How to Move a Grandfather Clock Safely

Relocating a grandfather clock can be an intimidating endeavor. These clocks are not just physically large, but can also be emotionally and financially valuable. Their complex mechanisms and fragile components require careful handling. This blog aims to guide you through the safe transportation of a grandfather clock, ensuring it makes it to your new home without issue. Whether you’re moving across states or simply across the room, keep reading to learn how to safeguard your valuable furniture during the transition. Need help with your move? Get a free estimate from Stewart Moving today!

Read more: How To Move Heavy Furniture By Yourself: 8 Easy Ways & Tricks

Things to Consider Before Moving a Grandfather Clock

Before beginning the task of moving a grandfather clock, it’s crucial to consider several factors to ensure a smooth and safe transition:

1. Understand the Clock’s Mechanism: Grandfather clocks are intricate devices. Familiarize yourself with the clock’s internal workings, including the pendulum and weights.
2. Preparation: Gather all necessary packing materials. This includes sturdy grandfather clock-sized shipping boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and soft cloths to protect the clock’s delicate components.
3. Disassembly: Some parts of the clock, such as the pendulum and weights, need to be removed and packed separately to prevent damage during transit.
4. Professional Assistance: If the clock is particularly valuable or if you’re unsure about any part of the process, consider hiring professionals who specialize in moving delicate items like grandfather clocks.
5. Reassembly and Calibration: Once the clock has been moved, it will need to be reassembled and recalibrated. This can be a delicate process and may require professional assistance.

The key to a successful move is careful planning and gentle handling. With these things in mind, you can ensure the safe relocation of your grandfather clock.

Read more: How To Pack Plates and Dishes For Moving, Tips For Keep Plates Safe

Tools You Need To Move a Grandfather Clock 

Moving a grandfather clock requires specific tools and materials to ensure a safe and efficient process. Here are the essential items you’ll need to gather for the move. 

• Gloves: Protect your clock’s fragile components and ensure a good grip as you remove the pendulum and weights.
• Screwdriver: This will be needed to remove certain parts of the clock during disassembly.
• Bubble Wrap: Use this to wrap and protect the delicate parts of the clock, such as the pendulum and weights.
• Packing Tape: Secure the bubble wrap and other packing materials with this tape.
• Sturdy Boxes: These will hold the disassembled parts during the move. Make sure they’re strong enough to carry the weight
• Soft Cloths: These help to clean and dust off the clock before and after the move.
• Markers: Markers can be used to label the boxes containing the clock’s components. This will make reassembly easier.

Having the right tools at your disposal can make the process of moving a grandfather clock much smoother and safer. It’s always better to be over-prepared when handling such delicate and valuable items. If you’re struggling to gather the necessary materials, it’s always wise to consider hiring a grandfather clock Moving Company. At Stewart Moving & Storage we work with you to craft a moving plan that meets your needs.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Move a Grandfather Clock

1. Reserve a Rental Truck: Ensure the truck is spacious enough to hold the clock without it being squeezed or tilted.
2. Disassemble the Grandfather Clock: Wear cloth gloves and use a screwdriver to carefully remove the components of the clock. Remember to handle each part with care to avoid damage. You can also place each part in a plastic bag and label them so everything is easy to find during reassembly. 
3. Remove the Weights from the Grandfather Clock: Keep those gloves on and carefully take out the weights. These are typically heavy and require careful handling to prevent damage.
4. Remove the Pendulum: The pendulum is a delicate part of the clock and should be removed with care to prevent any scratches or damages. Make sure to wrap these delicate parts with bubble wrap and wear those gloves during this step, as well.. 
5. Secure the Chains or Cables: Make sure the chains or cables are secured to prevent them from tangling or causing damage to other parts of the clock.
6. Remove and Protect Glass Panels: If your clock has glass panels, remove them if possible and wrap them separately in bubble wrap and cardboard for protection.
7. Wrap in a Moving Blanket to Avoid Damage: Once all parts are disassembled and wrapped individually, wrap the main body of the clock in a moving blanket for extra protection.

Ask for Help to Move It or Hire Grandfather Clock Movers: Due to its size and weight, it’s advisable to have assistance when moving the clock. If possible, consider hiring professional movers like the experts at Stewart Moving & Storage who specialize in moving delicate items like grandfather clocks.

How Much Does It Cost to Move a Grandfather Clock?

What's the Best Way to Transport a Grandfather Clock?

When you ask yourself how to move a grandmother clock, you may first try to do it yourself. If you choose to do it solo, you’ll need to carefully disassemble, pack, and transport the clock. This includes removing and individually wrapping the pendulum, weights, and other components, securing the clock body, and using a dolly for grandfather clock transport. It’s important to keep the clock upright during the move. Having a grandfather clock moving kit with the tools mentioned above is a great resource to pack before starting your move. 

Hiring a professional grandfather clock moving service like Stewart Moving & Storage can reduce the stress and risk associated with moving such a delicate item. Our movers have the expertise and equipment to ensure the safe transport of your grandfather clock. However, it’s advisable to discuss your specific needs with any moving company and get a quote before making a decision.

Stewart Moving & Storage Can Tackle All of Your Moving Needs

If you've been finding yourself asking, how do I move a grandfather clock? Look no further. Stewart Moving & Storage is a professional moving company that can handle all your moving needs, including the delicate task of transporting a grandfather clock. Our team of Long Distance Movers are trained to handle items of all sizes and levels of fragility, ensuring that your belongings reach their destination safely.

When it comes to moving a grandfather clock, Stewart Moving & Storage’s team will carefully disassemble, pack, and transport the clock. We can even work with you on international moves that involve shipping a grandfather clock. We understand the intricacies involved in handling such a delicate item and take every precaution to prevent damage during the move. Whether you’re moving a small apartment or a large house, Stewart Moving & Storage has the resources and expertise to make the process smooth and stress-free. Call us to get a quote today.

FAQs About Moving a Grandfather Clock