Moving a grandfather clock doesn't have to be difficult, but it does require a little preparation. During our years repairing and servicing grandfather clocks in customers' homes, we often repaired clocks that had been damaged simply because they weren't prepared correctly before being moved. In many cases, the damage could have been prevented with just a few simple steps.

Whether you're moving your clock across the room, to a new home, or across the country, taking the time to secure the moving parts before transportation will greatly reduce the risk of damage.

This guide was written by clockmakers for clock owners. We'll show you how to safely prepare your grandfather clock for moving, explain why each step is important, and point out the common mistakes that can lead to expensive repairs.

Before we begin, it's important to understand that every grandfather clock contains hundreds of precision-made parts designed to work together. The pendulum, weights, chains or cables, and delicate movement are all intended to operate while the clock is standing level and upright. During a move, those same parts can shift unexpectedly if they aren't secured first.

The good news is that preparing a grandfather clock for moving is much easier than most people think. By following the steps in this guide, you'll greatly reduce the chances of damage and make setting the clock back up much easier once it reaches its new home.

Let's start with the first and most important step: removing the weights and pendulum before the clock is moved.