How to Pack a Mirror for Moving?
Shifting to a new city or a country is a tough endeavor that requires lots of time too. Assuredly, you can get that task done by hiring a professional moving company that might be local transportation and high-end packing and crating services. However, you can save some money if you decide to pack your stuff on your own when preparing for a move. While some of your belongings can be pretty easy to pack at home, you may still have problems with framed frescoes, breakable items, and big mirrors as well. These items need proper attention not only because they are very precarious, but also because of the “breaking a mirror, can bring seven years of bad luck” superstition. Here are some beneficial tips that will help you save your precious items and happiness of your family!
Good Quality Packing Materials
The first step is to understand how to pack a mirror for moving. Firstly, you need to arm yourself with the right material. It means that you should spend some money on excellent quality packing materials. To pack a mirror for shipping or moving properly, you will need packing tape, Styrofoam, bubble wrap, custom-made box and corner protectors. This may seem a little extravagant, but these supplies are what will deter you from having to replace your mirror after your move is completed. So, invest now to restrain unnecessary spending later. Keep in mind that, all of these materials are also beneficial for moving various other household items, which make them a good investment.
Mark “X’
Marking a simple ‘X’ on your mirror can protect your mirror from breaking. By using packing tape you need to create ‘X’ on the exterior of your mirror, it will help you to prevent the glass from shattering during the move. In the worst case, if the mirror gets any damage, the ‘X’ will protect the frame against that damage. By using this method (even if any damage occurs), you can simply replace the pane of mirror instead of replacing the entire mirror. If you want to pack mirrors like a pro, then don’t forget the ‘X’.
Mind the Corners
When it comes to an understanding of how to pack a large mirror for moving, do not think of the glass only. The frame of your mirror aids in preserving the glass from damages. In case, if the frame is damaged, the pane will be also damaged. As the corners of the frame will undergo the most impact, they also need some little extra protection. If you are having a right-angle frame, then corner protectors will do their job perfectly. But in case your mirror has curved edges, then you may have to get a little creative — using the bubble wrap onto the curved edges will do the trick.
Cover the Surface of the Mirror with Cardboard
It is next important step in the understanding of how to pack a mirror for shipping. Take the cardboard and take accurate measurements of your mirror first to know how much you are cutting. Use a Stanley knife, to properly cut the section according to your need. Place the piece of cardboard on the surface of the mirror and fix it using packing a tape.
Use Styrofoam on the Surface
In order to have unbeatable protection, you need to cut out a piece of Styrofoam, by using the same measurements taken for cardboard. Then lay it on top of the cardboard. When it is done, wrap the entire bunch with a bubble wrap. Now you can relax because you’ve turned your delicate mirror into a firm bundle of cushioning.
Place the Mirror inside a Box
Use of custom made box is an important factor in the understanding of how to pack a large mirror for transport. A custom-made box comes with a number of benefits. It can help in moving the mirror easily as well as it will keep the mirror in place and prevent it from bouncing around during transportation. You can get the boxes at a reasonable price. Take proper measurements of the mirror for getting a box that best fits the size and shape of your mirror. If your mirrors are very expensive, very delicate or oddly shaped, you can get a wooden crate to prevent any damage.
Label the Box Clearly
In most cases, people do packing and wrapping work carefully but neglect this one essential step in learning how to pack a mirror for moving. Mark “Fragile, Handle with Care” on every side of the box or mirror pack. It will help in reminding the movers that there is something delicate inside the box that needs extra special care, even if you are not around.
Keep the Mirror Upright
Laying a mirror flat puts a lot of pressure on the glass during transit. It also doubles the possibility of the glass damage because of something falling or accidental stacking on the top of the mirror. So, if you want your mirror to be safely transported, you need to place the mirror upright and clear everything that can fall on it. Moreover, try to place your mirror behind a couch placed against the wall of the truck. This way, your mirror has something soft to rest against and it will prevent it from moving around too much during transportation.
Summary
Now you have learned how to pack and how to transport large mirrors safely. If you follow above guidelines carefully, your mirror will reach its new destination safely. Good luck!