Packing everyday items, such as blankets, pillows, clothing, books, and other things, is relatively easy – just place the heaviest items at the bottom of a box and then fill it up and tape it securely. This isn’t the case with delicate items, such as mirrors, pictures, and artwork. Moving these belongings takes extra special care.
Today, we’ve got pro tips to help ensure these fragile and sentimental items safely arrive at your new home.
Materials Needed
Before packing delicate mirrors, cherished pictures, and expensive artwork, it’s best first to gather the necessary special supplies. It saves time and ensures you don’t miss any steps. Next, measure the items to be packed. Once dimensions are known, gather the following items:
- Packing or artist’s tape
- Brown packing paper
- Bubble wrap
- Corner protectors
- Flat foam or cardboard sheets
- Glassine or acid-free paper
- Thick and sturdy mirror and picture boxes
- Black permanent marker
Be sure to collect the necessary supplies before assembling the packaging. Not using precise wrapping procedures or the wrong boxes puts fragile items at risk during the moving process. Check with your mover to see if they carry specialty boxes for your unique items.
How to Wrap Items
Wrapping mirrors, pictures, and artwork follows a similar process but with slight differences.
Wrapping Mirrors and Pictures
Place the item on a flat surface and position a sheet of packing paper twice the size of the frame. Lay the item in the center of the paper and use packing or artist’s tape to place an “X” over the glass (if it shatters, this helps contain the shards). Position corner protectors on fragile frames. Securely tape a piece of cardboard on top – make it slightly larger than the item being packed and fold the remaining paper over. Pad the article with bubble wrap or a blanket and tape it snugly. Place the item into an appropriately sized box.
Wrapping Artwork
How you wrap the artwork will depend upon the type of art (e.g., canvas, paintings, or photography). The process itself is much the same, but instead of taping the “X,” use glassine or acid-free paper to cover the glass, and then give it an extra layer of padding before placing it into the box.
Pro tip: Never use newspaper or printed paper with artwork because the ink might transfer and damage the piece.
Packing Items in Boxes
Place the item in its designated box, make sure it fits snuggly and is well protected with additional padding if needed.
Tightly tape the box up and seal all the seams well. Once secured, take the permanent marker and write “FRAGILE” in large letters on all sides of the box. If you are placing several small individually wrapped boxes into a larger container, be sure you pack the items vertically with no extra space and label the box “THIS SIDE UP.” Horizontally laying them could result in cracks or breakage. Before loading these fragile boxes into the truck, carefully plan where they will go. You should never place delicate pieces next to heavy objects, such as boxes of books or furniture.
Movers Can Help With That
Do you need a moving estimate for an upcoming relocation? Whether you’re looking for help transporting your fragile items or would like professionals to do the packing for you, give us a call today to arrange a free estimate. We’re happy to answer any moving questions you might have.