Grandfather clocks are one of the most challenging items to move. They’re tall, top-heavy, and packed with fragile glass and delicate mechanical components that can be damaged if they’re not handled correctly. At You Move Me in Portland-Vancouver, our team is trained on exactly what it takes to move these heirlooms safely.
Here’s how we do it.
1. Remove the Weights from the Clock
The first step is always removing the weights from inside the clock. If the weights are left in place during transport, they can swing freely and shatter the surrounding glass. Each weight needs to come out before the clock moves an inch.
2. Wrap the Weights Individually
Once removed, each weight gets wrapped individually in thick moving blankets to prevent scratches and damage during transit. Every component of the clock gets the same level of care, because the goal is for everything to arrive exactly as it left.
3. Stabilize the Glass from the Inside
Two thick blankets go inside the clock body to stabilize the glass panels from the interior. This step requires care. Blankets stuffed in too tightly can actually create enough pressure to crack the glass from the inside, so our team takes time to position them correctly. We also secure the door key at the top of the clock at this stage.
4. Wrap the Outside of the Clock
With the interior secured, the outside gets wrapped next. This takes a full crew working together to make sure the blanket sits flush against the clock with no air gaps, and that the tape is wrapped tightly enough to keep everything in place from start to finish.
5. Load It Last
A properly packed grandfather clock goes on the truck last. That keeps it upright, minimizes the time it spends in transit, and ensures it’s the first thing positioned carefully in your new home.
Leave It to the Pros
Moving a grandfather clock without the right training and tools is a risk not worth taking. These are often irreplaceable family heirlooms, and one wrong move can cause damage that can’t be undone. If you have fragile or high-value items that need to move, You Move Me’s team has the training to handle them safely.