Mirrors are fragile, heavy, and often expensive, making them one of the most challenging household items to move. To ensure they arrive at your new home intact, we follow this expert guide on packing mirrors safely and securely.
Proper Packing Techniques for Mirrors
1. Prevent Shattering
Before wrapping your mirror, we apply several strips of painter’s tape in an ‘X’ shape across the glass. According to the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA), this helps prevent large shards from scattering in case of breakage and provides additional stability during transit.
2. Protect the Corners
For frameless mirrors, we use rubber or cardboard corner protectors, it’s is essential! The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recommends these protectors to shield edges from impact.
3. Use a Mirror Box for Added Protection
We found the best way to pack a mirror is with a telescoping mirror box or a picture carton. These specialized boxes offer:
- Custom Fit – Adjustable sizing to secure your mirror and minimize movement.
- Availability – Available at most moving supply retailers.
- DIY Alternative – Large flattened cardboard boxes can be customized to fit around the mirror securely.
- Padding Space – Ensure the box is 30% larger than the mirror to accommodate cushioning materials.
The International Association of Movers (IAM) suggests that using appropriately sized boxes with added padding reduces the risk of transit damage.
4. Wrap the Mirror in Protective Materials
To maximize protection, we use a combination of materials:
- Bubble wrap or moving blankets – We fully cover the mirror and secure it with packing tape.
- Foam sheets – We place ¼-inch-thick Styrofoam or cushion foam sheets on the front and back for added shock absorption.
- Packing paper – We line the bottom of the box with crumpled packing paper before placing the wrapped mirror inside and fill any gaps to prevent shifting.
Professional packers recommend these materials to absorb vibrations and minimize breakage risks (Consumer Reports).
5. Label the Box Clearly
We make sure to clearly label the boxes with “FRAGILE – MIRROR” on all sides in bold, capital letters. According to Move.org, labeling fragile items correctly reduces the chance of damage. Don’t forget, clearly label the boxes with the category of items for easy unpacking!
6. Proper Loading and Placement in the Truck
To prevent damage during transit we:
- Never lay the mirror flat – Doing so increases the risk of pressure damage.
- Place it upright – Position it between stable, heavy objects like mattresses or furniture.
- Secure it properly – Use moving straps or padding to keep the mirror from sliding or being crushed.
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) advises securing fragile items upright to minimize movement and impact.
7. Avoid Using Packing Peanuts
We avoid using packing peanuts as they are not recommended as they can shift and leave parts of the mirror exposed. Instead, National Van Lines uses structured padding like foam sheets, bubble wrap, or custom mirror boxes for more effective protection.
Best Packing Setup for Mirrors
Please have a stable, elevated surface like a kitchen table or countertop designated for packing. If you have small children or pets, pack in a quiet, closed-off room to avoid interruptions and potential accidents.
Get Professional Packing Help
If you want extra assurance, National Van Lines offers expert packing services to keep your mirrors and other fragile items safe. Our trained professionals use the best industry practices to ensure a secure move.
Contact us today to learn more about our packing and moving services.
