{"id":7391,"date":"2023-12-06T06:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-06T10:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/?p=7391"},"modified":"2025-03-04T08:08:23","modified_gmt":"2025-03-04T12:08:23","slug":"packing-framed-pictures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/packing-framed-pictures\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Pack Pictures and Mirrors for Moving"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"690\/445\" width=\"690\" height=\"445\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/pack-photos.jpg\" alt=\"How to pack pictures for moving\" class=\"wp-image-41509 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/pack-photos.jpg 690w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/pack-photos-300x193.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">There&#8217;s no place like home.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group hl-block\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Highlights\">Highlights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Packing pictures and mirrors for moving can be trickier than you expect due to their fragile nature.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You want to make sure your breakable artwork and glass items reach the new home in one piece.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Read on to learn the best way to pack framed paintings, pictures, and mirrors so that they remain perfectly intact during the move.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-table-of-content ultp-block-fca823\"><div class=\"ultp-block-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-block-toc\"><div class=\"ultp-toc-header\"><div class=\"ultp-toc-heading\">Table of Contents<\/div><div class=\"ultp-collapsible-toggle  ultp-collapsible-right\"><a class=\"ultp-collapsible-text ultp-collapsible-open\" href=\";\">[Open]<\/a><a class=\"ultp-collapsible-text ultp-collapsible-hide\" href=\";\">[Close]<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-toc-style1 ultp-block-toc-body\"><ul class=\"ultp-toc-lists\"><li><a href=\"#What_Materials_Do_You_Need_to_Pack_Pictures_and_Mirrors?\">What Materials Do You Need to Pack Pictures and Mirrors?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#What_to_know_before_packing_pictures_and_mirrors_for_moving\">What to Know Before Packing Pictures and Mirrors for Moving<\/a><ul class=\"ultp-toc-lists\"><li><a href=\"#_Alternative_packing_materials\">1. Alternative packing materials<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Picture_boxes\">2. Picture boxes<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Size_does_matter\">3. Size does matter<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#How_to_Pack_Pictures_and_Mirrors_for_Moving\">How to Pack Pictures and Mirrors for Moving<\/a><ul class=\"ultp-toc-lists\"><li><a href=\"#Step__How_to_Wrap_Pictures_for_Moving\">How to Wrap Pictures for Moving<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Step__How_to_Box_Pictures_for_Moving\">How to Box Pictures for Moving<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Step__Prepare_the_box\">Step 1. Prepare the box<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Step__Box_it_up\">Step 2. Box it up<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Step__Test_the_box\">Step 3. Test the box<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Step__Label_the_box\">Step 4. Label the box<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#How_to_Move_Pictures_and_Mirrors_Safely\">How to Move Pictures and Mirrors Safely<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>It is the small things that turn a residence into a home \u2013 charming details like house plants and artistic lighting, personal touches like decorations and pictures on the walls, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s little doubt that you, too, have invested a lot of time, thought, and money in your interior d\u00e9cor to achieve that sense of warmth and coziness that transforms a generic house or apartment into your sweet home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need to move house, however, things get a little complicated \u2013 you will most certainly want to take your d\u00e9cor with you so that you can make your new place feel like home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moving such delicate, oddly shaped, highly valuable, or extremely fragile items is a big challenge \u2013 it is very difficult to keep them safe and sound during the arduous relocation process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is especially true for artwork and glass items \u2013 paintings, pictures, and mirrors in particular &#8211; fragile glass can shatter, ornate frames can chip and crack, and fine paper or canvas can rip and tear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To make sure that these delicate possessions of yours will arrive at your new home intact and unscathed, you need to provide them with maximum protection when packing them for the move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This job is better left to the experts \u2013 professional movers and packers who have the specialized packing materials, rich experience, and technical know-how to pack framed pictures, canvas paintings, large mirrors, and any other valuable wall d\u00e9cor you may have in the safest way possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If, for one reason or another, you want to pack on your own, however, you need to be ready for great challenges:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>How to pack picture frames for moving?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>How to pack paintings for a move? <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>How to pack a mirror safely?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can find all the answers you need in the comprehensive guide to picking pictures and mirrors for moving below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"What_Materials_Do_You_Need_to_Pack_Pictures_and_Mirrors?\">What Materials Do You Need to Pack Pictures and Mirrors?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To be able to ensure the safety of your paintings, photos, and mirrors when moving them to your new home, you need to have adequate packing materials that will provide them with efficient protection at every stage of the relocation process. You\u2019re going to need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Strong cardboard boxes of adequate sizes (or specialized picture boxes for moving);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cylindrical cardboard protectors (if you have canvas pictures without frames);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clean cardboard pieces;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Soft packing paper;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plenty of bubble wrap\u00ae;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cardboard (or foam) corner protectors;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High-quality packing tape and painter\u2019s tape;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A few moving blankets;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A permanent marker.