How to Move Mirrored Furniture Like A Pro

Mirrored furniture is considered statement pieces that add a touch of flare and glamour to any room. They are not only convenient, but ornamental, allowing the room to appear much larger and spacious than it actually is, as well as increasing the lighting in a given room through nothing more than reflection, and over the years they have become a much in demand home furnishing item. Mirrors have become a major component of contemporary and classic artistic furniture.

Of course, this sort of luxury comes at a price, with mirrored furniture being on the higher end of the pricing scale ever since it first emerged as a home furnishing trend in the 20s and 30s. And yet while costly, it is also quite durable, and properly cared for pieces are often passed down from generation to generation.

On their own, mirrors can be difficult to move. They are heavy, awkward, and that combination makes them ripe for breakage. Breakage in the wrong place at the wrong time could mean injury. Today, many pieces of furniture come with mirrors, such as dressers, and even some nightstands. When the time comes to move or transport them, you need to be diligent and make certain they are safely and efficiently transported in such a way as to prevent damage, or worse, personal injury.

It is precisely for these reasons that moving mirrored furniture or any type of artistic furnishings is a precise science, one that requires careful planning and meticulous execution, with special treatment required to make sure that your prized possessions arrive safely at your new home or office space. You may wish to contact a professional moving company, as they have the skills, equipment, and experience needed for such a job, and they can often do in a few hours what might take the rest of us the better part of a day to get done.

The safety and security of your mirrored furniture needs to be a priority when planning your long-distance move. You do not want to risk a mirrored dresser or nightstand being damaged due to a lack of proper planning. If you plan on making the move yourself, may we recommend the following moving tips when considering your personal mirrored furniture.

Prep For Moving

First off, gather together the following supplies:

• At least 2 or 3 moving blankets per piece
• Several rolls of packing tape
• Several large sheets of bubble wrap
• Furniture straps of the ratchet variety
• Glass cleaner and microfiber cloths (this is important)
• Screwdriver set
• Work gloves
• Measuring tape

A good rule of thumb is to buy more than you think you will need. It is far better to have too much than too little.

It may seem obvious to say, but you will need to remove all the contents of your mirrored dresser or nightstand. This will lighten the load and make the piece easier to handle and maneuver. Removing the drawers also reduces weight, however, they may be left in if you are able to fasten them closed; just make sure they do not unexpectedly slide open as this may result in chips, scratches, or scuffs.

Also, some units may come equipped with lighting, so make sure all the power cables have been disconnected and properly coiled and stowed. At the very least, you may want to tape them to the sides or inside of the unit until you reach your destination.

That’s A Wrap

You will want to have an ample supply of bubble wrap, packing tape, and other moving related items on hand. We recommend wrapping the piece, especially the mirror itself, in order to prevent any possible damage. This can be done with clear wrap, moving blankets, or several layers of both. Basically, do not scrimp on the wrapping.

An Ounce of Prevention

Unlike moving most other heavy items, it is not recommended to use a dolly or hand trucks or any similar moving equipment when transporting mirrored furniture. It would not take much of a shift or a fall to permanently damage the item. In the case of mirrored furniture, good old hard work is the solution. Put on some work gloves and a solid back brace and manhandle the piece into the truck or your new home. Yes, it will be a little more difficult, but you will stand a much greater chance of protecting the piece from cracks or other damage.

The Company You Keep

Do not place mirrored furniture in close proximity with other furniture items, especially hard ones like kitchen appliances, stoves, etc. One sudden stop or rapid lane change could cause the furniture items to bang into one another, again, causing damage to the mirrored piece.

Do Not Unpack

At least, not immediately. If your new place has not been properly set up, hold off on bringing in the furniture until it is ready. Exposing mirrors to an unfinished environment might put the item at risk. Wait until the space is ready for the piece before bringing it in.

Proper Downloading

When the time has come to unload do everything in reverse order of when you packed it up to begin with. Have a friend, or friends, help you move the piece (by hand, remember no dollies). Once you are on the floor of your new home, moving discs may be placed under the unit, allowing you to slide it fairly easily into whatever room it is designed to go into.

Once in and properly located, carefully remove all of the moving blankets, wrapping, and bubble wrap. The re install the drawers and connect any electrical components that may be a part of the mirrored furniture piece.

Finally, take your glass cleaner, furniture cleaner and microfiber towels and wipe down the unit from top to bottom. With that your unity should be ready to go.

As with any long-distance move, the transport of mirrored furniture can be problematic, and in many ways presents its own unique brand of challenges. With the proper planning and care, the moving of your mirrored furniture pieces can be just like any other part of your move, a fun and rewarding adventure.

The Grandfather Clock – Timeless Americana

A long distance or cross-country move is never as simple as just throwing a few things in boxes, loading them onto a truck and making the trip. No, exceptional care must be taken in order to make sure that all of your items, particularly those with financial or sentimental value, arrive at their new home in one piece and still functional. Heirlooms, electronics, antiques, classic furniture, or pretty much any high-end items will require some specialized treatment to ensure their safety.

