How To Pack Pictures And Mirrors For Moving

We all have certain items in our homes that we hold close to our hearts and wouldn’t want to give away or throw when we’re moving. Pictures are one of those items, and even though we’re all moving towards digitization, physical pictures have their own charm.

Many of us also have these hanging in lovely frames which require extra care when they have to be moved. Talking of household items that need extra care while moving, mirrors and artwork also fall in this category. If you’re someone who has such items and is stressed about moving them without any damage to them, you’ve come to the right place. Below we give you a guide to packing pictured and mirrors for moving.

1.Gather All Your Packing Supplies

The first step to any packing process is to actually have all your packing supplies in order. You cannot skip this step and we suggest you follow it to the T because the items you’re looking to pack are fragile, so even a little up and down might end up damaging them.

In order to keep mirrors, pictures, and artwork intact you’ll usually need the following packing supplies:

Sturdy cardboard boxes/special picture or mirror boxes
Packing paper
Bubble wrap
Cylindrical cardboard boxes/cardboard tubes
High-quality packing tape/painter’s tape
Cardboard or foam corner protectors/styrofoam wedges
Moving blankets
Acid-free paper/glassine
Labels and markers

While you can try reusing boxes that you already have, for mirrors and artwork, we don’t advise it and it’s best to go with boxes that are sturdy and of good quality. Not only are these items on the heavier side, but they’re also highly valuable, so minimizing damage is the aim here.

Did you know? Home Depot has a special line of boxes called the “Heavy-duty line” which are sturdier and more rigid as compared to normal cardboard boxes.

Additional Tips While Looking For Packing Supplies

We suggest that you purchase picture or mirror boxes because they’re specifically made for the purpose of moving mirrors and pictures. While they fall on the expensive side, they’re sturdy and are made in a way that will hold your item in place, without any room for movement.
You can even make your own picture/mirror boxes if you can’t find them anywhere – all you have to do is break down a normal cardboard box and use that to wrap around the mirror or picture frame multiple times and snugly.
Always buy boxes that are a little bigger than your mirror, artwork, or pictures because there needs to be some room for padding.
Look for a telescopic box if your pictures or mirrors are bigger than the boxes you’re being given. These boxes are meant for large mirrors and pictures and come as two boxes that fit into each other.

2. Packing Mirrors And Picture Frames

We’ll first start with the steps you’ll need to follow to pack mirrors and picture frames. No matter where you got these items from, you can’t risk damaging them, so be as meticulous as possible with the packing process.

Wrapping Mirrors And Picture Frames

Choose any flat surface in your house that’s big enough to place your mirror or picture frame on. We suggest you do it on the floor instead of a table.
Place a thick moving blanket or a few sheets of packing papers on the floor before you place your mirror or picture frame on it.
Once you’ve placed your mirror or picture frame down, use a brush or cloth to give it a good wipe. See to it that there are no dust particles on it since that can create scratches.
Using good quality packing tape or painter’s tape make an X on the glass which will keep it from shattering during transit. Even if it does shatter, the glass will hold onto each other won’t damage the painting/picture at the bottom.
Use a piece of cardboard or foam that’s the size of the glass and place it over that securing it with packing tape. We suggest you do this because these materials help reduce the static cling that develops when the glass comes in contact with bubble wrap, which will be one of the layers.
Wrap the entire mirror or picture frame in a few sheets of packing paper and secure it snugly with packing tape.
Add styrofoam wedges or corner protectors to the mirror or picture frame to protect the edges.
Use bubble wrap sheets to wrap the item and secure it with packing tape, and you’re done!

Tip: Always wash your hands before you pack these items or use gloves. You don’t want your art or mirrors to get smudged from your hands in case they’re oily.

Placing Mirrors And Picture Frames In The Box

Once you’ve wrapped your mirror or picture frame securely, it’s time you place it in your cardboard box. As we mentioned before, it’s best to have specialty mirror and picture boxes for your items, especially if they’re large. Start with a layer of padding, no matter which box you use, which can be created using packing paper.