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/move\/how-to-pack-with-bubble-wrap\/\">How to Use Bubble Wrap for Packing<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"What_to_know_before_packing_pictures_and_mirrors_for_moving\">What to Know Before Packing Pictures and Mirrors for Moving<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s what you should know before you begin to pack up your framed items for a move:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"_Alternative_packing_materials\">1. Alternative packing materials<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-23818\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"500\/347\" width=\"500\" height=\"347\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/packing-materials.jpg\" alt=\"You need quality packing materials when packing pictures for moving.\" class=\"wp-image-23818 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/packing-materials.jpg 500w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/packing-materials-300x208.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Quality packing materials make all the difference.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>You can easily find old <a href=\"\/move\/get-boxes-for-moving\/\">moving boxes for free<\/a> or replace professional wrapping materials with common household items, thus saving some money on packing supplies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tempting as it may be though, you\u2019re strongly advised to avoid doing so and invest in brand new high-quality packing materials for your framed art and glass items (as well as for any other fragile or valuable possessions of yours). These articles are usually very delicate, quite expensive, and imbued with high sentimental value, so you\u2019ll definitely want to keep them intact and unscathed during the relocation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Old boxes and makeshift packing materials, however, won\u2019t provide your prized belongings with good enough protection, so you risk having them damaged during transportation. Repairing or replacing your ruined items will cost you much more than buying <a href=\"\/move\/packing-supplies-for-moving\/\">appropriate packing supplies<\/a>, not to mention that you may lose irreplaceable things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"_Picture_boxes\">2. Picture boxes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Picture boxes (also known as mirror boxes or art boxes) are your best bet for ensuring the safety of framed artwork and mirrors (especially larger ones) during a move. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They\u2019re stronger, flatter, and larger than regular moving boxes and are made up of four separate pieces of cardboard that interlock together to create a highly customizable protective case, giving you the ability to adjust the size of the final piece snugly around your framed article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Where to buy picture boxes for moving? You can find the specialty boxes at any moving supply store or truck rental agency, as well as at office supply stores and home improvement stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you can\u2019t find specialized picture boxes, though, you can make customizable cartons yourself: break apart several standard moving cartons, flatten them, and fit them around the frames of your paintings, photos, and mirrors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"_Size_does_matter\">3. Size does matter<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-23823\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"500\/365\" width=\"500\" height=\"365\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/packing-painting.jpg\" alt=\"Picture boxes for moving are your best bet for ensuring the safety of framed art during a relocation.\" class=\"wp-image-23823 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/packing-painting.jpg 500w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/packing-painting-300x219.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">How could you possibly pack art in a box?<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The box you\u2019re going to pack framed artwork inside has to be bigger than the picture itself \u2013 its collapsed size should be about 30% larger than its designated frame (the bubble wrap\u00ae and other wrapping materials will take some extra space and you will still need enough room for cushioning materials).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If a painting or mirror is too large and won\u2019t fit into any readily available packing boxes, you\u2019re going to need a <em>telescopic box<\/em> &#8211; these are actually two boxes that fit inside each other so that they can accommodate very tall, very long, or very wide items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sturdy, medium-sized moving boxes will do when it comes to packing smaller pictures and frames.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you have all the necessary packing supplies, you can get down to work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bonus tip:<\/strong> Your pictures should be among the first things to pack for moving \u2013 you won\u2019t actually \u201cneed\u201d them until moving day and it\u2019s best to pack your delicate artwork while you still have plenty of time and energy left so that you can complete the task with utmost care and attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/move\/packing-timeline\/\">What to Pack When for Moving<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"How_to_Pack_Pictures_and_Mirrors_for_Moving\">How to Pack Pictures and Mirrors for Moving<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>So, what is the best way to pack pictures for moving? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To ensure optimal protection for your paintings and photos, you need to wrap them in protective materials first, then place them in sturdy boxes of appropriate sizes, provide sufficient cushioning, and tightly seal the cartons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Step__How_to_Wrap_Pictures_for_Moving\">How to Wrap Pictures for Moving<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-23825\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"500\/360\" width=\"500\" height=\"360\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/warpped-painting.jpg\" alt=\"Packing pictures with bubble wrap is a good way to keep them safe during a house move.