Preparing a grandfather clock for moving requires care and attention. Before you attempt to prepare the clock, be sure that you have the following on hand:
- Soft cloth gloves – we prefer to wear white so that we can easily see any debris on the gloves and change out for qa new pair if so. Debris may scratch the pieces while we work with them.
- Packing tape
- Shipping blankets
- Stretch wrap
- Bubble wrap
- Packing paper
- Box – size will depend on weight and pendulum size. These will be transported separately from the clock so having the appropriate box to transport these in is critical
- Box – size and need depends on glass shelving that may be in your clock.
- A friend that can lend a hand
If you need any of these items, we have them available for purchase. See our packing materials page.
Step 1
With your soft cloth gloves on, carefully open the clock. You will need to remove any glass shelving from inside the column. Each shelf should be wrapped individually in bubble wrap, then wrapping paper. Once all of the shelves are appropriately wrapped, place them in your box for the shelving and label the box “FRAGILE.” This is also a great time to remove any decorations on the clock that are adhered with a dowel. These are easy to remove and wrapping and packing them ensures their safety.
Step 2
Remove the weights and the pendulum. You will want to be sure to notate the left, right, and center weights. This will eliminate confusion when the clock is reassembled. Each of these items should be individually wrapped in bubble wrap, then wrapping paper. Once each piece is labeled and adequately wrapped, place in the box for the weights and pendulum and label the box “FRAGILE.”
Step 3
Secure the cables and chains. You may group these all together in the center of the clock in a manner in which they will not become tangled. This inhibits them from sloshing around inside the clock, potentially banging into the side glass and causing a break.
Step 4
Sure any panels with a piece of tape to minimize movement of the clock.
Step 5
Many sources advise that you get a custom built padded crate for your clock for transport. This is especially important for non-professional movers. If this is not an option, wrap the clock in shipping blankets until it is covered completely. You will want the blankets to come all of the way down the the floor but not get caught under the clock. This will throw the clock off balance. With the bottom flat on the ground, wrap the clock top to bottom in stretch wrap. You may also want to use bubble wrap around the glass panels. The specific amount type and amount of material that you will use for your clock depends on your specific clock. For example, if your clock is mainly wood framed, you may not need as much padding as an all-glass clock.
Your clock is ready to move! The clock should always remain upright when transporting. If this seems like a lot of stress, we are happy to prepare the clock for the move and move it for you. In fact, even if it is the only piece in your home that needs our services, we are happy to transport it with care and professionalism. We want you to enjoy your clock for years to come, not have it broken in a poor move. Call Mulder’s Moving for your professional clock move today!
