How to Move a Grandfather Clock

When you’re packing for a move, some items can be trickier to transport than others. Some are oddly shaped, fragile, or very valuable antiques. In many cases, grandfather clocks are all three. Here are some tips for moving a hefty—and fragile—grandfather clock to prevent damage and prioritize safety.

Gather the Right Tools

When transporting a grandfather clock, you’ll need to disassemble some of the inner parts to keep everything intact during transit. Make sure you have a cloth to clean the inner parts when you remove them, and gloves to handle them with. It’s also a good idea to have moving blankets on hand, along with packing materials such as packing paper or boxes, to transport fragile parts and the main body separately.

Remove Glass Panels & Weights

In a grandfather clock, you’ll find a pendulum that swings from a guide along with a series of hanging weights supported by chains or cables. The top of a grandfather clock will typically have glass panels on the sides and front. You’ll first need to remove glass panels to prevent them from shattering during the move, and you can pack them up in bubble wrap or packing materials designed to protect glass. Then, you’ll need to tie the chains or cables together so you can carefully remove the weights. Make sure to label the weights with their corresponding locations in the clock, as this will be important to the clock’s function when reassembled.

Remove the Pendulum

After weights are removed, you’ll need to carefully take out the pendulum. To do this, you’ll first need to stop the pendulum from swinging, then unhook it from the guide attached to the top of it. Then, wrap it in bubble wrap and place it gently in a moving box for protection during the move.

Securing Chimes & Disassembly

After the pendulum is removed, the next step is to secure the chimes within the clock with foam pieces, bubble wrap or cardboard. If possible, you’ll want to remove the top of the clock, or the “hood,” carefully disassembling it. Then, as you did with other fragile parts of the clock, wrap up with cushioning packing materials and packing tape.

Handle with Care

Most grandfather clocks are precious family heirlooms, and it’s important to handle such delicate pieces carefully when preparing to move. That’s why it’s recommended that you wear gloves when handling the weights, pendulum, and inner workings. The older your grandfather clock, the more fragile it will likely be, so keep that in mind when you’re handling the piece.

Hire Professional Help

When you’re handling delicate and large items like grandfather clocks, it’s best to hire a good moving company that can assist you in the different methods of protecting and transporting your belongings. To learn more about moving solutions, contact us today to talk about your upcoming move.