Antiques have a beauty that transcends. From floor clocks that let you unplug from digital devices to an old dressing table with a flawless finish, antiques and heirlooms add individuality and charm to your home. But they also present a problem when moving, particularly if you haven’t hired packing-service-oriented moving companies in Carmel, IN.
A grandfather clock can be quite difficult to pack and move. Fortunately, you can do a few things before the move to guarantee that it arrives at your new residence in top shape.
How to Pack a Large Clock in 5 Steps
1. Disassembly
Being a specialized item, a floor clock typically needs extra care when being moved from one house to another. For example, you should always disassemble a grandfather clock before lifting it.
You must remove the pendulum and clock weights or you risk breaking the suspended pendulum or letting the weights swing in the case, which would result in irreparable damage and harm to the movement.
Avoid using your bare hands to handle the fragile parts while disassembling. Natural human skin oils have the potential to tarnish the clock’s delicate brass or glass components. Instead, put on cotton gloves or a soft cloth.
2. Secure the Cables and Chains
After removing the pendulum and the weights, make sure the cables and/or chains do not tangle or snap back into the clock’s movement.
Bundle the chains from top to bottom and wrap them in newspaper or bubble wrap. Use twist ties or a rubber band to secure the bundle. This will prevent the cables and chains from tangling or slamming into the case’s sides, harming the finish.
3. Protect the Chime Rods
Securing the hammers for the striking mechanism and chime is also a smart tip to protect your floor clock during a move. Simply bend the appropriate levers to stop the hammers from swinging freely inside the case and breaking. Next, sandwich some cardboard or bubble wrap between the bells and the hammers, using packing tape to keep them in place.
4. Secure the Access Panels
After completely disassembling the grandfather clock, replace the access panels and fasten them firmly with tape or a lock. If your clock has windows or doors, don’t forget to lock them and use packing tape to keep them from opening and breaking while in transit.
5. Pack for Moving
After disassembling and securing the clock, it’s time to pack each component:
- Wrap the weights and pendulum in soft wrapping paper and then add a layer of heavy-duty furniture blankets. Pack each separately to prevent any unwanted contact between the weights during transportation.
- To safeguard the frontal glass sections of your grandfather clock, cut out pieces of cardboard the same size as each delicate section. Then, cover the easily breakable portion of the freestanding clock with the cardboard cutouts.
- Wrap several furniture blankets around the clock and secure them with packing tape. Use as many padding blankets as needed to give the valuable item the best possible protection, ensuring no area is left exposed.
Next, mark all the boxes containing your grandfather clock’s parts as fragile and handle them carefully.
Protect Your Precious Heirlooms with the Help of Moving Companies in Carmel, IN
If you have a floor clock, chances are high that it was passed down to you as a treasured family heirloom from earlier generations. You probably want to keep the antique clock undamaged and in good shape in the family for the upcoming generations, too.
If you’re not feeling very confident, moving companies like Pink Zebra Moving offer packing, loading, and unloading services, taking care of your precious heirlooms every step of the way. To learn more about our expertise, find a nearby location and reach out!