Packing Guides – Page 18 – Moving Expertise

Large Mirrors are one of the most challenging items (and scariest!) to pack and move in your entire house. Large Mirrors can be incredibly expensive and one crack during a move can completely ruin it. This is why it's so important to properly know how to pack a large mirror for moving. Well, we have a large mirror that we received as a gift when we moved into our very first apartment. That mirror has now made almost double-digit moves across 7 states and (knock on wood) it's still crack-free and looking great! In this article, we're going to share with you some of the tips and techniques that we've learned and used over the years to make moving that mirror safe and reliable. This article contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. Thanks. How to Pack Large Mirror for Moving Mirror Packing Supplies One of our favorite paintings is this cow poking his head out of the box here. Packing a moving a large mirror (as with almost all fragile items) successfully is all about having the proper packing supplies. There are two main items that you are going to want. A Mirror Packing Box and Bubble Wrap (or some other form of packing paper). A Mirror Box is also better known as a TV Moving Box, but they work perfectly for mirrors (especially large mirrors) as well. Next is Bubble Wrap to both cushion the mirror and remove empty spaces from within the box so your mirror isn't jostling around inside the mirror box during the move. This doesn't need to specifically need to be bubble wrap. Packing paper, packing peanuts and even t-shirts if you're in a pinch can do this job effectively. Mirror Packing Box Mirror Box Comparison Chart Brand Size Cost (as of 5/25/21) Check Most Recent Price Home Depot Medium (fits up to 21" x 36" mirror) $16.98 Check Price Home Depot Large (fits up to 39" x 65" mirror) $24.98 Check Price Home Depot Extra Large (fits up to 45" x 80" mirror) $34.98 Check Price Lowe's Large (fits mirror up to 39" x 65") $24.98 Check Price Bankers Box (via Amazon) Medium (Total box size 27" x 37") $29.74 (pack of 4) Check Price Bankers Box (via Amazon) Large (Total box size 33" x 48") $46.39 (pack of 4) Check Price My biggest recommendation is to get yourself a Mirror Packing Box (aka TV Box) for transporting your large mirror. A lot of people who don't move often aren't even aware that boxes specifically made for moving TVs even exist, let alone utilizing these boxes for other large and difficult-to-move items like mirrors and artwork (as shown above). These boxes are made from thick cardboard, much thicker and more durable than your average moving box. This rigidity is what helps keep these boxes from getting crushed in the back of a moving truck. We have two Lowe's mirror boxes that we have used and re-used about half a dozen times. (We move way too often to throw out a $25 box) One box has moved a flat-screen TV we've had for years and the other has transported a large decorative mirror we own over and over again. We have looked at the Home Depot boxes and they appear to be exactly the same as the Lowe's box. However, Home Depot offers these moving boxes in three different sizes which can be incredibly useful. While you want a box big enough to hold your mirror, you don't want much extra space which would allow the mirror to shift around in the box. If you need multiple boxes and you're not in a time crunch (although let's be honest, with Amazon they'll probably be at your house tomorrow) then you may want to look into getting your boxes online. A 4 pack of Bankers Box boxes will save you a good chunk of money and between mirrors, TVs and artwork, there's a good chance you can easily fill four of these boxes. This is by far the safest way to pack your large mirrors for a move. These boxes are super rugged and will withstand quite a bit during a move. Remember, though, these boxes aren't magical. You still want to place them in the truck where they won't be susceptible to being crushed by large, unsecured items. Also, try to avoid stacking things (especially heavy things) on top of these boxes if at all possible. Essentially still treat your mirror as, well, a mirror even though it's in an ultra-protective box. Bubble Wrap Bubble wrap should be your absolute best friend when it comes to packing fragile items. Before you place your mirror inside its box, you should wrap it in a layer of bubble wrap and then secure the bubble wrap in place with a piece of packing tape. Now, carefully slide your wrapped up mirror into the box and once the entire mirror is secure in the box, check for any empty spaces. If you tip the box in any direction, your mirror should stay in place. If it has an opportunity to tip or slide within the box, chances are at some point it will. Use extra bubble wrap or packing paper to fill in the gaps. Once you're confident that the mirror is secured in place inside the mirror box then seal it shut with packing tape. Where To Place Your Mirror For Moving Just as important as how you pack a mirror is where you place that packed mirror on moving day. Here are a couple of options above and beyond just placing it in the back of the moving truck if you want extra protection for your mirror. Utilize your Car or Truck Gather things you want to potentially take in your car (mirrors, plants, tv, etc) together so you can keep track of how much you're setting aside for your car. This is a trick we always use during our moves. 99% of your stuff is going to go in the back of a moving truck during a move. However, if you strategically plan out what you're going to place in your personal vehicle when you move, it can prove to be the safest location during the move. We always use our cars to transport things like mirrors, TVs and other fragile items. Gather things you want to potentially take in your car (mirrors, plants, tv, etc) together so you can keep track of how much you're setting aside for your car. For example, the China my grandmother gave us always goes in the trunk of my car. It has its own box, all the pieces are bubble wrapped and the box goes in the same place in my trunk every time. By placing your mirror in your car you can keep a close eye on it and you don't have to worry about items shifting around in the back of a moving truck and compromising it. Using your backseat, drape a moving blanket over the mirror. Secure it in place with perhaps a bungee hook or even some other boxes wedged in between the mirror and the front seats. As long as your mirror isn't able to shift around when you make turns or have to slam on the brakes, you're good. Pack your Large Mirror in the Cab with You This is essentially the same philosophy as putting the mirror in your car. I've never had anyone ride in the cab of the moving truck with me during a move. If you're going to drive solo in the cab as well, then put that space to work! Some trucks even have a little bit of space behind the seats that make a perfect place to put mirrors. Just like with placing it in your car, make sure to cover it and secure it in place so it doesn't go sliding back and forth. The only downside to keeping mirrors, or other expensive/irreplaceable items in the cab is if you need to make a stop to spend the night during your move. You do not want to leave valuable items in the cab because a moving truck in a hotel parking lot can potentially draw the attention of would-be thieves. Final Thoughts on How to Pack Large Mirrors for Moving Taking the time to make a plan for how to pack large mirrors for moving is definitely worth every minute. If you end up with a dent in that shoe rack you bought at Target, it may be annoying, but you'll get over it pretty quick. A crack in a mirror that means a lot to you is something that you may never forgive yourself for. Especially if you feel like you were more careless than you should have been. If you at least take all the steps you can to properly pack and then strategically place the mirror during the move you'll be able to sleep better at night. Hopefully, you were able to pick up a tip or trick in this article that will help you get your mirror to your new home safe and sound!