Many houses, and even some businesses, are home to grandfather clocks, those tall, wooden time pieces with large faces and glass enclosed works. They provide a touch of class and elegance to any location, while at the same time being fully functional. Quite often, these pieces are handed down from generation to generation, and the importance of preserving them becomes more important with each set of hands they fall into. So of course, when the need arises to transport a grandfather clock, it is imperative that the proper steps be taken, in the correct order, to make certain that your grandfather clock survives to be handed down to those next in line for it.

Preparation For the Move

This valuable heirloom may have stood the test of time (no pun intended) for years in your home, but now the time has come to relocate in a new city or state, and while the process of moving your grandfather clock may seem like a daunting one, with a little judicious planning, it can became and enjoyable and memorable adventure. As with any move, the key is in planning ahead. Doing so makes sure your grandfather clock remains in pristine working order.

               What You Need:

• Plenty of soft cloths and gloves, as these will help to protect the grandfather clock’s delicate finish and prevent scratches and scuffs that all too often accompany a move.
• Packing paper, bubble wrap, and moving blankets. Again, the more protection you have around the unit, the more likely it is to arrive unblemished in your new home.
• Packing tape and cardboard boxes. These are staples of any move, long or short, and should be kept in ample supply.
• A hand truck. Also known as a “dolly,” this is what you will be using when the clock actually changes position from home to truck, and later from truck to new home.
• Your basic tool kit with wrench, screwdiver and pliers, along with some plastic baggies to store screws, nuts, or any other small parts.
• A set of helping hands. Do not scrimp on the assistance. You do not want to try and maneuver a grandfather clock all by yourself.

Securing The Moving Parts

The grandfather clock will need to be at least partially disassembled in prep for the move, particularly the pendulum and the weights. It is advisable to use those soft gloves and cloths we mentioned to handle the removal. They should be wrapped in bubble wrap or moving blankets to prevent damage and labeled so they can be located later on. Label each of the weights with the position it corresponds to (right, center, left); doing so will make reassembly much easier later on. Lastly, place these items in a marked box and secure with packing tape. Make sure those boxes go when the clock does and keep them together.

               Securing the Clock Itself

Some clocks are cable driven, so you will want to make sure those cables are secured to prevent the tangling that can and so often does occur on moves like this. Cable ties or twist ties should be sufficient for the job. If the clock is driven by a chain, the chains will need to be removed and placed in a baggie, clearly marked for identification later.

               Securing the Exterior

This is vital, because the exterior of the clock is what most people will first see and notice, and the last thing you want are scratches, nicks, or other blemishes. Make sure to close and lock the clock door, then wrap the whole thing in bubble wrap, preferably several times over. You will have to work hard to overdo it. Secure all wrapping with packing tape, and if you want to throw some blankets over it, so much the better.

               Moving Your Grandfather Clock

Okay, it’s game time. You’ve prepped and you are ready. The first thing to remember is that grandfather clocks can be heavy and awkward, so secure a couple of extra hands to help you out. Carefully lift the clock and place it solidly onto a hand truck or dolly, and make sure it is well balanced, not likely to tip over or fall off. If you wish to tie it down, now is the time.

Be sure to have a ramp leading up to the truck or trailer that will be hauling the clock. This is not something you just heave in the back. Place the clock against the wall of the trailer or truck and tie down with ratchet straps. Do this tightly in order to prevent movement. Remember that often during these road trips, items may shift due to sudden stops or maneuvering. You want to make sure that the grandfather clock is not going anywhere until you are ready for it to do so.

               Final Destination and Reassembly

Once you have arrived, do everything in reverse. Secure some assistance to help remove the clock from the truck. Use the dolly or hand truck to carefully maneuver the clock inside and into its new location.

Reattach the weights and pendulum, based on the labels you created earlier. Some folks like to take pictures or videos of the disassembly in order to make reassembly easier. If the clock has leveling feet (and most do) adjust them to make sure the clock is standing straight and is stable.

               Start Your Clocks

You will need to gently start the pendulum swinging and then set the time on the clock face by adjusting the minute hand clockwise. Let the clock run for a few hours, making sure there are no glitches or problems with its performance and timekeeping.

Keep in mind that you may have to watch the clock (no pun intended) for two or three days to make sure there are no discrepancies in the clock’s accuracy. If there are, adjust the pendulum weight by turning the nut at the base of the pendulum rod, clockwise to go faster, and counterclockwise to go slower.

               Enjoy!

You have done it! You have successfully relocated one of your most cherished possessions or heirlooms into your new home or business location, and because of your proper and efficient planning, it should continue providing its own unique brand of functional elegance for many years to come.

