Questioning how to pack a mirror for storage for maximum protection? Follow this step-by-step process:
Step 1: Purchase good quality packing materials
Step 2: Use masking tape to make an ‘X’ on the glass
Step 3: Guard the corners of the frame with corner protectors
Step 4: Place a sheet of cardboard over the surface of the mirror
Step 5: Cut Styrofoam to the same size and place this over the top of the cardboard
Step 6: Wrap the cardboard, styrofoam and mirror
Step 7: Insert the mirror into a custom-made box
Step 8: Label the mirror clearly
Step 9: Transport and store your mirror upright.
Step 1: Purchase Good Quality Packing Materials
The first step in understanding how to pack mirrors is understanding the importance of good quality packing supplies. If you want your mirror to survive in your storage space, you must purchase good quality packing materials. This means investing in packing tape, corner protectors, Styrofoam, cardboard and a custom-made moving box. Skimping on any of these items in an effort to save money, may result in you costing yourself more money by having to replace your mirror.
Step 2: Use Masking Tape to Make an ‘X’ on the Glass
Lay your mirror down on a soft surface, like your bed, and carefully place several strips of packing tape onto the glass to make an ‘X’ shape. This step is vital, as it will stop the glass from shattering if it is dropped. If you drop the mirror from a great height and the glass does end up getting damaged, the ‘X’ will also help to protect the frame. That way, you only have to replace the glass instead of replacing the entire mirror.
Step 3: Guard the Corners of the Frame with Corner Protectors
Knowing how to transport mirrors is about protecting them from every possibility. People tend to forget about the frame, and focus solely on protecting the glass mirror. This is a mistake because it’s actually the frame that protects the glass. So, protect the frame from the bumps of transit by investing in corner protectors. These are perfect for mirrors with right-angle edges but for anything ornate or curved, you can also use bubble wrap.
Step 4: Place a Sheet of Cardboard Over the Surface of the Mirror
Grab a pair of scissors and cut out a sheet of cardboard that you can place over the surface of the mirror. This will help to protect it from dust, dirt and grime that can leave scratches and marks on the glass.
Step 5: Cut Styrofoam to the Same Size and Place this Over the Top of the Cardboard
For the ultimate in mirror protection, grab your Styrofoam and cut out two sections so they are the same size as the cardboard. Place these on top of the cardboard and secure them with packing tape.
Step 6: Wrap the Cardboard, Styrofoam and Mirror
Grab some old towels or blankets and tightly wrap the cardboard, Styrofoam and mirror in one neat little bundle. If you don’t have any blankets handy, you can substitute bubble wrap. Then, top it off with some plastic wrap to prevent moisture and mould damaging your mirror whilst in storage.
Step 7: Insert the Mirror into a Custom-made Box
A custom-made box is important, particularly when knowing how to move a large mirror. A custom-made box will keep the mirror protected in all the right areas. If you use a box that is too large, there will be too much room for the mirror to move during transit, a recipe for breakage and damage. Moving a large mirror can be tricky and a good quality box will keep it safe from any accidental bumps along the way.
Step 8: Label the Mirror Clearly
You need to write, ‘Fragile’ in large, clear writing on all sides of the box; meaning the top, the bottom and both sides. That way there will be absolutely no excuse for you, or a removalist, tossing the box into the back of the truck. If your forget to label your box there’s a chance your fragile item wont be treated with the care that it deserves.
Step 9: Transport and Store Your Mirror Upright
When it comes to knowing how to transport mirrors, there is one all-important tip: during transport (as well as during storage) your mirror should be placed upright with nothing stacked on it. The most fragile part of your mirror is the glass and if you store it on its back or on its front you open up the possibility of something falling on it or coming in contact with it. If it is stored on its side with nothing placed on top of it or near it, you can guarantee that you’ll pull it out of storage in the same state you left it.
So, nine simple steps and you’ve learnt exactly how to pack mirrors, how to transport mirrors and how to store mirrors.