Packing a home including a grandfather clock

Last week we conducted a pack and move at a property in Coalville, Leicestershire.

We split into 2 groups – 2 men upstairs and 2 men downstairs who began working on the kitchen. We packed all the glassware individually with “thick paper” in the trade this is known as ‘chip paper.’ We used smaller more heavily protected cardboard boxes to limit the likelihood of damage.

Its only advisable to pack boxes 2 high. We layer the bottom of the box and the top of the box with multiple sheets of paper when starting and finishing. The box is packed tightly not to allow for any movement but not too tightly so the contents are not damaged in anyway. If there is movement in cargo the compact nature of the contents of the box doesn’t allow for much movement and therefore it is less likely to be damaged.

Meanwhile upstairs the other half of the crew were packing clothes neatly into wardrobe hanging garment boxes with rails – suits and shirts, dresses etc. so they arrive at their new destination in good condition without creases or folds. After the clothes were packed and taken downstairs to be loaded the team gathered up all breakables and wrapped them in paper individually and then began to bubble wrap the larger pictures belonging to the owner which could not be wrapped or boxed boxed.

Cardboard corners were cut out to protect the larger pictures which are always more susceptible to damage, simply due to their size. When this work was completed the guys downstairs unwound an antique grandfather clock. Turning the key carefully and then separating the clock into 3 units to remove the pendulum. The pendulum was then taped to a piece of wood to ensure it remained firmly in place during transit.