How to pack mirrors or small pictures for moving

May 18, 2014 by

Packing pictures, mirrors, posters or any other framed or flat item can be challenging for the non professional packer. Remember if you are using professional movers, any box that you pack will be marked on the inventory as PBO (Packed By Owner). If there is no visible damage on the outside of the box any mover’s insurance company will reject the claim. Even if you hired another professional mover or the items are brand new in the box, the insurance company will can claim that the item could have been improperly packed or broken beforehand. So for high value items it may make sense to have the mover pack these items.

If the pictures are smaller sized they can be packed in a 1.5 small, 3.0 medium, 4.5 large box, or 6.0 extra large carton.

  • Add a layer of padding to the bottom of the box. Use bubble wrap, clean unprinted newsprint or towels or flat clothing
  • Wrap each picture in bubble wrap or unprinted newsprint and stand on edge in the box
  • Fill in any empty spaces with padding. If all items are tight they can not shift and break.
  • Put a layer of padding on top there should be some resistance when you close the box.
  • Mark ⬆ “UP” arrows ⬆ on the box and “FRAGILE” or “GLASS”. As always mark each box with your name, the room the items are going to, and a description of the items.

Notes:

  • You can use place pictures diagonally across the box and use smaller and smaller pictures out to the corners.
  • If pictures are too tall you can telescope two of the same size boxes together. Put the second box upside down on top of the first one filled with pictures. Remember to add a layer of padding on top of the pictures first.
  • Boxes larger than a 4.5 cu ft box may to unwieldy to move.
  • If you ordered boxes online they are often shipped in a tall flat box that can be used for pictures.
Standard Moving Box Dimensions:

Carton Name Cubic Foot Capacity Dimensions Diagonal
Small box 1.5 cuft 16″ x 12 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ 20.3″
Medium box 3.0 cuft 18″ x 18″ x 16″ 25.5″
Large box 4.5 cuft 18″ x 18″ x 24″ 25.5″
Large box (Laydown) 4.5 cuft 24″ x 18″ x 18″ 30.0″
Extra Large box 6.0 cuft 24″ x 18″ x 24″ 30.0″

 

 

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