📦 Full-Packing Services vs. DIY Packing: Pros & Cons
When it’s time to move, one big decision you’ll face is:
Should I pack everything myself or hire professionals to do it? 🤔
Grandfather Clock
🕰️ How to Pack and Protect a Grandfather Clock for Moving
Grandfather clocks are not just beautiful timepieces—they’re often treasured family heirlooms passed down through generations.
Their size, weight, and delicate internal mechanisms make them one of the most challenging items to move safely.
At Movers On Duty, we’ve moved hundreds of grandfather clocks across Maryland, Virginia, and D.C., and we’re sharing our expert steps below to help you understand how to protect your clock before a move.
Step 1: Stop the Pendulum
The pendulum must be stopped to avoid internal damage:
Gently stop the swing and carefully remove the pendulum.
Wrap it in soft packing paper or bubble wrap and label it clearly.
Step 2: Remove the Weights
Grandfather clocks usually have 2–3 heavy weights:
Lift each weight straight up and off its hook.
Wrap each one separately in thick padding and label them (Left, Center, Right) to ensure correct reinstallation.
Step 3: Secure the Chains or Cables
To prevent tangling:
Tie the chains/cables together with a twist tie or string.
Some professionals use cardboard tubing to hold them in place and tape it gently to the inside of the clock case.
Step 4: Protect the Clock Case
Close and lock the clock’s front glass door.
Use moving blankets to wrap the entire clock body.
Secure with shrink wrap and heavy-duty tape, avoiding any pressure on glass panels.
Step 5: Use a Professional or a Custom Crate for international moves
If you’re moving across long distances or transporting the clock yourself:
Consider using a custom wooden crate to prevent any shifting. Or at least making a cardboard layer of protection.
Better yet, let professional movers (like us!) handle it from start to finish.
Final Tips from the Pros:
Never lay a grandfather clock flat. Always move it upright.
Always label each part during disassembly.
One important tip when moving a grandfather clock:
Once you arrive at the new home, make sure the clock is placed in its final position before reinstalling the pendulum and weights. If you attempt to move it with the pendulum and weights already attached, they can swing, hit the sides, and potentially crack the glass or damage internal components.Always secure these delicate parts separately, and only reassemble once the clock is level and stable in its new location.
Let the Pros Handle It
At Movers On Duty, we treat every grandfather clock with the respect and care it deserves. Whether you’re moving a few blocks or across the DMV, our experienced team ensures that your clock arrives safely—and on time.
📦 Need help moving your grandfather clock?
👉 Call us or get a quote today!
Moving with pets
Moving with Pets: Tips for a Smooth Transition
Moving can be stressful for everyone involved, including our beloved pets.
Whether you’re moving locally across town or moving long-distance across the country, it’s essential to plan ahead and take steps to ensure a smooth transition for your furry companions.
In this blog post, we’ll share expert tips and advice to help you navigate the moving process with your pets, from preparation and travel to settling into your new home.
Self-Moving
Mastering the Art of Self-Moving: A DIY Guide to a Smooth Relocation
Are you planning a move and considering a hands-on approach?
Self-moving can be a rewarding experience when done right.
It requires careful planning, organization, and physical effort, but it allows for greater control over the moving timeline and the overall moving experience.
In this guide, we will walk you through the essential steps to ensure a smooth and successful DIY relocation.
What does self-moving mean?
“Self-moving” refers to the process of handling a relocation or move on your own, without hiring a professional moving company to assist with various aspects of the move.
In a self-move, individuals or families take on the responsibility of packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and unpacking their belongings without external assistance.
Moving yourself can save you a lot of money when you have Movers On Duty on your corner.
1. Create a Detailed Plan:
Start by outlining a comprehensive moving plan. Identify key tasks such as sorting belongings, packing, transportation, and unpacking. Having a clear roadmap will help you stay organized throughout the process.
Feel free to use our free moving planner powered by artificial intelligence!
2. Declutter and Downsize:
Before packing, take the opportunity to declutter your belongings. Donate, sell, or discard items you no longer need. A lighter load not only simplifies the moving process but also saves on transportation costs.
This article about home down-sizing and decluttering will definitely help!
By the way, we can also help with junk removal.
3. Gather Packing Supplies:
Collect sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and other essential packing supplies. Properly packing your items ensures they arrive at your new destination in excellent condition. Label boxes with their contents and destination room for easy unpacking.
Don’t want to spend money on packing supplies? Learn where to get free boxes from <–
Or remember that when you hire our packing services, we might be able to give you all the packing supplies completely free of charge or at a discounted price!
4. Rent a Suitable Vehicle:
If you’re handling the transportation yourself, rent a suitable vehicle. Ensure it has enough space for your belongings and that you’re comfortable driving it. Plan your route in advance, considering factors like traffic and road conditions.
Don’t want to drive the truck yourself? No problem! We also offer rented truck drivers for hire.
