How to Safely Move Decorative Mirrors and Glass Picture Frames

How should you pack pictures and mirrors for moving? If you have glass-framed photos or art and decorative mirrors to move, take a look at the easy ways to keep these breakables safe while in transit.

Choose the Right Supplies

Boxes and bags are perfect for moving books, clothes, and your child's toys. But can you use these containers for your fragile glass-framed photos and mirrors? Usually, no. Breakables require special packing materials. Before you pack your first photo frame or mirror, make sure you have:

• Protective padding . Bubble wrap is an easy and often used way to protect fragile glass items. But if you don't want to spend on store-bought wrap, use towels or other linens to protect your pictures and mirrors.
• Tape . Whether you use bubble wrap, towels, or linens, the protective padding won't stay in place without help. This means you'll need a roll of packing tape to secure your breakable items. You may also need painter's tape to secure the glass for the move too.
• Boxes . While it's not advisable to throw several frames or mirrors into one packing box, you can add an extra layer of protection with an individually-sized moving container. Place each piece of glass in its own like-sized box. If possible, reuse the box the glass came in when you purchased it.
• Photo boxes or albums . If you choose to remove pictures or photos from the glass frames before you pack, you'll need safe storage for these delicate items during the move.
• Styrofoam corner protectors . These can reduce breaks and chips. You'll want enough protectors for all four corners of each piece.
• Label and markers . After you wrap and pack the glass, you need to label it. Use sticker labels or light-colored tape and permanent markers (washable markers may run or rub off during the move).

Now that you have the right materials, it's time to pack. Read on for more information on how to pack your fragile glass picture frames and decorative mirrors.

Pack with Care
Again, you can't just toss your pictures and mirrors into boxes and bins. With a stockpile of packing materials and a little knowledge, you can keep these items safe and damage-free during your next move. To pack picture frames and mirrors:

• Disassemble frames . Pay special attention to the picture frame's glass during the packing process. Take the photo or picture out and pack it in a photo box or album. Remove the glass from the frame and follow the same steps you would for mirrors.
• Tape the glass . Make an "X" across the mirror or glass panel with painter's tape. Do not use packing tape or duct tape. The sticky adhesives in these types of tape may leave behind marks or residue.
• Add corner protectors . Use foam corner protectors to stop chips before they start. Along with reducing the risk of breakage, protectors can stop sharp corners from slicing through bubble wrap or another protective layer.
• Wrap the glass . Whether you have a mirror or glass from a picture frame, carefully wrap it in bubble wrap, towels, or another protective layer.
• Secure the wrap with tape . Completely secure the protective layer with tape. This reduces the chances it will slip off mid-move.
• Pack the glass into a box . Use a heavy-duty box that fits snuggly around the glass. If there are any gaps, add bubble wrap or another filler to create a tight fit. Substitute moving blankets for larger-sized mirrors.
• Label the box . Clearly label the box with what type of glass is inside, where it goes (which room it belongs in), and whether there are other pieces, photos, or a frame that go with it.

If you have frames, photos, or other parts of your glass to move, pack these items into a separate box. Keep the boxes together or create a coordinating label system - such as color-coding or numbering. This will help you to track the items post-move.

Do you need help with your next move? Contact Azalea City Moving Co. for more information.