Then slowly slide the picture or mirror inside the box on this layer of packing paper. Take the help of another if the item is too heavy and stack some packing paper in places where you can notice empty spaces. Don’t forget to write “FRAGILE”, “HANDLE WITH CARE”, and “ART” on all sides of the box so that the movers can be aware.

If the paintings are small, you can stack them next to each other in a smaller box after you have wrapped them individually. We also highly recommend that you place the pictures vertically with cardboard pieces between every picture. As you did before, don’t forget to put packing paper wherever there are gaps.

Tip: If you’re trying to pack and move antique artwork or mirrors, we recommend you hire professional packers and movers for the task since they’re high-value items. You can also get insurance for them in case they’re subject to damage.

3. Packing A Canvas

While pictures come with frames around them and have glass in the front, it’s not the same case with a canvas because that cannot be wrapped with bubble wrap or packing paper. Canvases are also items of high-value that can be damaged easily, so it’s important to pack them appropriately.

If Your Canvas Is Stretched

Cover the canvas with a sheet of glassine or acid-free paper and then place a piece of foam or cardboard at the back.
Wrap the canvas thoroughly using bubble wrap and secure that with packing tape.
Place sheets of cardboard or foam on either side of the canvas and secure this with packing tape as well.
In a box meant for pictures, add padding to the bottom using packing paper.
Slide the wrapped canvas in and fill empty spaces with packing paper so that it doesn’t shift.

Tip: You can wrap the canvas in a layer of plastic gallery wrap before you wrap it in bubble wrap to keep it safe from moisture.

If Your Canvas Is Rolled

Place a sheet of glassine or acid-free paper on a flat surface and place the painted side of the canvas on it.
Place another sheet of packing paper on the other side and gently start rolling all these together till it forms a cylindrical roll.
Remember that when you roll, the painted surface should be on the outside.
Place this in a cylindrical cardboard box which is a few centimeters bigger than the canvas roll itself.

4. Moving Loose Physical Pictures

We all have a bunch of loose photos in the house that we take with us everywhere we go. These remind us of a bygone era and many of these might hold a large amount of sentimental value to us because they were taken with old cameras of events in our lives and that of our ancestors that we don’t remember.

So naturally, it’s essential that these items are packed well so that they don’t get damaged or misplaced during your move. We’ll give you a few options that you can choose from

Digitize Everything

This isn’t something you can debate against because as much as digitizing old treasures might feel appalling, don’t forget that you’re moving, and in an unlikely scenario that these get misplaced, you can’t really get them back! So we highly suggest you take some time to digitize all the loose pictures you have using a good quality scanner.

Scan them on a hard drive or transfer these to a cloud, so that you always have them. You can also utilize this time to segregate these into folders on your cloud storage, especially if you have a big batch of loose photographs.

Get Albums

You might already have these pictures in albums, but if you don’t, it’s high time you get some. Albums are great ways to categorize and keep all your loose photographs in one place, safe from external irritants.

To pack albums, wrap them in packing paper, secure them with tape and then place them vertically in moving boxes. Don’t forget to add packing paper to empty spaces and write what the box has on top of the box before it’s time to move.

Tip: Buy albums that are acid and lignin-free so that your photographs don’t get damaged.

5. Transporting Mirrors And Pictures

Even though you’ve done everything possible to ensure that your mirror and pictures are wrapped correctly and secure, they still stand a chance of getting damaged. What we mean is that these items can get damaged during transit if you don’t take enough care, and since you’ve taken such pains to wrap it properly, why let something happen to it at this final stage?

Keep the following guidelines in mind when you load your mirror and pictures onto your moving truck

Place the mirror or packed pictures against the wall of the moving truck or behind a couch. This way it has something to rest on and it won’t shift. You can also secure it to the wall of the moving struck using moving straps.
Don’t keep these items flat and horizontal on the floor of the moving truck by any chance. Rather, keep them in a vertical manner as we’ve mentioned before.

