Grandfather Clocks: Downsizing Tick-Tock
When time is ticking on the downsize of a generation.
The Allure of Grandfather Clocks
Ah, the timeless charm of a grandfather clock. They’ve stood tall and proud in our homes, marking the passage of time with a sense of grandeur and nostalgia. Now it’s a reminder that the sale is closing next Thursday. What do we do with the towering slab of hardwood and gears?
The Evolving Aesthetic of Modern Homes
Antique clocks, with their intricate craftsmanship and resonant chimes, were once the heartbeat of the household. They epitomized stability, progress, and certain old-world elegance.
Today’s interior design trends lean towards the sleek and the subtle. The towering presence of a grandfather clock, while impressive, can feel out of place amidst modern decor. Plus, their upkeep can be quite the task. Once the authorities we’d set our watches to, now we check our phones for a second opinion.
Other timepieces that may be rewinding your home aesthetic:
- Mantel clocks
- Anniversary clocks
- Cat clocks
- Wall Clocks (Cuckoo's included)
Time to Move On
These clocks have counted he hours and witnessed the ebb and flow of family life. They’ve marked celebrations, solemn moments, and reminded us that whatever happens - time moves on. But perhaps the clock’s striking mid-night over your ball. Once the spell is broken, is hard to ignore the truth - it’s got to go somewhere.
Instead of letting your grandfather clock gather dust or dominate your space, consider finding collectors, donating them to charity auctions, or passing them down the family line. Any of the kids have a new home that needs filling out?
If you’re helping your mom or pop move into assisted living, consider how the mantel clock adds to the personality of a home. That familiar chime every hour might be soundscape-decor needed to make a new apartment feel like home.
Finding a new home is can be a challenge in a town overrun with vintage clocks. If it’s hard to imagine where it’ll fit in the new home or assisted care residency, ask yourself: How do you even move these things?
Before you part with your stately timekeeper, take a moment to assess its value. Some grandfather clocks are highly sought after by collectors, while others may simply be cherished heirlooms from the old country.
The Challenge of Moving Grandfather Clocks
Moving a grandfather clock is no easy feat. Their heft and delicacy require special care to avoid damage …to your lower back especially. Where do you even take them? Vintage shops are cautious when accepting goods their staff can’t move, and they’ve probably got 3 in the back. The sheer logistics of moving such a fragile yet bulky item can be daunting. What good are they if a spring pops loose?
Either way, they deserve thoughtful consideration. Take a look online or ask an appraiser to get an idea of re-sale value. But when the big move comes down to the final hour, enlist some help to find Old-Ben its new castle. Our team specializes in finding new homes & carefully relocating your timeless treasures, ensuring they keep ticking long into the future.
Feeling unsure about parting with your majestic timepiece? Call or write below to start the conversation on downsizing for the next chapter. For 30 years, Changing Places has specialized in moving delicate and valuable items with care. Let us find the perfect new home for your cherished grandfather clock so you can downsize with ease.
