🕰️ 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!
The Ultimate Moving Guide: How Movers On Duty Can Make Your Move Stress-Free
Moving can be one of life’s most stressful events, but with the right movers, it doesn’t have to be. At Movers On Duty, we take pride in providing top-tier moving services that turn a potentially overwhelming experience into a seamless transition.
🧹 Declutter, Sell, and Save with Movers On Duty – Your Partner for a Smarter Move
At Movers On Duty, we believe that moving isn’t just about getting from Point A to Point B — it’s the perfect chance to declutter your life, sell what you don’t need, and save big before your move.
Whether you’re preparing to downsize, relocate, or simply want a fresh start, our team is here to help you clear the clutter, use unwanted furniture/items to help pay for your move, and cut moving costs — all while making the process stress-free and efficient.
Yes, we will assign a professional online sales specialist to assist with selling everything before moving day!
🎯 How We Help You Declutter, Sell & Save
1. Decluttering Assistance We work side-by-side with you to sort, organize, and remove unwanted items. Keep what matters most, and say goodbye to the rest!
2. Selling Support We’ll help you identify valuable items you can sell before your move — like furniture, electronics, collectibles, and more. We can recommend trusted local marketplaces, auction houses, or consignment shops.
3. Donation & Disposal Items that don’t sell? No problem. We’ll coordinate drop-offs to local charities or responsibly dispose of anything not worth keeping.
4. Save on Your Move The fewer things you move, the lower your moving cost! Decluttering reduces packing time, truck size, and labor hours — putting more money back in your pocket.
Faster Packing & Unpacking – Save time on both ends
Fresh Start – Begin your new chapter without clutter
Extra Cash – Fund your move by selling items you no longer need
Free Moving Help – When you move with us, we help you sell things for free!
🏡 Perfect for Every Kind of Move
Our Declutter, Sell, and Save service is perfect for:
Downsizing
Families relocating long-distance
First-time homeowners
Busy professionals
Estate cleanouts
Divorce transitions
Military and government moves
And for when it is time to start saving again!
Wherever life is taking you, Movers On Duty makes it easier (and smarter) to get there.
📦 Full-Service Moving + Decluttering Support = Professional Decluttering Service
When you book Movers On Duty, you’re not just hiring a professional moving company — you’re hiring the best moving team that actually cares about your entire transition. We offer:
Packing & unpacking services (This is full-service moving; we do recommend this service if you want a stress-free experience)
Junk removal & haul-away
Moving truck rentals & labor help
Storage solutions
Specialized services for estates and senior moves
Online sales for free (100+ platforms)
📦 Moving Declutter Tips: How to Lighten Your Load Before the Big Day
Getting ready for a move?
One of the best things you can do to make your move faster, cheaper, and easier is to declutter before you pack!
At Movers On Duty, we’ve helped thousands of families and businesses relocate — and trust us, here are our top moving declutter tips to help you get organized, stay sane, and save money before moving day!
🎯 1. Start Early — And Start Small
The biggest mistake people make? Waiting until the last minute. Start decluttering at least 4–6 weeks before your move. Begin with easy areas like closets, junk drawers, or spare rooms — you’ll build momentum as you go!
As you sort through your belongings, divide items into four piles:
Keep – Must-haves you’ll move with you
Sell – Items with resale value (furniture, electronics, designer clothes)
Donate – Gently used items that can help others
Trash – Broken, outdated, or unusable stuff
Pro Tip: Be ruthless. If you haven’t used it in a year, you probably don’t need it.
đź’µ 3. Sell High-Value Items
Moving is expensive — why not offset costs by selling items you no longer need?
Popular ways to sell before a move:
Facebook Marketplace
Craigslist
Local consignment shops
Estate sale companies
Garage sales
OfferUp and hundreds of other online apps
Movers On Duty can even help identify valuable pieces to sell!
🤝 4. Donate What You Can
Many local charities will pick up donations for free — saving you time and effort.
Consider donating:
Furniture
Clothing
Toys
Kitchenware
Small appliances
Not only will you help others, but you might also qualify for a tax deduction.
🧹 5. Book Junk Removal for the Rest
For everything else, don’t haul it yourself. Our team at Movers On Duty offers junk removal services across Maryland, Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia — fast, affordable, and eco-friendly.
Let us clear the clutter while you focus on more important things.
🏠6. Declutter Room by Room
Tackle one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed:
Bedroom – Clothes, shoes, linens, accessories
Kitchen – Old gadgets, expired food, duplicate utensils
Once you’ve decided what stays, pack it immediately. Label boxes by room and note if items are essentials or non-essentials. This will make both moving and unpacking a breeze.
đźš› Let Movers On Duty Help You Declutter and Move Smarter
Decluttering can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Movers On Duty offers:
Hands-on decluttering help
Junk removal services
Moving labor assistance
Packing & unpacking services
Serving the entire DMV area (Maryland, Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia), we’re here to make your move easier and more affordable.
đź“ž Ready to Declutter, Sell & Save?
Don’t wait until moving day to start sorting! Contact Movers On Duty today to schedule your free consultation and let us help you declutter, sell, and move smarter — all while saving you money!
âś… Fast quotes âś… Transparent pricing âś… Friendly, expert team âś… Serving Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia
How to Move for Less in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C.
How to Save Money When Moving: 7 Smart Tips to Save Money
Moving can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re relocating within Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C., there are plenty of ways to reduce your moving costs without sacrificing quality.
Moving with Kids: Turn Boxes into Treasure Hunts and Boxes of Smiles
Embarking on a move with little ones in tow may seem daunting, but fear not! With a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of imagination, we can transform the moving process from a chore into an exhilarating adventure.
So, grab your explorer’s bag and join us as we embark on a journey filled with fun activities and memorable moments!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