\" class=\"wp-image-23825 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/warpped-painting.jpg 500w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/warpped-painting-300x216.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">What do you see through the bubble wrap\u00ae? A dream? A memory?<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>To keep a mirror or a painting that is in a frame and under glass safe during your move, you\u2019re advised to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list ul_ol_padding\">\n<li><strong>Clear <\/strong>a table or another flat, stable surface that is big enough to fit even the largest framed picture or mirror you have for packing. Throw down a thick blanket for added protection during the wrapping process;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Put <\/strong>a large piece of soft packing paper over the blanket. If you\u2019re about to pack a large mirror or a big picture and frame, lay out several sheets of paper in such a way that their ends overlap to create a paper area that is twice the size of the frame;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Take <\/strong>your painting or mirror off the wall, place it on a soft surface (like a bed or a couch), tilt it towards you, and gently brush the surfaces with a soft paintbrush to remove any dust and dirt from the item (make sure that you brush continuously in the same direction);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Secure <\/strong>the glass with painter\u2019s tape (masking tape) to protect the painting and keep the glass in place in case it breaks or cracks during transit &#8211; broken glass is the most likely damage that your framed art may sustain during a house move, but it\u2019s also the easiest to repair, as long as the canvas is intact. So, make a giant <strong>X<\/strong> across the glass surface or create a square grid pattern on the glass with painter\u2019s tape (it will be easier to remove than regular packing tape and won\u2019t leave any sticky residue on the surface). Even if the glass cracks, it will be held in place and won\u2019t damage the canvas; <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Place <\/strong>a piece of cardboard on the glass front for added safety \u2013 it will provide stability and help reduce static cling that may develop between the bubble wrap\u00ae and the glass;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lay <\/strong>the framed picture or mirror (glass side down) right in the middle of the paper sheet(s) you\u2019ve spread across your packing area;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wrap <\/strong>the ends of the paper around the frame. Use a few extra sheets if necessary to completely cover the entire frame;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tape <\/strong>around the edges of the wrapped frame with packing tape to secure the paper;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use <\/strong>cardboard corner protectors or special Styrofoam wedges designed to fit over the corners of the frame to provide additional padding and stability;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wrap <\/strong>the entire piece in a thick layer of bubble wrap\u00ae;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Run <\/strong>packing tape around the wrapped article &#8211; all the way around the frame, both lengthwise and widthwise \u2013 to keep the bubble wrap in place;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mark <\/strong>the glass side to make unpacking safer and easier.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Proper wrapping is of paramount importance when packing framed pictures for moving. When <strong>packing canvas paintings<\/strong> <strong>with no frames<\/strong> though, things are quite different &#8211; you cannot \u201cwrap\u201d the canvas as it is, you need to roll it up:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_ol_padding\">\n<li><strong>Lay out<\/strong> a sheet of acid-free paper or a piece of unpainted canvas with a fine weave on a flat surface;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lay <\/strong>your canvas painting down flat against the paper (or clean canvas) with the painted side down;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Roll <\/strong>the canvas and paper up together, starting on one of the short sides. Make sure you <strong><em>roll up the canvas with the painted surface on the outside and roll it rather loosely<\/em><\/strong>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Slide <\/strong>the rolled-up canvas into a sturdy cardboard tube with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of your canvas roll (this will help keep the roll loose and will allow it to breathe).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Good to remember:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-23829\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"500\/333\" width=\"500\" height=\"333\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/packing-paintings.jpg\" alt=\"Your pictures will be well protected in properly padded moving boxes of appropriate sizes.\" class=\"wp-image-23829 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/packing-paintings.jpg 500w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/packing-paintings-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">So far, so good. Now, it&#8217;s time to transfer your pictures into moving boxes.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list ul_ol_padding\">\n<li><strong>Make sure <\/strong>your hands are clean when handling pictures and mirrors. If your canvas paintings have no frames and glass covers, it\u2019s even recommendable to wear cotton gloves as the oils and chemicals in your skin can create smudges and ruin the canvases;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Always carry <\/strong>large framed pictures and mirrors with two hands by their sides, rather than by the top or bottom. This way, the weight of the item will be evenly distributed over its entire surface, which will reduce the risk of an entire side of the frame coming loose; <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Be <\/strong>careful &#8211; although packing pictures with bubble wrap helps ensure their safety during a move, it only works for packing glass pictures. You should never wrap a painting in bubble wrap\u00ae unless it is under glass \u2013 otherwise, the bubble wrap\u00ae may imprint itself on the paint and ruin the picture.