How To Move A Grandfather Clock: 4 Simple Steps

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a grandfather clock placed in a new home

Grandfather clocks are masterpieces that add antique elegance and functionality to any room. Even so, the delicate nature of these timeless treasuresnot to mention their sheer size and weight — presents a unique challenge in and of itself. 

It’s nearly impossible to casually pick up a grandfather clock and relocate it to a new location on your own because they are heavy, fragile, and tall. That’s why moving a grandfather clock and transporting a piece of this caliber requires top-tier precision and care. 

To protect your timepiece while keeping yourself safe, you should know a few things before moving a grandfather clock. Here’s what you’ll need to do before, during, and after relocating your grandfather clock from one place to another. 

What You’ll Need To Move a Grandfather Clock

To ensure damage-free transport, you’ll need the following: 

#1: Assistance From Friends or Family 

Did you know a grandfather clock can weigh anywhere from 100 to 300 pounds, if not more? They are not lightweight pieces of furniture by any means, and you shouldn’t attempt to move a grandfather clock on your own. Instead, reach out to friends and family to see if anyone is available to help you on the day you’re planning to move your grandfather clock. 

#2: Proper Packing Materials 

In addition to help from family or friends, make sure you have the right materials to pack your grandfather clock as safely and securely as possible: 

  • ​Furniture blankets 
  • Moving blankets
  • A heavy-duty utility dolly
  • Cotton gloves
  • Cleaning cloths
  • Padding supplies
  • Bubble wrap
  • Packing tape
  • Masking tape
  • Moving boxes 

#3: A Dolly

If you don’t already have access to a heavy-duty utility dolly, consider renting one. Retailers like The Home Depot have equipment rental programs available to the public. That way, you can pay a small fee to rent equipment, like dollies, for a set period of time. 

Here are the costs of dolly rentals from The Home Depot

  • 4 hours: $18 
  • 1 day: $25 
  • 1 week: $100 
  • 4 weeks: $300

#4: (If Moving Long-Distances) A Mode of Transportation 

Make sure you have the means to transport your grandfather clock safely from one place to the next. Consider renting a moving truck if you do not own a vehicle large enough to fit your grandfather clock. You can also schedule professional movers to drive the clock from its current location to its next destination. 

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How To Disassemble The Clock Before Moving

Disassembling isn’t a step you’ll want to skip if you want your grandfather clock to make it scot-free.

Step #1: Remove the Glass Panels

If your clock’s glass panels are removable, it’s best to pack them separately. To do so, put on a pair of cotton gloves.

Then, remove the front and side glass panels. Set them aside for a moment, but don’t forget to pack them later.  

Step #2: Protect Any Cables or Chains

It’s important to stop the moving pendulum before continuing to disassemble the clock. Your clock’s moving parts are controlled by either cables or chains

If your clock is cable-driven, insert several pieces of folded moving paper against the pulleys. Then, wind the clock’s weights to the top of the clock. 

For a chain-driven clock, wind the weights halfway. From there, insert cable ties below the sprocket of each set of chains and fix the ties in place.

Step #3: Remove and Label the Clock Weights

While wearing gloves, carefully unhook each weight. Inspect the bottom of each weight to determine if the weight is labeled. 

If the weights are not labeled, take a moment to label each one: 

  • L for left 
  • C for center 
  • R for right 

If your clock is chain-driven, secure the chains to avoid damage to the inside of the clock. Wrap the chains in three sections with soft packing materials, such as packing paper, to prevent them from tangling. Then, secure the sections together with tape.

Step #4: Remove the Pendulum

Remove the side panel of a pendulum clock to access the pendulum guide. Use one hand to grip the pendulum guide and the other hand to gently unhook the pendulum from the front. 

Avoid using excess force while unhooking the pendulum. After setting the pendulum safely aside for packing, secure the guide by wrapping the grandfather clock with several sheets of protective material, like soft packing paper, and then secure it with tape or rubber bands.

Step #5: Protect the Chime Rods

Chime rods are fragile items. They’re also hard to replace. So, in order to minimize breakage, position small pieces of bubble wrap between the chime rods and then secure them with tape.

