Mar 20, 2019
When moving, a common mistake that people make is to place a grandfather clock on a dolly and load it into a moving van and expect it to function properly upon arrival. There are several steps that need to be taken to ensure that your valuable grandfather clock is not damaged during a move.
First, all the accessory parts need to be removed and packed properly prior to moving. The first step is to remove the weights from inside the clock. The weights should then be wrapped in a blanket to prevent damage during the move. Also, moving blankets should be placed inside the clock to stabilize and protect the glass. Lastly, wrap the outside of the clock to protect it from any damage.
Oakley Relocation specializes in moving grandfather clocks safely and securely. All of our members are trained on the specifics of handling specialty items. We have done these numerous times, and can be counted on to provide you comfort in transporting your valuable item.
Prior to hiring a professional moving team like Oakley Relocation, let the clock wind down for several days. Upon arrival, our team will remove the weights from the clock to avoid any movement during transportation, which could result in damage and broken glass.
A grandfather clock has three weights. Many individuals that move grandfather clocks themselves make the mistake of mixing up the weights. There is one for the left side, one in the center, and one for the right side. If the weights are not labeled and re-assembled properly, the clock will not function correctly. This could result in the chimes not working the right way – by working too slow, too fast, or not at all. Our experienced team of moving professionals will wrap the weights in a furniture blanket to secure and protect them from damage. Furniture blankets provide much more protection than standard blankets. We make sure that each piece removed is secured and accounted for.
We protect the chime rods by placing a towel securely around them to protect them from vibrations that may cause damage.
Then, we’ll place blankets inside the clock to ensure that the glass is stabilized from the inside. We place the blankets securely inside, and make sure they are fit firmly. We will then secure the key to the top of the clock. We make sure to close and lock all the doors securely prior to our final wrap.
Our final step while moving a grandfather clock is to wrap the outside of the clock thoroughly to protect it from any damage. Our team makes sure that all of the blankets are taped securely so that ultimate protection is ensured. We then load the grandfather clock on our truck and secure it tightly to be taken to the requested destination.
The decision to hire professionals for this job is the smart choice. Many grandfather clocks are family treasures that have been inherited and passed down for generations. The last thing that anyone wants is to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars to repair that special item upon arrival in a new home.
Keeping these antique timepieces running properly and looking great for many years to come means hiring the right people to move it. Whether you’re moving across town or across the state, contact Oakley Relocation for a free estimate.