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/move\/pack-fragile-items-for-moving\/\">How to Pack Fragile Items for Moving<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Step__How_to_Box_Pictures_for_Moving\">How to Box Pictures for Moving<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve wrapped your pictures and mirrors for moving, it\u2019s time to box them up for the trip to your new home:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Step__Prepare_the_box\">Step 1. Prepare the box<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_ol_padding\">\n<li>If you\u2019re using a specialty box, slide two of the box sections into one another and cover their joined corners and sides with a thick layer of bubble wrap\u00ae. Do the same with the other two pieces of the picture\/mirror box &#8211; you should have two interconnected half pieces from the mirror packing box that can be easily telescoped into one another;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you\u2019re using a regular moving box, flatten it out, and tape up one of the open ends closed using heavy-duty packing tape &#8211; tape it well so the box won\u2019t open up when moved. You will have created a kind of \u201ccardboard sleeve\u201d that can fit your wrapped picture or mirror. Put some wadded-up packing paper on the bottom.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Step__Box_it_up\">Step 2. Box it up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Put the wrapped-up framed picture or mirror into the box:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_ol_padding\">\n<li><strong>Place <\/strong>it in the already cushioned first section of the picture box and adjust the sides so that they fit tightly around the frame. Add some wadded paper or bubble wrap\u00ae along the sides and edges to ensure sufficient cushioning and prevent the picture or mirror from shifting during transportation. Then, place the second section of the specialty box over the frame and adjust it to fit well. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Press <\/strong>firmly (but carefully) the two box parts together, so that the packed frame won\u2019t have any space to move around. Run packing tape in full circles around the picture box to ensure that the two separate sections are kept together at all times; or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Slide <\/strong>the picture inside the padded cardboard sleeve and tape up the open ends (seal the box tightly, so that it can\u2019t open during transportation).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If there\u2019s enough space, you can pack more than one framed picture, photo, painting, or mirror inside one box \u2013 just make sure the frames can\u2019t come in contact with one another or move inside the carton. It is a good idea to use cardboard dividers between individual frames.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Step__Test_the_box\">Step 3. Test the box<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-23831\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"500\/331\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/picture-box.jpg\" alt=\"Your framed art will survive the move intact and unscathed when properly packed.\" class=\"wp-image-23831 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/picture-box.jpg 500w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/picture-box-300x199.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Snug and safe<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Lift the container carefully and shake it slightly to see if the article(s) inside can move:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_ol_padding\">\n<li>If something seems to be moving, open the box and add more padding materials &#8211; the item(s) in the box must be completely immobilized;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If nothing is shifting inside, use some more tape to seal up all the edges and secure the package.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Step__Label_the_box\">Step 4. Label the box<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Use your red or black marker to label the box with its contents and destination room and write <strong><em>ART<\/em><\/strong>, <strong><em>GLASS<\/em><\/strong>, <strong><em>FRAGILE<\/em><\/strong>, <strong><em>HANDLE WITH CARE<\/em><\/strong>, <strong><em>DO NOT LAY FLAT<\/em><\/strong> (or any other handling instructions that you find necessary) with big bold letters on at least three of its sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the best way to pack a mirror or framed picture for shipping. To make sure that your fragile item will survive the move intact and unscathed, however, you need to ensure its safety during transportation as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"How_to_Move_Pictures_and_Mirrors_Safely\">How to Move Pictures and Mirrors Safely<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Proper packing will provide excellent protection to your paintings, photos, and mirrors during a house move. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet, now that you know how to pack pictures and frames for moving, you need to also know how to transport them the right way \u2013 without proper precautions, your artwork can be easily damaged during the trip in the back of a moving truck, especially during sudden and violent movements (such as when making a sharp turn or slamming on the brakes). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, you need to pack your pictures and mirrors in the moving van in such a way that they don\u2019t move around or topple over even during an impact:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_ol_padding\">\n<li><strong>Pack <\/strong>pictures and mirrors in a place where they won\u2019t fall over &#8211; a stable area at the edge of the truck;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Position <\/strong>your packed paintings and mirrors vertically (on their edges, not lying flat). This will allow pressure to distribute evenly on their entire surface and prevent breakage. Besides, if your pictures or mirrors are lying flat, other items may topple onto them and damage them;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pack <\/strong>your pictures in a rack formation, with pillows and blankets placed between individual pieces. This way, the fragile items will be well protected even if the vehicle comes to a sudden stop;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wedge <\/strong>your pictures and mirrors between heavy items that are well secured in place and won\u2019t move around \u2013 this will prevent the boxes containing your artwork from falling horizontally during the transportation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Make sure <\/strong>no heavy items can topple over or slide into your pictures during transit;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Request <\/strong>that your delicate paintings be transported in a climate-controlled moving truck if you\u2019re moving long distance in the summer or winter. After all, your pictures will be on the road for several days and may be irreversibly damaged if exposed to extreme temperatures for such a long time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Good to remember:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-23834\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"500\/385\" width=\"500\" height=\"385\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/mirror.jpg\" alt=\"Opening the moving boxes at your new home to find your pictures and mirrors safe is quite rewarding.