Step #6: Remove the Glass Shelves and Decorative Parts

Carefully remove the glass shelves and set them aside for proper packing later. Any removable wooden ornaments that can be easily damaged should also be removed and packaged separately. Refasten the access panel before packing the clock.

Steps To Move Your Grandfather Clock

Now that your grandfather is disassembled, it’s time to move. Follow the lead of this step-by-step guide.

Step #1: Properly Pack Your Grandfather Clock in Suitable Packing Materials 

It’s essential that you adhere to proper packing techniques when moving a grandfather clock: 

  • Individually wrap the pendulum and weights in packing paper. 
  • Then, wrap them in thick, moving blankets. 
  • Secure the bundles with tape before placing them into sturdy packing boxes. 
  • Use masking tape to place cardboard pieces over the glass panels of your clock. 
  • Consider adding bubble wrap for an extra layer of protection. 
  • Wrap the entire body of the clock with furniture blankets. 
  • Secure the furniture blankets with packing tape. 
  • Avoid touching the clock with packing tape. 
  • Slide a pendulum clock box over the clock after sealing the top and bottom of the box. 

Step #2: Transport Your Grandfather Clock Outside to the Moving Vehicle

Attempting to move a heavy and bulky grandfather clock on your own can result in personal injury, not to mention irreparable damage to your timepiece. That’s why your helpers and the utility dolly will come in handy.

If possible, ask two people to help you move the clock. It’s similar to moving a washer and dryer — two people should tip the clock back ever so slightly while the third person slides the dolly underneath the clock. Once the grandfather clock is situated on the dolly, make use of the straps or ropes attached to the dolly to secure the heavy load.

With the help of two or three people, you can work as a team to gently tip the dolly back, which will balance the load of the clock onto the dolly wheels. Make sure you keep the clock upright as you slowly wheel it out to your moving truck. 

Try not to rush this process. Rushing may lead you to lay the clock too far back during transport, increasing the chances that it will fall. 

Step #3: Load the Grandfather Clock Carefully onto the Ramp 

Slowly roll the load onto the loading ramp. Have one person stand inside the truck while two other people push the load up the ramp. Finally, secure the clock inside the truck with tie-backs to prevent unnecessary movement.

Step #4: Unload and Reassemble the Grandfather Clock

When you reach your final destination, you’ll need to move the grandfather clock into the new space. The process of unloading the clock should follow similar steps to how you initially loaded the clock into the truck: 

  • Carefully wheel the clock down the truck’s ramp. 
  • Slowly transport the clock to a predetermined location. 
  • Avoid unpacking the clock until it is ready to be placed in its new location. 
  • Reassemble the clock and install the glass components. 
  • After assembly is complete, wind the clock and start it by setting the pendulum into motion.

When everything is properly packed, you’ll have peace of mind on moving day, plus your precious family heirloom will remain beautiful for years to come.

At the very least, the process of packing and transporting a grandfather clock can enlighten you on the importance of careful transport when moving other valuable items, like a couch or a refrigerator

In Summary 

Do you need a safe and convenient storage solution for your heirloom? Consider renting a secure storage unit for your grandfather clock. A storage unit is the best option when you want to protect your family’s valuables from harsh weather conditions, theft, and other undesirable outcomes. 

But how do you know which storage units are trustworthy? Consider checking out peer-to-peer storage marketplaces like Neighbor. This is where you can find safe, local, and budget-friendly storage units to safely keep your family heirlooms nearby while saving space in your home. 

FAQs

What Precautions Should I Take When Transporting a Grandfather Clock?

When transporting a grandfather clock, handle it with extreme care. Make sure the timepiece is secure every step of the way. Move slowly to prevent damage. 

Should I Hire Professionals to Move My Grandfather Clock, or Can I Do It Myself?

It depends on your comfort level. You do not need to hire professionals if you feel confident in your ability to move your grandfather clock with the help of family or friends. 

Can You Transport a Grandfather Clock Lying Down?

Do not transport your grandfather clock lying down. It’s better to keep your clock upright as often as possible. 

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