A grandfather clock does not pack like a wardrobe or a chest of drawers. Get it wrong and you can crack the case, bend the pendulum, or throw the movement out of time for good. This guide is for anyone in London moving a longcase clock, whether it has sat in the family hallway for fifty years or you picked it up at auction last month.
Why a Grandfather Clock Moves Differently
A longcase clock is deceptively awkward. Most stand between 180cm and 200cm tall, weigh anywhere from 35kg to 70kg, and carry three separate moving parts: the case, the pendulum and a set of weights that hang on chains or cables. None of that is designed to survive a bumpy ride in the back of a van. The glass door at the front is often original and irreplaceable. Tip the case at the wrong angle and the weights can swing and smash straight through it. That is why a longcase clock needs its own plan, not a spot next to the sofa on moving day.
Stop the Clock and Remove the Weights First
Never move a clock while it is still running. Stop the pendulum, then let the weights wind gently down before you touch anything, rather than forcing them. Most longcase clocks have two or three weights, so label each one left, centre or right with a strip of masking tape as you remove it. Wrap each weight separately in bubble wrap and place it in its own small box. Do not let the chains or cables dangle loose. Tie or tape them off so they cannot tangle or scratch the case on the way out of the house.
Take the Pendulum Out With Care
The pendulum is the most fragile part of the whole clock. Hold it by the bob at the bottom, never by the thin rod, and lift it just enough to release the tension before unhooking it from the suspension spring. Twisting the rod is the fastest way to throw the whole movement out of beat. Once it is free, wrap the pendulum in packing paper and lay it flat inside a box, ideally cushioned on a sheet of card so it cannot roll. Keep it flat for the whole journey and refit it only once the clock is standing in its new spot.
Protect the Case, Doors and Chime Rods
The glass door needs attention next. Use painter's tape rather than parcel tape directly on the wood, since ordinary tape can pull the veneer or finish off an older case when it is removed. Wrap the chime rods in tissue paper so they cannot rattle or bend against each other in transit. Once the door is secure, wrap the whole case in moving blankets and tape the blankets, not the wood, to hold them in place. Foam corner guards on the base and the hood stop the sharpest edges taking a knock if the clock brushes against a door frame or a wall on the way out.
Loading, Transport and Keeping It Upright
Clocks travel best standing up. Laying a longcase clock on its back puts pressure on parts that were never built to bear weight sideways, and it can knock the movement out of alignment. You need at least two people to carry one safely given the height and weight involved, and the case should be strapped securely against the side of the van rather than left free-standing. A Luton van with a tail-lift makes light work of the loading, since it avoids carrying an awkward, heavy case up a narrow set of steps. If your move only involves one or two large pieces like this, a man and van service with the right size vehicle is often all you need.
Storing a Clock Between Moves
Sometimes your completion dates do not line up, or your new home is not quite ready to take a large antique piece. If that happens, do not leave a longcase clock in a garage or a garden shed. Damp and sudden changes in temperature are hard on wooden cases and metal movements alike. Ask about secure storage options that keep large or delicate items indoors, upright and away from damp, so the clock is in the same condition when it comes out as when it went in.
When It's Worth Booking a Specialist Crew
Some jobs are worth handing over. If your clock is old, valuable or simply too awkward to manage between two people, a trained crew that has actually done this before is worth the call. We're fully insured on every move, with goods-in-transit cover and £5m public liability as standard, so a genuine accident is covered rather than coming out of your pocket. Our DBS-checked, uniformed crews carry free wrapping and floor coverings on every job, and prices are fixed before we start, so there are no surprise charges for the extra time a specialist item takes. Whether the clock is part of a full house removal service or the only thing you need moved, our specialist item removals team will pack it, carry it and set it back up in your new home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving a Grandfather Clock
How much does it cost to move a grandfather clock in London?
The price depends on the distance, the van size and how much extra time the crew needs for careful packing. Rather than guessing, ask for a free, no-obligation fixed price quote so you know the exact cost before you book. That way there are no surprises added on for stairs, wrapping or the extra care a clock needs.
Can I move a grandfather clock myself?
You can, but it takes at least two people and a suitable vehicle with tie-down points. Removing the weights and pendulum first is essential, and the case must travel upright and strapped, not laid flat. If you are not confident lifting something this heavy and awkward, book a professional crew instead.
Should I remove the pendulum and weights before a house move?
Yes, always. Moving a longcase clock with the weights and pendulum still fitted risks cracking the glass door, bending the pendulum rod or damaging the movement inside. Removing them takes a few minutes and protects the most fragile parts of the clock for the whole journey.
Do I need special insurance for an antique clock during a move?
A reputable removals company should already carry goods-in-transit insurance and public liability cover as standard, which protects your clock while it is in their care. If the clock is especially valuable, mention this when you book so the crew knows to give it extra attention.
How long does it take to pack a grandfather clock properly?
Packing a longcase clock properly, including stopping it, removing the weights and pendulum, and wrapping the case, usually takes a trained mover between fifteen and thirty minutes. Rushing this step is where damage happens, so it is not a job to squeeze in at the last minute.
A grandfather clock deserves more care than a flat-pack bookcase, and a few minutes of proper packing is what stands between it arriving in one piece or not. If you would rather leave the pendulum, the weights and the heavy lifting to a crew that has done this before, we are happy to help. Get in touch for a free, fixed price quote and we will take it from here.