIP: If you are moving several large, heavy, or antique mirrors, it may be worth asking your moving company about professional packing services. Trained crews have the right boxes, wraps, and techniques to secure fragile items, which can save you time and reduce the risk of costly damage.

How Do I Prepare My Mirrors for a Move? 

If you’re committing to packing mirrors yourself, have a gameplan in advance for how you’ll approach cleaning, removing and wrapping them. This will prime your mirrors for a safe and successful move.  Here are our top tips for tackling this project like a pro:  

• Clear a pathway for walking and a space for packing. Because of the combined weight and fragility of mirrors, you won’t want to risk tripping over furniture or other items in the room. You’ll also want to leave plenty of space to lay down the mirror, especially if it’s larger in size.
• Gather supplies. Mirror boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, corner protectors, tape, moving blankets, and markers will cover most needs. If you are working with oversized or mounted mirrors, a dolly, screwdriver, or tape measure will make the job easier.
• Clean the glass. Use a soft cloth and gentle cleaner. Dust or grit can scratch the surface if pressed against the glass in transit.
• Remove from the wall. Large mirrors are awkward to handle alone. Ask someone to help and keep all screws, hooks, and brackets in a small labeled bag so you do not lose them.
• Inspect for damage. If a frame is loose or the mirror already has a crack, mark it so you know to handle it with care.

Taking the time to prep now makes the actual packing process faster and smoother.

What Are the Steps for Packing a Mirror? 

It’s easiest to think of packing a mirror as a sequence of steps that builds protection, layer by layer. Follow each one carefully to keep your mirror safe from doorframes, bumps, and the shaking of a moving truck or pod.

1. Protect the corners. Slip foam or cardboard protectors on each corner, securing them with tape.
   
2. Wrap the mirror. Lay the mirror flat on a soft surface and wrap it completely in bubble wrap. Add a moving blanket or packing paper on top for another layer of cushioning.
   
3. Prepare the box. Assemble the mirror box and line the bottom with bubble wrap or paper to create a soft base.
   
4. Insert the mirror. Slide the wrapped mirror gently inside. Fill empty spaces with crumpled packing paper so the mirror does not shift.
   
5. Seal and label. Tape the seams tightly. Write “Fragile” and “This Side Up” in large, clear letters on every side of the box.
   

Always keep mirrors standing upright during transport. Laying them flat makes the glass far more likely to crack under its own weight.

How Do I Transport My Mirror Safely During a Move? 

How you transport your mirrors depends on the kind of move you are making.

• Loading into a U-Haul or rental truck. Place the mirror upright along a side wall. Wedge it securely between heavy, flat items like mattresses or dressers. This prevents tipping or sliding while driving. Never stack boxes or furniture on top.
  
• Using a POD or storage container. Lean the mirror box upright against a wall and wedge it tightly between larger items. Add cushions or moving blankets for extra stability since containers often shift more during transit.
  
• Hiring a long distance moving company. Professional movers not only load and secure mirrors inside the truck, but they can also pack them for you if you choose that service. Movers will typically wrap the mirror with blankets or bubble wrap, place it in a mirror box, and then strap it into place inside the truck. If you prefer to pack the mirror yourself, they will transport it as long as it is properly secured.

No matter which method you choose, the goal is to minimize shifting and keep the mirror in a vertical position.

Extra Care for Different Mirrors

Some mirrors call for more than just the basics:

• Framed mirrors. Wrap additional padding directly around the frame. A thick wooden frame can dent, and a decorative frame can easily chip without added protection.
  
• Large mirrors. Treat every oversized mirror as a two-person job. One person should guide while the other steadies. Use a dolly if the mirror is extremely heavy.
  
• Antique or high-value mirrors. These pieces may be irreplaceable. Consider professional packing, custom crates, or adding insurance coverage for peace of mind.
  
• Multiple mirrors. If you have several, pack each one in its own box. Nesting or stacking mirrors together increases the risk of scratches and pressure cracks.
  
• Unique shapes. Round, oval, or custom-cut mirrors often leave gaps in a rectangular box. Fill those spaces with plenty of packing paper or bubble wrap so the mirror cannot shift.
  

The more unusual or valuable the piece, the more protection it deserves. Think ahead about how each mirror will travel so you are not improvising at the last minute.

Reflecting on a Safely Moving a Mirror 

People naturally worry about fragile items breaking during a move, and mirrors are usually the first concern. Today it is easier than ever to find the right supplies and techniques to keep them safe, whether you are packing on your own or working with a moving company.

With a little extra preparation, your mirrors can travel hundreds of miles without a scratch. Cleaning the glass, wrapping it securely, and keeping it upright may seem simple, but those steps make all the difference once everything is loaded and on the road. 

When you think about your upcoming move, consider your mirrors as part of the bigger picture. Every item deserves the right level of care, and with the right plan— or the right professionals by your side, like us here at National Van Lines— you can step into your new home confident that everything will be ready to hang, use, and enjoy.

You just learned how to properly prepare and pack your mirrors for a move. What about other fragile or delicate items? Check out our list of tips for packing fragile items for a move.