--- title: How to Pack Mirrors and Pictures: Tape, Pad, Edge url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-mirrors-and-pictures/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving guides](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/) - How to pack mirrors and picture frames # How to pack mirrors and pictures Tape an X across the glass, pad the corners, slide the piece into a flat mirror carton and ride it on edge, never flat. Large mirrors and heavy frames follow the same four steps with extra padding. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) ## Pack a mirror or framed picture - Clean and check. Wipe the glass and look for cracks or loose frames, which you can note for the inventory. - Tape an X across the glass. Use painter's tape or masking tape, not packing tape, which can pull at finishes. The X holds the pieces if the glass cracks. - Cover the face. Lay a sheet of paper or foam over the glass so the carton never touches it. - Pad corners and edges. Fit corner guards or fold paper into thick pads, and wrap the frame in a blanket or bubble wrap. - Slide into a mirror carton. Choose a carton that fits snugly. Cartons come as a two-piece telescoping set that adjusts to size. - Seal and mark. Tape the box, write MIRROR, FRAGILE and THIS SIDE UP, and mark the top edge. Glass in a frame has one real enemy: flexing. A mirror carried flat bends under its own weight and a framed picture laid under a box can crack. Standing the piece on edge, with the glass taped, keeps the pieces in one place if the glass does break. ## Why edge, and why an X On edge, the glass is supported along its short dimension and its own weight is carried by the frame. Flat, the middle of the glass has nothing under it. The X of tape does not strengthen the glass; it holds the shards in place, which protects the frame, the wall of the carton and anyone who opens it. ## Large mirrors and heavy frames - Wall mirrors over a certain size are a two-person lift. Lift from the sides, not the top. - Dresser mirrors: remove from the dresser and pack separately. - Ornate or gilt frames: wrap with soft paper before any plastic touches them. - Canvas art without glass: pack with a flat board on the face. See the artwork guide. ## Pictures in a group Several small frames can share a carton if you separate each with cardboard or foam. Place the largest at the back and stack them on edge, like a file. Wrap hanging hardware and bag it with the frame it came from. ## When to call the crew Large antique mirrors, framed art with museum glass and gilded frames are worth a call to the office. O'Brien's makes custom crates for fine art and antiques; see [fine art and antiques](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/specialty-moving/fine-art-and-antiques/) and [custom crating](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/packing/custom-crating/). Smaller pieces fit the method above, which is also the foundation for [packing a TV](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-tv/). ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [National Park Service, Conserve O Gram series](https://www.nps.gov/subjects/museums/conserve-o-grams.htm) - [FMCSA, Protect Your Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [How to pack artwork](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-artwork/) - [Custom crating for art, glass, antiques and machinery](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/packing/custom-crating/) - [How to pack a TV](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-tv/) - [Fine art and antique moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/specialty-moving/fine-art-and-antiques/) Moving guides ## Read next - [How to pack lamps](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-lamps/) - [How to pack shoes](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-shoes/) - [How to pack clothes for moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-clothes/) - [How to pack books](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-books/) - [How to pack artwork](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-artwork/) - [How to pack jewelry](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-jewelry/) - [How to pack pots and pans](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-pots-and-pans/) - [How to pack and move a mattress](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-mattress/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### Why not use packing tape on glass? Painter's tape is gentler on glass and frames and leaves less residue. ### Can a mirror ride flat in a car? Keep it upright against a padded seat back or wall. ### Do I need a special box? A telescoping mirror carton protects the piece and adjusts to its size. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) M Mike K. August 30, 2019 The best customer service ever! ### Owner's reply Thanks Mike we sincerely appreciate you and your business! P Patrick R. September 19, 2026 The two gentlemen that helped me move today were very Helpful and professional! T Tommy B. August 21, 2026 Great local business. Very family oriented with highly knowledgeable staff with remarkable employees going the extra mile. If you need a moving service for any reason, go here. ### Owner's reply Thanks Tommy appreciate you giving us a review. ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070