How to move a grandfather clock
By Jordana Weiss•Last updated Feb 13, 2024
Last updated Feb 13, 2024
Do you have a grandfather clock in your home? If so, you’re one of the lucky few to own one of these beautiful timepieces. While these types of clocks are lovely to enjoy in your home, moving a grandfather clock can feel like quite an undertaking.
Whether it's a family heirloom or a brand new addition to your home, a grandfather clock is quite fragile. You'll want to make sure you protect it during the move. Don't worry, though — we can help. Keep reading to learn how to move your beautiful clock safely into its new location or home.
Can you move a grandfather clock yourself?
Yes, you can move a grandfather clock yourself. As long as you follow the steps and protect the clock's delicate components, this can be a safe DIY project. However, you should never attempt it alone. Having a trusted helper will help ensure this fragile item makes it to its new home intact.
If you aren’t confident in your skills or don’t have a helper, hiring a moving company may make more sense.
Steps for moving a grandfather clock
Now, let's walk through the step-by-step process of moving a grandfather clock.
What you’ll need
Before you move anything, gather your materials so you’re prepared. This step is essential for moving a grandfather clock safely.
Here’s what you should have on hand:
- Gloves
- Clean rags or cleaning cloths
- Moving blankets, bubble wrap, or packing paper
- A furniture dolly
- Packing tape
- Stickers or tape and a pen for labeling
If you’re attempting this without professional movers, you’ll also need an assistant — a friend, family member, or neighbor. Clocks can weigh up to 300 pounds and are both delicate and awkward, which makes them difficult to maneuver by yourself. Don’t attempt moving a clock without at least one helper.
Step 1: Understand your clock’s moving parts
Once you’ve gathered your materials, you can safely begin. First, inspect the clock so you can better understand what needs to be removed and packed. You’ll see moving parts inside the clock body, including a pendulum and weights that keep the clock on time. Make sure you have enough packing material to protect all these pieces once they detach from the body.
Step 2: Remove and wrap the moving parts
Once you understand how your clock works, you can start to disassemble it. Remove the weights and the pendulum from inside the body and wrap them well. After you wrap each piece, make sure it’s clearly labeled.
Step 3: Protect the chime rods and chain
If your clock doesn’t have weights, there’s probably a chain inside that cannot be removed. In that case, insulate the clock body with foam or packing material so the chain, chime rods, and pendulum guide cannot move. Use twist ties to gather the chains so they don't get tangled.
Step 4: Secure the clock body
After you secure the interior components and remove the pendulum and the weights, carefully lock or tape the clock body closed. Then, wrap it very well.
If the clock has a glass panel or cover that cannot be removed, cut a piece of cardboard to cover it before wrapping the whole piece.
Step 5: Transport carefully
Depending on the logistics of your move, it may be easier to transport the clock with a dolly. Or, you may be able to carry it securely with two or more people.
While you're moving the clock, keep it upright as much as possible. Moving a grandfather clock lying down is unsafe — it can damage the finely tuned clockwork mechanisms inside.
Step 6: Reverse the steps and reassemble
Once you have your grandfather clock safely in your new home, carefully unwrap it. Remove the components from the moving boxes and reassemble your new home’s statement piece.
How much does it cost to have a grandfather clock moved?
If you have a grandfather clock and are not interested in moving it yourself, it makes sense to hire a professional mover. These pros come prepared with the appropriate packing materials and a moving truck that can easily hold your clock upright until it reaches your new home.
However, the costs can vary widely depending on how much you have to move. For example:
- How many items you need to move. Do you just need to move your clock, or do you have other furniture that needs to be transported to your new home?
- Distance is also an important factor when estimating moving costs. If you're moving the clock somewhere nearby, you'll pay less than moving it long-distance.
- The time of year may also impact prices. If movers are busy and there’s strong demand for their services, they may charge higher prices. Or, they may not have any availability at all.
Check out our moving cost guide to get some insight into basic costs. Then, request price quotes from several top-rated moving professionals near you.
When talking to movers, be sure to let them know how big your grandfather clock is. If possible, also let them know how much it weighs. Give the movers as many details as possible so they can accurately estimate how much their services will cost you.
And one last thing: make sure the moving company is bonded and insured. You'll want to be protected — and covered — just in case your grandfather clock becomes damaged during the move.
Need help? Hire a professional mover
Moving a grandfather clock is a challenge. One wrong move can damage a precious heirloom.
Instead of moving it yourself, hire a pro to do the heavy lifting. Download the Thumbtack app today, so you can start searching for a mover near you.
Note about project costs: Figures represent national average cost estimates using data provided by Thumbtack pros and additional research. These figures are for educational purposes only and are subject to change at any time due to various factors. Details about your specific project and local rates can affect costs.
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