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Moving Across the Country: The Benefits of Backloading


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Moving Across the Country: The Benefits of Backloading

When I was offered a new job in Perth, I had to relocate my life from Brisbane. I had no idea how I was going to ship all my things across Australia. I considered hiring a van and doing it myself, but driving thousands of miles and then starting work when I arrived just didn't appeal to me. I looked into using a moving company, but I was put off a little by the cost. It was then my friend mentioned backloading. Backloading allowed me to haul my things across the country on trucks which were returning from another job. This drastically reduced the cost. I am now settled in Perth, but I wanted to start this blog to help others who need to store or move the things they own.

A Guide To Stress-Free Removal Of Your Grandfather Clock

A grandfather clock is a treasured and valuable item, and moving one can be a rather daunting proposition when it comes to moving home. It's worth noting that some removalists will only move your grandfather clock if you pack it and prepare it for the move yourself. Here's a helpful guide on how to do it.

What you will need

  • gloves
  • scissors
  • newspaper
  • painter's tape
  • packing tape
  • large blanket or duvet
  • twist ties
  • rubber bands

How to to it

  1. Open up the side access window to expose the weights and chains.   
  2. Raise the weights so that they are in the middle of the clock casing. Use twist ties to string the chains tightly together so that they don't come adrift from their sprockets.  
  3. With the chains secured, put on your gloves and remove the weights. Check the bottom of the weights to see if they are marked 'left', 'centre', and 'right,' and if necessary, mark them yourself. Wrap the weights carefully so that they don't get dented.  
  4. Bunch the chains together from the bottom to the top and and wrap them in newspaper, using rubber bands to secure them. This prevents the chains from moving around and damaging the finish.  
  5. Next, remove the pendulum. To do this, hold the rod in the centre and lift it upwards to unhook it from the pendulum leader. Wrap newspaper loosely around the pendulum guide, just enough to prevent it from moving around in transit.  
  6. Close the access doors or panels and tape them securely so that they won't come loose during the move. If you have keys, lock all the clock's doors.  
  7. In order to protect the clock case, wrap it in a large blanket or duvet. Be sure to provide extra padding and cover to the clock face, and secure the blanket or duvet with tape.

In conclusion

Follow the tips given above to prepare your grandfather clock for its move. New clocks can be moved horizontally on their backs quite safely, as long as you secure the weight chains and pendulum as outlined above. However, old or antique clocks should be moved only in an upright position because they may become damaged if moved horizontally. Always check with your removalist to make sure that they will move your grandfather clock for you and double-check that your home and removals insurance fully covers your clock for any damage that may occur during the move.