Mirror and picture boxes
Researched and written by Ashley Davis · Reviewed by Emily Johnson · Last reviewed August 2026
A mirror box is two or four telescoping sections that slide together to fit a flat item, so one kit covers a range of sizes. Framed glass travels on edge, never flat, for the same reason a plate does: on edge the load runs around the frame, and flat it runs through the middle of the glass.
How does a telescoping mirror box work?
Two L-shaped or U-shaped sections slide over each other and are taped at the overlap, which lets one kit fit anything from a small frame to a full-length mirror. Four-piece kits handle the largest sizes. The item should be a snug fit with padding at the corners, since a frame that slides inside the box will hit an end and chip.
What do you do before it goes in the box?
Tape the glass. A large X of painter's tape across the face does not stop the glass breaking, and it is not meant to: it holds the pieces together if it does, which is the difference between a broken mirror and a box of loose shards among your belongings. Then wrap in paper, then bubble wrap around the corners, then into the box.
What about artwork?
Anything varnished, oiled or pastel does not touch plastic or paper on its face. Use glassine or acid-free tissue against the surface, then the padding, then the box. Anything valuable enough to insure should be crated rather than boxed, which a mover can arrange, and anything unglazed should be handled as if the surface will mark, because it will. The artwork guide and the mirror guide cover the handling in full.
How does it travel in the truck?
On edge, standing, wedged between two soft loads so it cannot fall flat. Never laid down under anything, and never leaned against a wall on its own where a shift in transit lets it slide. Mark the box on both faces so the crew knows which way it stands without opening it.