Let’s be honest—a stress-free move to a new house or apartment is a myth. However, you can make it a bit less hectic and traumatizing by upgrading your packing skills. In this blog post, we explain how to pack a mirror for shipping with materials available at hand. Our six-step guide is designed for standard mirrors, but it can also be suitable for shipping some types of antique mirrors. We guarantee that with due attention to detail and careful handling, the risk of damage during transportation will be minimal.
How to Pack a Mirror for Shipping: Steps to Follow
1. Tape the mirror surface. This preparatory step does not protect the mirror from breaking. However, it is vital to keep the pieces in place if they break during transportation. We recommend placing blue film or the masking tape in an X shape across the mirror’s surface. If your mirror has decorative details, place the tape on the mirror only and avoid these elements.
2. Protect the corners. If your mirror is square or rectangular, foam or cardboard foam corner protectors are a must. Do not skip this step because corners are typically the most fragile parts of the mirror, which get chipped pretty easily.
3. Make a protective shield. Place acid-free paper sheets on both sides of the mirror and add foam sheets on top for extra protection. Cut them out slightly larger than the mirror itself so that you have sufficient material to wrap everything securely. To keep the protective layers in place, use the tape.
4. Ensure proper cushioning. Add several layers of bubble wrap to make sure that the mirror does not break during the delivery. No matter how careful you are, you cannot guarantee that the box with the mirror won’t accidentally fall.
5. Use a cardboard box. Now, place the mirror in a box and add padding inside. We discourage you from placing several mirrors in one box, as it can increase the risk of damage.
6. Don’t forget about labeling. Mark the box as fragile to make sure you don’t forget to handle it carefully.
When to Seek Professional Help?
There are two common cases in which hiring professionals is a must: international shipping and transportation of mirrors that have artistic value. Fine Art Shippers has experience in transporting all types of mirrors, from large, irregular-size mirrors to mirrors of high value (e.g., antique pieces). We know how to pack a mirror for shipping while meeting all security and regulatory requirements. Besides, we can build a custom crate for the mirror of any size and shape to ensure its best protection in transit.