\" class=\"wp-image-23834 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/mirror.jpg 500w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/mirror-300x231.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">You can already see your sweet new home in the mirror? Great job!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a good idea to purchase <a href=\"\/move\/moving-insurance-types-cost\/\">additional moving insurance<\/a> for your most delicate and most valuable items \u2013 including expensive, antique, and\/or sentimentally valuable paintings and mirrors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This may not be the easiest way to pack pictures (you can simply wrap your framed paintings and photos in bubble wrap\u00ae and stack them on their edges inside a large moving box, of course), but it is the safest one &#8211; if you do a good job, your framed art will be as secure as if <a href=\"\/move\/professional-packing-services\/\">professionally packed<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep in mind, however, that movers won\u2019t be responsible for damage to items you have packed yourself. Therefore, if you have exceptionally valuable artwork, you may want to consider having your movers pack these particular pieces \u2013 the pros will provide your treasured possessions with the best possible protection (they can even build wooden crates around your artwork for ultimate security) and will accept liability in case of an accident. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is especially important if you\u2019re moving long distance or if you have antique or very expensive paintings and\/or mirrors to relocate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Packing pictures, paintings, and mirrors is a risky task that requires skill and experience. Hiring professional movers and packers to take care of your delicate artwork will save you plenty of time, effort, and headaches and will ensure your peace of mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, before you set your mind on packing on your own, make sure you get <a href=\"\/moving-cost-estimator.php\">free, no-obligation quotes<\/a> from top-rated moving companies to find out how much their packing services will cost you and decide if it\u2019s worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Have a safe and smooth relocation!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Bubble Wrap\u00ae is the registered trademark of Sealed Air Corporation.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Highlights It is the small things that turn a residence into a home \u2013 charming details like house plants and artistic lighting, personal touches like decorations and pictures on the walls, etc. There\u2019s little doubt that you, too, have invested a lot of time, thought, and money in your interior d\u00e9cor to achieve that sense &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/packing-framed-pictures\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;How to Pack Pictures and Mirrors for Moving&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":41508,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"ub_ctt_via":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[38],"tags":[19],"class_list":["post-7391","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pack-fragile-items-for-moving","tag-self-moving","entry"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/moving-pictures.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Jessica Ryan","author_link":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/author\/jessica-ryan\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.8.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Pack Pictures and Mirrors for Moving<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Packing pictures and mirrors for moving is no child&#039;s play. 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Here&#039;s how to protect your framed items so that they survive the move in one piece.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/packing-framed-pictures\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"MoveAdvisor\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-12-06T10:30:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-03-04T12:08:23+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/moving-pictures.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"675\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Jessica Ryan\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Jessica Ryan\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"15 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to Pack Pictures and Mirrors for Moving","description":"Packing pictures and mirrors for moving is no child's play. 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Here's how to protect your framed items so that they survive the move in one piece.","og_url":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/packing-framed-pictures\/","og_site_name":"MoveAdvisor","article_published_time":"2023-12-06T10:30:00+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-03-04T12:08:23+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":675,"url":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/moving-pictures.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Jessica Ryan","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Jessica Ryan","Est. reading time":"15 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/packing-framed-pictures\/","url":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/packing-framed-pictures\/","name":"How to Pack Pictures and Mirrors for Moving","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/packing-framed-pictures\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/packing-framed-pictures\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/moving-pictures.jpg","datePublished":"2023-12-06T10:30:00+00:00","dateModified":"2025-03-04T12:08:23+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/#\/schema\/person\/d3f4b883cd759fb839a479cd52a387d2"},"description":"Packing pictures and mirrors for moving is no child's play. 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