How to Ship Grandpop’s Clock
Shipping grandpop’s clock can be tricky business. There are many fragile parts that need to be taken care of before loaded onto the moving truck. Shipping a grandfather clock can be a difficult process; which is why this is an excellent blog to read before your senior move.
Photo Credit | Deposit Photos | @AntonioGravante
Grandpop’s clock has a high value, both monetary and emotionally, and has most likely been in the family for decades; therefore requires a knowledgeable professional to take care of the packing and shipping. This is a project that can be done yourself, but will require careful preparation. It is most helpful to hire a skilled professional moving company to properly prepare and move the grandfather clock in order to avoid injury and also damage to the clock.
The first step to shipping a grandfather clock is to contact moving companies. Find out how much experience they have specifically with shipping grandfather clocks. The moving company will ask pertinent questions regarding grandpop’s clock; which is why it is important to be prepared with accurate dimensions, weight and size etc. so that the moving company can provide a crate that will properly fit the clock. If you are not sure, mention that to your mover and they will be able to help figure it out.
Tip – Be realistic with everything you tell the moving company. If you say the clock is 50lbs and it ends up 150lbs they will re-weigh the clock and charge you for it.
There are two options – You can prepare and pack the clock yourself and have the moving company ship it for you, or you can utilize a full service moving company who will not only prepare the clock, but will pack and do all the heavy lifting prior to shipping it for you. It is suggested that if you are hiring a moving company, utilize their services so it takes the stress off of you having to do it yourself.
Plan to pack Grandpop’s clock yourself? Here are the packing steps.
If you find that you cannot afford a full service moving company to ship your grandfather clock, you will be required by the shipping company to disassemble and wrap the clock before they arrive.
Materials Needed:
• Newspaper
• Scissors
• Cotton gloves or soft cloth
• Painters Tape
• Large Blanket
1. Open the side access window and place it in a safe place where it will not be broken.
2. Remove the weights. Be sure to wear gloves and note where the weights were located (left, right or center). If it isn’t marked, mark it somehow or take a photo so that you can easily reassemble once the clock reaches its destination. Wrap each weight in newspaper with a rubber band wrapped around it.
a. For a clock that has cables holding the weights, insert something (Styrofoam or rolled newspaper) about 2-3” above each pulley between the cables. This will prevent the cable from tangling when you remove the weights.
b. For a clock with chains, raise the weights half way and secure them tightly with a twisty tie. This will prevent them from coming off their sprockets.
3. Remove the pendulum. Using cotton gloves or a soft cloth, hold in the middle of the pendulum and lift it up. It should easily come off, but be careful not to force it. Also, be careful of the suspension spring at the top of the pendulum.
4. Close the access window. Make sure it is secure and is not able to shift.
5. Wrap the entire clock. It is recommended to use a full size comforter, but a large blanket works as well.
6. Crate the clock. This may or may not need to be done, depending on your moving company. Ask what their requirements are.
Moving a grandfather clock is not easy and is best left to the experts. Moves for Seniors is here to help prepare, pack and ship your most valued items so that they arrive safely to their destinations. Give us a call at (800) 227-0515 or click here for a free consultation. Moves for Seniors are the experts in moving grandpop’s belongings with the utmost care and will be able to answer any and all questions you may have.