5. Enlist Help:
Even if you’re opting for a self-move, enlisting friends or family to help with packing and loading can make the process more efficient and enjoyable. Offer refreshments and pizza as a token of appreciation for their assistance.
If you don’t have anyone you can count on, please remember that we can provide movers with a truck or movers without a truck if you only need the movers.
6. Stay Organized During Transportation:
Pack strategically to maximize space and minimize the risk of damage. Use blankets or furniture pads to protect delicate items. Secure everything in the vehicle to prevent shifting during transit.
Read how to load your truck or container like the experts.
Learn how Movers On Duty would protect your furniture for moving HERE.
7. Set Up a Comfortable Unpacking Zone:
Designate a specific area in your new home for unpacking. Having a central location makes it easier to sort and organize your belongings. Unpack systematically, starting with essentials.
Our unpacking services might come in handy at this point. Our professional organizers are great!
8. Take Breaks and Stay Hydrated:
Moving is physically demanding, so remember to take breaks and stay hydrated. Pace yourself to avoid burnout and ensure a positive moving experience.
Remember to breath…
9. Update Your Address and Utilities:
Don’t forget to update your address with relevant institutions, such as the post office, banks, and utilities. Ensure that utilities are set up at your new residence before moving in.
10. Celebrate Your Success:
Once you’ve successfully completed your self-move, take a moment to celebrate your accomplishment. You’ve conquered the challenges of moving on your terms!
Embark on your self-moving journey with confidence using these practical tips. Remember, it’s all about careful planning and execution. Safe travels!
Did this guide make it easier for you to do a self-move?
Free Moving Plan
Unlock a Seamless Move: Your Personalized Free Moving Plan
At Movers On Duty, we believe every move is unique, and your journey to a new home deserves a free moving plan tailored to your needs.
Introducing our AI-powered moving assistant’s standout feature: Your Personalized Free Moving Plan.
Why a Personalized Moving Plan?
Tailored to You
No two moves are alike, and your moving plan shouldn’t be either. Our AI meticulously analyzes your moving details, preferences, and timeline to generate a personalized plan. This isn’t just a template—it’s your virtual moving expert crafting a plan that ensures your move is as smooth as possible.
Free boxes for moving
Where can you get free moving boxes from?
There are actually many places where you can get free boxes for packing and moving.
Try for example:
- Liquor stores (They’d love to get rid of their wine boxes without having to unfold them)
- Grocery stores (All of them will give them to you, just ask)
- Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Costco will love to give your their extra cardboard boxes for free. The movers won’t complain.
- Find out when recycling is picked up in your neighborhood. (Walk around your neighborhood 30 – 45 minutes before the recycling truck shows up and you will most likely find a bunch of used boxes)
- If you are moving into a storage unit, make sure you ask them if they have used boxes you may have. Most of the time they will have them and they will gladly give them to you if you are moving into their storage facilities.
- You can also try Craigslist, Freecycle, and even the app OfferUp for free boxes.
Moving and packing tips
Welcome to our moving and packing tips blog!
Moving and packing tips for self movers, for people renting moving trucks, and for people hiring a professional moving company to handle the move.
We are definitely better movers than writers but we’ll do our best to share some wisdom with you.
After all, 12 plus years in the moving industry have taught us a few lessons.
Moving tips
Moving tips—Plan Ahead and Be Prepared
Tips for moving (FREE and with NO obligation). Happy Moving!!
Moving tips and tricks directly from one of the best moving companies in town.
There are many moving hacks and tips. Where should we start?
So much to do, so little time (or at least so it seems). Whether you’re moving across town or to another state, you should familiarize yourself with what’s involved in moving and begin organizing at least 2-3 weeks in advance.
By pacing yourself, the move definitely won’t seem nearly as overwhelming. Moving tips and checklists make everything easier.
You could also involve the entire family by spreading certain responsibilities to each person, even the children. Or you can simply hire cheap movers.
The following tips should help you with this process:
Packing tips
Packing Tips: Recommendations and advice
Packing tips are free. So, here you go:
Before packing, we recommend hosting a yard or garage sale to clear out unused or unwanted items. This is one of the most effective ways to downsize before a move. Technology makes it even easier—many people sell their belongings on platforms like Craigslist.org, OLX.com, or apps like OfferUp and LetGo.
After your sale, consider donating any remaining items. The fewer things you need to move, the simpler and more cost-effective your move will be!
Packing tips moving from professional packers
Packing isn’t as easy as you may think; it takes patience and time.
Our packing services specialists wanted to add their 2 cents:
Tip #1
Use the right-size boxes when packing.
How to properly pack dishes?
How to properly pack dishes?
Learn how to pack dishes like a PRO
- The #1 tip we can give you when it comes to packing a dish box is to use lots of packing paper, foam, and bubble wrap. You can never use too much paper. The more paper you are using, the more protection the items get. The #2 best tip is to contact a professional moving company to help with your move. Pro movers don’t damage stuff.
