How to Safely Move or Ship a Grandfather Clock (Step by Step)

May 01, 2026by Gregory Burton

Handling a tall case clock requires a bit more care than you might expect. A grandfather clock is really a mechanical instrument that just happens to be housed in a cabinet.

Whether you’re moving it across town or shipping a Howard Miller grandfather clock to another state, how it’s handled can make all the difference; either it’s set up and running smoothly, or you are dealing with repairs right away.

How to Prepare a Grandfather Clock for Transport

Let the clock run down: If the clock is weight-driven, allow the weights to drop fully before doing anything else.
Stop the pendulum: Gently hold the pendulum still and remove it from the suspension spring. Be gentle! If the pendulum doesn’t come free easily, take a closer look before pulling.
Secure the front door: Many grandfather clocks have glass panels that can swing or vibrate during a move. For most clocks, you can safely use painter's tape to keep the door closed without leaving any residue behind.
Take out and wrap the side panels: Some grandfather clocks have removable side panels or access doors. If yours does, you would need to take them off and wrap them separately.

Securing Weights, Pendulum, and Movement

Securing weights: Remove the weights one by one. Label them as you go (left, centre, right) because they aren’t always interchangeable. Wrap each weight carefully and place it in a separate box. Never leave weights hanging inside the case during a move.
Wrapping the pendulum: The pendulum should also be wrapped and boxed separately. A simple layer of bubble wrap is usually enough, but make sure the leader (the thin metal piece it hangs from) stays inside the case.
Locking the movement: Some grandfather clocks include a transport locking feature for the movement. If yours has one, engage it. Otherwise, use soft packing materials to lightly support the movement and keep it in place. Cable-driven systems, common in many Howard Miller grandfather clocks, tend to be more sensitive and benefit from a bit of extra care during transport. Make sure cables are seated properly on their drums and not loose or tangled before transport.

Packing Materials Needed for Safe Moving

You don’t need industrial crating for a local move, but you do need the right basics. Have these on hand:

Moving blankets or thick quilts
Bubble wrap
Painter’s tape
Sturdy boxes for weights and a pendulum
Stretch wrap for securing the case

The entire clock case will need to be wrapped in thick moving blankets, which can then be secured with stretch wrap. Try not to apply plastic wrap directly to the wood, especially on older grandfather clocks. Plastic can trap moisture or leave marks on the wood if left on for too long.

How to Move a Grandfather Clock Locally

For short-distance moves, the goal is to ensure stability.

Keep the clock upright at all times, as tilting can shift internal components or strain the case joints. Move slowly and use a dolly if needed, but only if the clock is properly secured and balanced.
Once you arrive, let the clock sit for a few hours before reassembling. This ensures that any internal components have time to settle after the move.
Reinstall the pendulum and weights in the correct order, then restart the clock. It may need a minor adjustment to keep accurate time, which is normal after a move.

How to Ship a Grandfather Clock Long Distance

Shipping is a different situation altogether. Disassemble as much as possible:

Remove and pack weights and pendulum separately
Take out glass panels if they’re removable
Secure the movement carefully

For longer moves, a custom-built wooden crate with internal supports is a must. It will keep the clock stable and shield it from pressure or impact during transport. If you are not experienced with crating, consider consulting a clock specialist or a shipping company that specializes in grandfather clocks.

Common Mistakes That Cause Damage

Most damage results from small oversights, not major accidents. Common mistakes when moving a grandfather clock include:

Leaving the weights in place: If not removed, the weights will swing and shift, easily damaging both the movement and the case.
Not removing the pendulum: Even when sliding your clock across the room, leaving the pendulum in place can put stress on the suspension spring or cause it to bend.
Improper wrapping: Light blankets or loosely packed padding won’t do much to absorb impact.
Rushing the setup at the new location: If the clock isn’t level or properly reassembled, it won’t run correctly.

Final Word

Grandfather clocks are made to last, but they still need to be handled with care. A careful approach during transport helps ensure the clock is ready to be set up and running again, without unexpected issues once it’s in place.