Grandfather clocks look solid. They're not, at least not the parts that matter. The case is made of heavy wood, but inside hang a pendulum, heavy weights on chains or cables, and a delicate clockwork mechanism. Learning how to move a grandfather clock is mostly about taking those parts out of play before the case goes anywhere.
North American Van Lines says a grandfather clock can weigh up to 300 lb, and some stand up to eight feet tall, with pendulums averaging around three feet. Chicago Clock notes that most have three weights.
Before you touch anything
Measure the clock and every doorway on the way out, then clear the path. Put on gloves: North American recommends cotton ones because skin oils smudge brass, glass, and wood. Have ready moving blankets, packing tape, twist ties or zip ties, a long padded box for the pendulum, and a hand truck or dolly with straps.
Step by step: preparing a grandfather clock for moving
1. Take out the pendulum
The pendulum hangs from a small suspension spring by a hook, sometimes held with a pin, per North American. Reach in, steady it, and lift it off the hook, as Chicago Clock describes; if there's a pin, remove that first. Wrap the pendulum on its own in bubble wrap or a blanket and place it in a padded box.
2. Remove the weights and label them
Lift each weight off its hook one at a time and label it left, center, or right. North American explains why: the weights are usually made for their position and aren't interchangeable, and Chicago Clock adds that improperly positioned weights can interfere with the clock's proper functioning. Wrap each one separately to prevent it from striking the case or glass.
3. Deal with the chains or cables
Here, the guides take two paths. Hermle lifts the chains off the sprockets and puts them in a small bag, and StorAmerica also removes the chain. North American and Chicago Clock leave them in place and bundle them with masking tape, twist ties, or zip ties so they can't tangle. Follow the instructions for your particular clock mechanism.
4. Glass and chimes
If the glass panels come out, wrap them individually. StorAmerica points out that on many clocks, they can't be removed, and Hermle simply closes and locks the door. Chime rods split the guides too: North American says they don't have to come out, while TWO MEN AND A TRUCK lists chimes among the parts to remove and pack. Check the manufacturer's guidance before removing any components.
5. Wrap the case
Wrap the case in moving blankets and hold them with packing tape. Keep tape off the wood: StorAmerica warns that tape on the finish could damage it, and Chicago Clock advises keeping the adhesive away from the clock's body.
Transporting a grandfather clock: upright or on its side?
A grandfather clock can be transported upright or on its side, provided it is properly prepared, securely packed, and handled with care. The appropriate position depends on the clock's design, dimensions, condition, and the available transport arrangements. Before moving it, remove the pendulum and weights, secure or pack other loose components, and protect the case against impact and movement.
If transporting the clock on its side, use adequate padding and support to prevent pressure on delicate parts of the case. Do not place the clock directly beneath or beside unsecured cargo that could shift, fall against it, or cause damage. Ideally, transport it separately from heavy furniture and other items that could strike or crush it. Secure the wrapped clock so it cannot slide, tip, or move during transit.
The goal is to prevent sudden movement, impact, and pressure on the clock's case and mechanism. Proper preparation, suitable packaging, and careful loading are essential regardless of whether the clock travels upright or on its side.
Getting it to the truck and securing it for transport
Two people are generally the minimum for handling a large grandfather clock safely. Strap the wrapped case to a hand truck or dolly, tilt it only as much as necessary to move it, and proceed slowly over thresholds. In the vehicle, secure the clock with suitable tie-downs and padding to prevent it from shifting or coming into contact with other cargo.
When a clock is worth handing to someone else
Chicago Clock suggests professional help if you're unsure about any step or the clock is valuable. A clock that is being shipped rather than driven across town is a different job again: see how to pack and ship a grandfather clock, and why custom packaging for antiques usually ends with a wooden crate.
In Southern California, Green Moving, an Irvine-based moving company serving Los Angeles and Orange County, lists grandfather clocks among the items its white glove service is built for. Each piece gets an individual assessment, antiques can be custom crated, and transport is climate-controlled to keep temperature and humidity stable for wood furniture. If the clock is the one thing in the house you'd be upset to see scratched, white glove movers in Los Angeles can take care of the protection, transport, and placement.
Setting it up again
- Stand the case on a stable, level surface, as Chicago Clock advises.
- Rehang the weights in their labeled positions, re-seat the chains or unwrap the cables, then hang the pendulum on its hook and start it with a gentle swing.
- Set the time. Hermle says to move the minute hand slowly clockwise; North American says counterclockwise. Check your clock's manual before you touch the hands.
- Watch it for a day or two, as Hermle suggests. To correct the timekeeping if the clock gains or loses time, adjust the nut beneath the pendulum—clockwise to speed it up, or counterclockwise to slow it down.
If it chimes on the hour and keeps time by the weekend, the move went fine.