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When it comes to moving framed pictures, mirrors, or artwork, the fear of cracks, scratches, and broken glass is real.
You can’t just toss them into a box and hope for the best—these delicate items require a strategic approach to ensure they make it to your new place in one piece.
Whether it’s a cherished family photo, an oversized mirror, or valuable artwork, learning how to pack pictures and mirrors for moving is crucial.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through practical packing tips and methods to save your time and most fragile belongings.
Step 1: Buy the Right Moving Supplies for Fragile Items
Before you even start packing, having the right supplies is half the battle. You don’t want to be midway through and realize you’re missing something.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Sturdy heavy-duty boxes (specifically, mirror and picture boxes if possible)
- Packing paper
- Bubble wrap
- Cardboard sheets (for extra padding)
- Painter’s tape
- Corner protectors (a must for those fragile corners)
- Packing tape
- A marker for labeling
➡️Where to Find Free Boxes?
Step 2: Get Your Pictures, Mirrors, and Framed Photos Ready
Now that you’ve got your supplies, it’s time to prep your pictures and mirrors.
It might seem tempting to skip this step, but giving your items a little extra care at this stage can save you from nasty (and heartbreaking) surprises later.
1. Clean and Remove Loose Parts
First, clean all your photos, artwork, pictures, and framed decorations. Dust or dirt trapped between layers of packing can leave scratches, especially on glass surfaces.
Also, if there’s any hardware attached to your frames—like hanging hooks or wires—remove those to avoid any chance of damage.
2. Protect Fragile Frames
If you’re packing frames that are thin or fragile, they need extra attention. You don’t want them bending or breaking during the move.
To prevent thin frames from moving inside the box, secure them with painter’s tape or wrap them carefully with bubble wrap.
3. Apply Painter’s Tape to the Glass
For framed artwork or mirrors, place a large “X” on the glass with painter’s tape. This doesn’t just look cool—it actually helps keep the glass from shattering.
And if it does break, the tape will hold the pieces together, making it easier (and safer) to clean up.
Step 3: Wrapping Up the Right Way
Now comes the most important part—wrapping everything up. This step is where a lot of people get nervous, but with some bubble wrap and a bit of care, you’ve got this.
How to Pack Pictures for Moving: step-by-step
- Start by laying out your packing paper on a flat surface.
- Place the picture face down and wrap the paper around it tightly.
- Next, tape it up so it stays in place.
- Then follow up with a layer of bubble wrap. Use at least two layers to ensure the picture is well-cushioned. If the frame is fragile, use even more.
- If the corners seem exposed, slip in some corner protectors or fold extra bubble wrap for extra padding.
- Then, take two pieces of sturdy cardboard slightly larger than your picture and sandwich the picture between them. This adds an extra layer of protection and prevents the picture from bending or getting damaged.
- Use packing tape to secure the cardboard pieces around the picture. This step helps ensure that everything stays in place.
How to Pack Large Pictures for Moving
The process is pretty similar to smaller pictures, but you’ll want to add even more padding.
Larger pictures can be awkward to handle and tend to get bumped around more, so make sure the corners are well-protected. Use a bit more bubble wrap to keep everything safe.
How to Pack Framed Pictures for Moving
Place smaller framed pictures upright in the box. Fill any gaps with crumpled packing paper so they don’t shift around during transit.
Make sure nothing is loose, but also avoid overstuffing the box—you want the pictures to stay in place without being squished.
How to Pack Artwork for Moving
For framed artwork, avoid putting bubble wrap directly against the surface of the art, as it can sometimes leave imprints. Wrap it in packing paper first, then add bubble wrap for protection.
This is especially important for canvas paintings, which can be more vulnerable to damage.
Step 4: Boxing It All Up
Once everything is wrapped and secured, it’s time to box it up. This step is crucial because, if done right, it will keep your items safe during the move.
- Choose the Right Box
Use picture or mirror packing boxes if you can. These boxes are designed to protect fragile items, and they often come with adjustable panels to keep things snug.
If you don’t have these, just make sure the box is sturdy and appropriately sized for what you’re packing.
Step 5: Label and Secure
You’ve done the hard part—now all that’s left is labeling. Trust me, clear labeling saves a ton of headaches.
Write “FRAGILE,” “GLASS,” and “THIS SIDE UP” in big, bold letters on each box. If it’s a picture or mirror, note which side is the front, so the movers know how to handle it.
It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference.
Step 6: Load with Care
When it’s time to load your items onto the moving truck, make sure they’re placed upright between soft items like mattresses or cushions.
This keeps them secure without adding pressure. Even with the best packing, rough handling can still lead to damage, so give your moving service provider a heads-up about these boxes needing extra care.
Final Thoughts
Packing up fragile items like pictures, mirrors, and artwork may seem tedious, but it’s worth the effort. When you take the time to wrap everything properly, you can rest easy knowing they’ll arrive safely at your new home.
No one wants to deal with broken glass or damaged frames when unpacking. By following these steps, you’ll ensure your favorite pieces are ready to hang, just like they were before the move.Hire the best-moving company near you!