Also Read: How To Make Packing Easier | Guide to Pack Lamps for Moving

Conclusion

Artwork and mirrors are some of the biggest and most fragile pieces in your home that you’ll be responsible for moving. While it can seem intimidating at first, it’s not a difficult job if you take it step-by-step and be as thorough as possible. As we said, minimizing damage is key here, so be as careful as possible and follow our guide to packing your mirrors and pictures for a move!

FAQs

How much does it cost to ship a mirror?

Shipping a mirror can cost anywhere between $40 to $200 depending on factors like the size and weight of the mirror, and the distance of the move.

What should I pack first when moving?

Always start with items that will go into storage for the upcoming months since you won’t be reaching for them at all. Next, start packing items that you won’t be using in the days to come like books, fine china, decor, and linens that are out of use.

Can you roll up an acrylic painting?

Yes, you can. Acrylic’s thermoplastic nature will allow you to roll it without any damage to the art. It will go back to its state once you unroll it because of its flexible nature, especially in the summer months.

What is the best way to wrap pictures for moving?

If you’re talking about moving pictures, there’s no “best” way to move them. Lay them horizontally, put bubble wrap between each one, and then purchase some stretch wrap at your local hardware store. Stretch out the wrap as far as it will go around the bundle of pictures and use tape to hold it in place. The weights on the ends should do the trick. To transport flat paintings or drawings, ensure they are protected by sturdy packagings – like cardboard boxes lined with fabric (like an old sheet). Ensure that the container does not make sharp turns or squeeze against any surfaces like corners because this could damage your work!

How do you pack pictures and paintings for moving?

The best way to pack pictures and paintings is to enlist the help of a professional moving company that specializes in packing art. Many moving companies will provide this for an additional fee, but you can also call your local museums as they may be able to offer their expertise as well.

How do you move a mirror without breaking it?

People used simple, heavy objects to move mirrors in the past, but it is now more common for professionals to use specialized equipment. If you are not experienced in moving large items, do not try moving your mirror by yourself, and you could end up scratching or cracking the mirror’s surface beyond repair. Instead, consult with a reputable glass company near you. Doing so will ensure that your mirror is handled correctly and safely during the relocation process.

How do you pack a loose picture to move?

Well, you could make a little box out of some cardboard and pack the picture inside. You could also use some bubble wrap to hold it more securely in place.

How do you pack art for moving?

Pack the art as carefully as possible. First, make sure it is clean and dry, protecting especially from dirt and dust. Preparing for a move usually involves paper items such as sheets, towels, or anything used to wrap objects to avoid damage during transit. This procedure will also help keep other things from scratching the surfaces of your valuables. Fill a container with a paper filler such as bubble wrap or packing peanuts to the desired height. Place artwork on top of this filler before wrapping thoroughly with another sheet of paper, so there’s no chance for damage through contact later on down the line.

How do you move a large mirror by yourself?

Very carefully! When moving a large mirror by yourself, always use the same technique for moving any other object. Make sure to lay down some padding so that there is no risk of the mirror being scratched. If possible, put something over the mirror and loosely arrange it close to its original position (a sheet or blanket should do). Use sheets and blankets to fold and tie together until you’ve created a pocket that will help you safely carry it while not putting pressure on the surface. Be sure not to be too tight or too loose with your folds; tight means that there’s no play in your grip, while loose means there’s a more gripping room which can lead to potential slips.

What is the best way to transport a large mirror?

Heavy mirrors usually weigh around 10 lbs for every square foot, making a 36-inch by 48-inch. The best way to transport a heavy object is horizontally in the back of your vehicle on a strong, flat surface with straps installed. Straps go from the front to the back and from left to right, fastening tightly across the entire length and width of your cargo area so that there are no gaps in coverage. This prevents lateral movement when driving over bumps or through potholes that can cause damage during transit or even release objects onto passing cars!

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