Packing mirrors and picture frames can be challenging, especially when moving to another home. These objects are usually very fragile and susceptible to breakage.
When pushing them, you must prepare them adequately for safety in transit. Items such as mirrors and framed photographs are also valuable, so you want to ensure they survive the journey before getting to your new home.
Here is some guidance on how to pack your mirrors and picture frames. The following tips will help you prepare for your upcoming relocation.
Get the Proper Supplies
Now that you know what to pack, it’s time to get the proper supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Packing paper or bubble wrap
- Packing tape or strapping tape (the latter is an excellent option if you have lots of furniture with rounded edges)
- A box cutter or scissors—you can use one or both depending on the size of your frames or mirrors and how many you need to pack up. If you’re packing a lot of them at once, it might be easier to use scissors instead of trying to cut through dozens of pieces at once with a box cutter.
- Labels—to label each piece so that no one gets confused about where each goes when they unpack!
- Marker(s)—for writing down measurements in case some pieces are damaged during transit; also helpful for labeling containers full of loose parts like screws, nuts/bolts, etc., so they don’t get lost later on while being put together again after arrival! Sometimes even just writing “front”/”back” onto each side helps keep things organized better than just using words alone because pictures really do speak louder than words sometimes 🙂
Avoid Stacking
When it comes to packing your picture frames, you may be tempted to stack them on top of each other. Don’t do this!
The safest way to transport fragile items like glass or mirrors is by using the “double wall” technique. Instead of stacking frames on top of each other, place them inside the other. In that way, glass or mirror is protected from direct contact with other objects in the box, and vice versa.
People make another common mistake when transporting mirrors and picture frames by stacking them too close together. If you’re going for a tall stack approach rather than a short one, then make sure there’s enough space between your pieces, so they don’t get broken during transit.
You can also use bubble wrap around each individual piece for extra protection if needed (and also because it’s fun).
Carefully Remove the Mirror and Pack It
Remove the mirror from the wall. Wrap the mirror in bubble wrap or blankets, if you can find any that fit it well. Don’t worry about making it look pretty—just be sure to get all sides of the mirror covered, so no surface is exposed to damage during transit!
Use a box just slightly larger than your frame and pack it according to the standard procedure: start by laying down newspaper on top of your padding material (bubble wrap or blankets), then add another layer of padded material over the top of that; finally, place your frame inside its new home and close up the flaps around it before sealing them with tape or another method. Remember where and how many mirrors you have packed at this point!
Use Cardboard Boxes for Smaller Objects
If you have small items to pack, use a sturdy cardboard box. Ensure the box is the right size for the item and not damaged. Use packing tape to secure it. Label it with a marker and pack things in a way that keeps them from moving around.
Wrap the Frames in Blankets or Bubble Wrap
This is the most basic and effective way to protect your picture frames and mirrors. If you have a lot of them, use multiple blankets or layers of bubble wrap for extra protection from bumps and shocks during transit.
Secure them with tape. Once you’ve wrapped your frame in blankets or bubble wrap, secure it with packing tape to make sure nothing moves around inside its cocoon while in transit. You can also use tape to further secure a frame that isn’t properly wrapped in blankets or bubble wrap (like if you don’t have any).
Create a Packing Checklist
Make a packing checklist. Buy enough boxes and packing materials, including tape, paper, bubble wrap, or blankets.
Create a master box list for all the items you’ll need to pack—pictures, frames, and mirrors are often grouped together in this way.
Test Before You Move
Test the packing materials. First, test your packing materials to make sure they will protect your frame or mirror.
Test the packing boxes. Next, test out different types of boxes to see which one best fits your frame or mirror.
Test the packing tape. Then, test various types of tape to see which ones will best secure it in place during transport and storage at its new home.
You’ll want to make sure that whatever type you use is secure enough for safe transport and easy enough for you to remove once you’re ready for display again!
Practice using various techniques until you find one that works best for your particular piece(s).
Conclusion
Moving requires a lot of preparation, but you can ensure that all of your valuable possessions arrive safely at their destination with these packing tips.
You’ve got to be careful when you’re packing your stuff. You want to make sure that nothing gets broken or damaged during the move.
The best way to help prevent this is by obtaining the appropriate moving supplies and following the tips above.