Glass and mirror furniture requires more care than any other type of furniture during a move. A single crack or shatter can ruin a beautiful dining table, a full-length mirror, or an expensive showcase. The key is to wrap and cushion glass properly before it goes into the truck, and to make sure it travels in the right position during transport.
Gather the Right Packing Materials First
Before you start packing any glass or mirror furniture, collect the following materials:
- Bubble wrap — the thick kind with large bubbles
- Foam sheets or foam corner protectors
- Strong, waterproof packing tape
- Old blankets or moving blankets
- Cardboard sheets for flat glass surfaces
- A marker to label each piece as "Fragile"
Do not try to wrap glass items with only newspaper. Newspaper alone does not provide enough protection. Use it as an inner layer only, always covered by bubble wrap.
How to Pack a Glass Tabletop
Start by placing a cardboard sheet against each flat surface of the glass. This protects the glass from direct contact with other objects. Wrap the entire tabletop in two or three layers of bubble wrap. Secure the wrap with packing tape. Then wrap it again in a moving blanket for extra cushioning. If the glass tabletop is detachable, keep it separate from the table frame during transport.
A glass tabletop should always be transported standing upright on its edge, not lying flat. A flat glass pane is much more likely to crack under the weight of items placed on top of it.
How to Pack a Mirror
Use foam corner protectors on all four corners of the mirror. Then wrap the entire mirror in two to three layers of bubble wrap. Place a sheet of cardboard against the face of the mirror and another against the back. Tape everything firmly in place. Label the package "Fragile — Mirror — Handle with Care."
Like glass tabletops, mirrors should be transported standing upright, never flat. Ask your movers to place mirrors against the wall of the truck in an upright position rather than stacking them.
How to Pack a Glass Showcase or Cabinet
If the showcase has removable glass panels, take them out before the move and pack them separately. Wrap each glass panel the same way as a mirror — bubble wrap, cardboard, and a clear fragile label. Pack the items inside the showcase separately in boxes rather than leaving them inside during transport. An item rattling inside a glass cabinet during a bumpy ride can shatter the glass from the inside.
Packing Glass Shelves and Panels
Always remove glass shelves from cupboards and wardrobes before moving. Wrap each shelf individually in bubble wrap and cardboard. Bundle two or three wrapped shelves together with tape, then place them upright in a tall cardboard box padded with bubble wrap. Do not lay glass shelves flat in the box, as pressure from stacking can cause them to crack.
What to Tell Your Movers
Inform your movers about every glass or mirror item before loading begins. Point out which pieces are fragile and ask the team to take extra care when carrying and placing those items in the truck. A professional furniture shifting team places glass items along the walls of the truck in an upright position and uses straps or padding to prevent them from moving during transport.
Quick Summary
- Use thick bubble wrap, foam corners, and cardboard for all glass surfaces
- Transport glass tabletops and mirrors upright, never flat
- Remove detachable glass panels from cabinets before moving
- Remove items from inside glass showcases before transport
- Label every glass package as "Fragile"
- Tell your movers about fragile items before loading begins
