Tick-tock, tick-tock! A grandfather clock is more than just a timepiece. It’s often a family heirloom or a beautiful antique that adds charm to your home. Because it’s both heavy and delicate, moving it requires extra care and patience. If you’re planning a move, here’s a clear and simple step-by-step guide to help you move your grandfather clock safely.
At STI Moving & Storage, our team handles grandfather clocks with great care. We follow a careful step-by-step process to make sure your clock stays safe and in excellent condition during the move.
1. Gather Your Tools & Supplies
Before you begin, take a moment to collect all the supplies you’ll need. Being prepared will make the whole process easier and help protect your clock. Here’s what you should have ready:
- Moving blankets
- Bubble wrap or soft padding
- Boxes for small parts
- Rubber bands
- Packing paper
- A long piece of cardboard or laminate to protect the pendulum
When everything is ready in advance, the move will feel more organized and your grandfather clock will stay better protected.
2. Learn How Your Grandfather Clock Works
Before you move your grandfather clock, take a few minutes to understand how it’s put together. Knowing the main parts will help you handle it more carefully. Most grandfather clocks include:
- A pendulum that swings back and forth to keep time
- Two or three weights that hang from chains or cables
- A hood at the top, usually with side panels and a glass front
When you understand these parts, it becomes much easier to move the clock safely and protect its delicate inner mechanisms.
3. Remove the Hood
The hood is usually held in place with screws or may simply slide forward to come off. Because it can be heavy and a little unbalanced, it’s safer to have two people handle this part. After removing it, wrap the hood carefully in padding and place it in a secure box so it stays protected during the move.
4. Secure the Chains or Cables
Carefully wind the weights upward by turning the crank so they move closer to the top. Then use twist ties or packing tape to fasten the ends of the chains or cables together. This helps prevent them from swinging or getting tangled while the clock is being moved.
5. Remove the Weights
After the chains or cables are secured, carefully take off the weights one by one, starting with the left side. Wrap each weight in bubble wrap or packing paper to keep it protected. It’s a good idea to label them left, center and right so you’ll know exactly where each one goes when it’s time to set the clock up again.
6. Remove the Pendulum
First, make sure the pendulum has completely stopped swinging. Then gently lift it off the pendulum guide. Wrap it carefully in packing paper to protect it. For extra support, place it on a piece of laminate or sturdy cardboard. Keep the pendulum lying flat in a horizontal position so it doesn’t bend or get damaged during the move.
7. Remove the Clock’s Inner Parts
Once the weights and pendulum are taken out, carefully remove the clock’s internal mechanism. Handle it gently, since these parts are delicate. Use elastic bands to keep the chains and pulleys in place so they don’t move around. Then put all the pieces into a box with soft padding inside to keep everything protected during the move.
8. Wrap & Transport the Grandfather Clock
Wrap the main body of the clock with moving blankets, soft padding or bubble wrap to protect the surface. For extra protection, you can place an open moving box around the center section to help guard the sides. After it’s fully wrapped and secured, the clock is ready to be transported safely.
Final Tips
Once you reach your new home, put the clock back together by following the same steps in reverse order. After everything is in place, set the correct time and your grandfather clock will be ready to tick again in its new space.
By following these simple steps, you can make the moving process easier while keeping your treasured clock safe and protected along the way.
FAQs About Moving a Grandfather Clock
How do you move a grandfather clock in a pickup truck?
If you’re using a pickup truck, start by taking the clock apart. Remove the weights, pendulum and any internal parts first. Wrap the main body of the clock with moving blankets or bubble wrap to protect it from scratches and damage. Try to keep the clock standing upright instead of laying it flat. Once it’s in the truck, use strong straps to hold it firmly in place so it doesn’t shift while you’re driving.
How much does it cost to move a grandfather clock?
The cost can vary depending on how far you’re moving, how complex the job is and which moving company you hire. For a local move, you can usually expect to pay somewhere between $200 and $500. If the move is long-distance, the price may be higher, especially if the clock needs extra care or special handling.
How do you move a Howard Miller grandfather clock?
Moving a Howard Miller grandfather clock is done the same way you would move most grandfather clocks. Begin by carefully taking off the weights and pendulum, along with any internal parts. Wrap each piece well to protect it from damage. If needed, you can take apart a few more sections to make it safer to transport. Just follow the step-by-step process mentioned earlier to move it securely.
How do you pack & move a grandfather clock?
To pack and move a grandfather clock, start by gently taking it apart. Remove the weights, pendulum and any delicate pieces first. Wrap each part in bubble wrap or packing paper to keep it safe. Then cover the main body of the clock with moving blankets or soft padding. Place the smaller parts in clearly labeled boxes so everything stays organized and easy to put back together later.
How do you move a grandfather clock across a room?
Moving a grandfather clock even a short distance can be tricky because it’s both heavy and fragile. First, remove the pendulum and weights to make it lighter and safer to handle. Then place furniture sliders under the base or use a dolly to carefully roll it to the new spot. Move slowly and keep the clock steady the entire time.
How do you move a grandfather clock laying down?
It’s always better to keep a grandfather clock upright, since laying it down can harm the inside parts. But if you have no other choice, remove the pendulum, weights and any delicate pieces first. Wrap the clock well with thick padding and place it on a flat, secure surface. Make sure it’s tightly secured so it doesn’t slide or shift while being moved.
How do you move a grandfather clock across the country?
If you’re moving a grandfather clock a long distance, the process starts the same way—take it apart carefully. Remove and wrap the pendulum, weights and all delicate parts with plenty of padding. Because long-distance moves can be rough, it’s usually a good idea to hire a moving company that has experience handling fragile or antique items. Make sure everything is packed tightly and secured well so the clock stays protected throughout the journey.
