A Guide to Transporting Artwork and Mirrors Safely

Why Artwork and Mirrors Need a Gentle Approach

Moving home or relocating a small business is stressful enough without worrying about your cherished paintings, prints, or mirrors. These items are fragile, often irreplaceable, and can be damaged by the slightest knock, flex, or change in temperature. Whether you’re using a man-and-van service for a local move or a full removals team for a longer journey, a little preparation goes a long way. The good news is that with the right materials and a few simple rules, you can transport even valuable pieces safely. This guide walks you through practical steps that professional gentle removals teams use every day.

Packing Materials That Make a Real Difference

Before you wrap a single frame, gather the right supplies. Ordinary newspaper is a false economy – the ink can transfer onto artwork and leave permanent marks. Instead, invest in proper conservation-grade materials.

• Glassine paper: This smooth, acid-free, translucent paper is ideal for direct contact with paintings, prints, and photographs. It won’t stick to surfaces or leave residue.
• Corner protectors: Foam or sturdy cardboard corners slide over the frame’s edges. They absorb impact if the piece is bumped.
• Bubble wrap and felt: Use bubble wrap for mirrors and the backs of frames, but avoid direct contact with delicate painted surfaces. Felt or moving blankets are softer.
• Low-tack tape: Secure wrapping without leaving sticky marks. Never tape directly onto artwork.
• Custom crates: For pieces worth over a few hundred pounds, or any antique, a made-to-measure wooden crate lined with foam is the gold standard.

Wrap artwork first in glassine, then add corner protectors. For mirrors, a layer of bubble wrap followed by a thick blanket works well. Always label the package clearly as “Fragile – This Way Up”.

The Golden Rule for Mirrors: Keep Them Upright

Mirrors are surprisingly vulnerable. The worst thing you can do is lay a mirror flat in the back of a van. Even a slight bump can cause the glass to flex and crack, especially if the mirror is large. Instead, keep mirrors upright and vertical throughout the move.

• Transport mirrors standing on their longest edge, not lying down.
• Place them against a solid surface – the van wall or a sturdy box – so they cannot slide.
• Use moving blankets or foam pads between multiple mirrors to prevent them rubbing together.
• Secure with ratchet straps or rope, but pad the straps so they don’t press into the frame.

If you absolutely must lay a mirror flat – for example, inside a custom crate – ensure it is fully supported on a flat, cushioned surface and that nothing is placed on top. But upright is always safer.

Custom Crates for Valuable or Oversized Pieces

For a valuable painting, a large antique mirror, or a sculpture, a custom crate is not an extravagance – it’s insurance. A good crate is made from plywood, lined with closed-cell foam or Ethafoam, and screwed shut rather than nailed. The artwork sits in a snug recess, so it cannot move at all.

Many gentle removals and man-and-van services can build or source crates for you. If you’re transporting several pieces for a small business – say, a gallery or an office – ask about reusable crates. They cost more upfront but save money on repeated moves. For a single mirror, you can improvise a crate using a sturdy cardboard box, foam pool noodles cut to size, and plenty of packing paper. Just ensure the mirror cannot shift inside.

Temperature and Transit: What to Avoid

Extreme temperatures are silent killers of artwork. Heat can cause paint to soften, varnish to blister, and frames to warp. Cold makes materials brittle and can cause condensation when you bring items into a warm room. During transit, aim for a stable, moderate environment.

• Avoid leaving artwork or mirrors in an unheated van overnight in winter, or in direct sun in summer.
• If you’re moving in very hot or cold weather, plan your journey to minimise time in the van. Travel directly, without long stops.
• Never store items in a damp garage or shed before the move.
• After arrival, let pieces acclimatise in their new room for 24 hours before unwrapping. This prevents sudden condensation.

A professional man-and-van team will often have blankets and insulated covers, but they cannot control the weather. Communication is key – tell them if you have temperature-sensitive pieces.

Working with a Gentle Removals Team

Not all van services are created equal. When booking help, ask specifically about experience with artwork and mirrors. A good team will arrive with clean moving blankets, straps, and foam blocks. They will know to carry a mirror upright, to never stack heavy boxes on top of frames, and to secure everything so it cannot slide.

For small businesses, a man-and-van service can be ideal for moving a few framed prints or a display mirror. For larger collections, consider a dedicated removals firm that offers custom crating. Either way, be clear about what you have. Mention dimensions, weights, and any existing damage. A warm, expert team will appreciate the heads-up – and your artwork will thank you.

A Quick Pre-Move Checklist

• Gather glassine paper, corner protectors, bubble wrap, felt, and low-tack tape.
• Wrap artwork in glassine first, then add corner protectors.
• Keep mirrors upright at all times – never flat.
• Label every package “Fragile” and mark the top.
• For high-value pieces, invest in a custom crate.
• Avoid extreme heat or cold; let items acclimatise after arrival.
• Brief your removals team on any particularly delicate items.

With these steps, your artwork and mirrors will arrive safe and sound – ready to bring warmth and character to your new home or workspace.