If you own an heirloom grandfather clock and you are planning on moving to a new home in the near future, chances are you are planning on bringing it along with you so you can enjoy it for years to come. But it will be necessary to take the proper precautions when moving a tall, floor clock like this so it does not sustain damage while being transported. Here are a few tips to use when getting your clock ready for the big move to a new  home.

Remove The Pendulum And Weights

It is extremely important not to attempt to move a grandfather clock while the pendulum and weights are still attached inside of the clock case. This could cause damage to the mechanisms and the exterior case holding the clock pieces. Remove the pendulum while wearing a pair of cotton gloves so you do not scratch the piece in the process. The weights should be labelled "left" and "right" so you do not mix them up when you attempt to put the clock back together after arriving at your new home. Wrap the weights and pendulum in soft pieces of cloth before setting them inside a cardboard box filled with packing peanuts. Secure the box with tape and label as parts of your clock so you can find the box easily later.

Secure Chains Or Cables

After the pendulum and weights have been adequately packed for the ride, the chains or cables they were removed from will need to be secured as well. Failing to keep these pieces contained can lead to damage to the clock casing, should they whip around during the ride in a moving truck. Slide a piece of cardboard behind the cables or chains in the clock casing and tape them to this so they are no longer free. This will keep the chains or cables from tangling during the ride as well.

Prepare The Main Unit

If your clock has any glass shelves inside the unit, they should be removed and wrapped in pieces of bubble wrap. They can then be wrapped in soft towels or blankets before setting them in a box for transport. The clock itself would fare best inside a custom-made crate. This would give it the best protection as it would be constructed to the proper dimensions for the most protection. 

If you want to save money, you can attempt to wrap the clock in furniture blankets for the ride in the moving truck. Make sure to secure each blanket around the clock using heavy-duty packing tape so it does not become loose during the ride. Let the movers know the clock is fragile by adding a label to the outside of the enclosure, specifying what is inside.

For more information and tips, consider contacting different moving services or visiting their websites, like http://www.stewartmovingandstorage.com, to gauge their experience with moving antique pieces.