Protect a $10,000 Heirloom: Move a Grandfather Clock Safely

Upright is the position you want for the entire trip. Stop the pendulum, remove the weights and pendulum before anything else moves, and keep the clock standing for transport whenever the truck and doorways allow it. If the piece is a genuine antique, the move crosses state lines, or you’re navigating narrow stairwells and tight doorframes, hiring specialty movers costs less in the long run than risking a $10,000 heirloom on a hand truck you’re not confident using.

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TL;DR:

• Moving a grandfather clock upright is essential; if not possible, laying it flat should only be a last resort and requires even padding along the full length.
• Professionals recommend disassembling the clock in a specific order, ensuring pendulums, weights, and chains are carefully removed and labeled to prevent damage.
• Proper wrapping with moving blankets and secure loading with straps is crucial to avoid mechanical damage and preserve the clock’s integrity during transport.
• For long-distance or antique clocks, hiring specialty movers with experience, insurance, and proper equipment reduces the risk of costly damage and misplacing parts.
• A typical local move takes one to two hours for disassembly, wrapping, and loading, while longer relocations with custom crating can take several hours and cost more.

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