Artwork and mirrors fail in a way most other household items don’t: quietly, and often not until you unwrap them at the other end. A dresser that’s been knocked around a bit still works fine. A mirror that’s been laid flat with something resting on it, or a framed print squeezed between two boxes, can arrive looking untouched from the outside and be cracked or scratched underneath the wrapping.
Glass is the main risk – and it needs specific handling
Anything with a glass front – framed prints, photos, mirrors – should have the glass taped in a large X using masking tape before it’s wrapped. This doesn’t stop the glass from breaking, but if it does crack under pressure, the tape holds the shards together rather than letting them shift and cut through the wrapping later.
After taping, wrap the piece in packing paper, then add cardboard corner protectors on all four corners, before wrapping the whole thing in a moving blanket.
Always transport upright, never flat
This is the rule people break most often, usually because flat seems more “stable.” It isn’t. A mirror or framed piece laid flat is at direct risk from anything placed on top of it, even something that seems light. Standing pieces upright, secured so they can’t slide or lean into each other, spreads the risk far more safely.
If you’re transporting several pieces together, use cardboard between each one so they’re not glass-to-glass or frame-to-frame, and pack them into a dedicated space in the truck rather than wedging them wherever there’s a gap.
Canvas art needs different protection to framed glass
A canvas without glass doesn’t face the same shattering risk, but it’s vulnerable to punctures, dents, and pressure marks across the surface. Wrap canvas pieces in a soft covering (paper or a light blanket, not plastic directly against the surface) and avoid stacking anything against the painted face.
Take pieces down before moving day, not on it
Removing artwork and mirrors the morning of the move, in the middle of everything else happening, is how corners get cut on packing. Take pieces down a day or two ahead, pack each one properly, and store them somewhere they won’t get bumped.
Custom crating for high-value pieces
For a genuinely valuable or irreplaceable piece, a custom-fitted crate is worth the extra step. For the vast majority of home artwork and mirrors, correct padding, corner protection, and upright transport does the job without needing a bespoke solution.
Frequently asked questions
How should I pack a framed picture with glass for moving?
Tape an X across the glass with masking tape to reduce shattering if it does break, wrap the frame in packing paper, add cardboard corner protectors, then wrap the whole piece in a moving blanket. Always transport it upright, never flat.
Can mirrors be transported flat in a truck?
No – mirrors should always travel upright, secured so they can’t shift or lean against other items. Laid flat, a mirror is at far greater risk of cracking under the weight of anything placed or stacked on top of it.
Do I need a custom crate for valuable artwork?
For genuinely high-value or irreplaceable pieces, a custom-fitted crate is the safest option. For most home artwork, correctly applied padding, corner protection, and upright transport in a blanket is sufficient.
Should I remove artwork from the wall myself before moving day?
Yes – take pieces down and pack them ahead of moving day rather than leaving it for the morning of. This gives you time to pack each piece properly instead of rushing.
How does Move Masters Removalists handle fragile items like art and mirrors?
We treat framed and glass items as fragile by default – padded, corner-protected, and always transported upright and separated from heavier items that could press against them.
Fragile items aren’t the place to cut corners on moving day. If pianos are the heaviest specialty item we handle, artwork and mirrors are the most delicate – read why pianos need professional movers if you’re moving both. Our packing and unpacking service covers fragile items as standard, or get a quote and tell us what you’re moving.