Moving, particularly long distance moving, can be a challenging endeavor, but taking the proper steps, in their proper order, will go a long way towards making sure that your moving project is a successful one. Because there is nothing as satisfying as a job well done.

Pinball machines have been around since the early 1930s, and for much of the last century were mainstays of game rooms, pool halls, and by the 80s, the video arcade. More recently many of them have been finding their way into home game rooms, basements, and man caves across the country. They provide hours of entertainment and challenge, and ca quite often be among the center points of many social gatherings.

Of course when you are planning a long distance, or even short distance move, you will want to take your pinball machine (or machines) with you. Because these are finely engineered units, you want to make certain that they are moved correctly and efficiently, minimizing the chances of any damage occurring en route. Here we will examine the proper methods for preparing and transporting your pinball machine arsenal while keeping them damage free and in good working order.

Preparation For the Move

As with any moving project, the key is in the preparation. You will need to have a few things ready to make sure the moving project is an efficient one. Make sure you have the following:

• A tool set
• Packing tape
• Moving blankets
• Glass cleaner and microfiber cloths
• Dolly or hand truck
• Ratchet straps
• Measuring tape

Take proper measurements of the pinball machines as well as any and all doors and entranceways they will be traveling through to their new location. Also, consider taking pictures or video of the disassembly as this will help with reassembling the unit later on.

Breaking It All Down - Headbox

First thing is to fold down the headbox. Most of the pinball machines produced over the last 20 or 30 years have a hinge that allows the headbox to be folded easily. Earlier models had their headboxes bolted on. For those early models you will have to remove the rear access panel to reach the bolts for removal. There is often a single screw that holds this in place.

Whether you remove the headbox completely or just fold it down, make sure it is protected either with bubble wrap or moving blankets. You do not want the headbox rubbing on the cabinet. If there are any plugs that need to be disconnected, be sure to label them so that they may be reconnected at the new location.

Display Panel

The next thing to remove is the display panel, which is done by lifting it up and out. Then access the lamps; keep in mind that varied brands of machines have different methods for accessing the lamps. Williams and Bally machines do not have separate lamp panels, while Sega and Stern pinballs utilize a fluorescent tube for back lighting.

Removing the Legs

Pinball machine support legs are held together by eight simple bolts, two for each leg. Remove the bolts and the legs will come off easily. Keep in mind that the nuts and threaded plates can be easily damaged, and sometimes extra nuts are required. If this proves to be the case, you will need to gain access through the front door (also known as the coin door) of the machine, remove the playfield glass, and lift up the playfield itself.

You will have to remove the lock down bar and slide out the playfield glass. Lifting up the playfield will give you access to any nuts that might have been used. Of course, be sure to mark which legs are front and which are back, as these will have to be adjusted differently during the re-set up process.

Loading Up

Now you are ready to transport the pinball machine, but in case you forgot, remove the actual pinballs from the unit; otherwise, they will bounce around and possibly be lost, rendering the machine useless.

We discussed removing the legs, but if possible, wait to remove them until you are loading the machine into your truck or trailer. With a friend helping to support the machine, remove the front legs. Slide the machine partway into the truck, then remove the rear legs. You will repeat this procedure in reverse at the other end of the move.

Wrap the unit securely, then tie down using ratchet straps to prevent unwanted sudden movement or shifts due to braking or lane changes. Use several moving blankets to wrap the machine, using packing tape to secure the blankets in place. Pinball machines are among the easiest pieces to wrap once you have removed the headbox and legs.

Stuff some bubble wrap or foam or cardboard under the blankets before taping them. Bubble wrap is preferred as it does not cause any kind of static. Any and all loose parts such as nuts, bolts, screws, and oh yes, the balls, should be placed in labeled plastic baggies and stored with the pinball machine. Labeling makes these parts easy to locate and identify their purpose later on.

Moving It Out

When moving, remember that some of these machines may weigh up to three hundred pounds, so make sure you have sufficient able-bodied help to make that happen. Dollies or hand trucks are recommended.

Place the machine bottom side down on the floor of your truck or trailer as this will help to avoid damage when shipping. Stabilize the machine through the use of ratchet straps, which are excellent for holding large pieces firmly in place. You can also pack bumpers, blankets, and other protective materials around the machine to protect it. Remember, there is no such thing as too much protection.

The use of bubble wrap and anti-static foam is recommended to protect the pinball machine’s electrical components. Place the foam inside the wrap for best protection.

Lastly, do not stack any heavy items on the machine. Allow it to be an island unto itself.

Once you have arrived at your destination, carefully remove and load the pinball machine into your new home. Consult your photographic or video records when doing the reassembly, because you do not want to find yourself wondering where this screw or that bulb goes.

Once the machine is in place, wipe it down with a microfiber towel before plugging it in. Your machine is now ready to be enjoyed for many more years.

Remember, plan, plan, plan. There is no substitute for proper planning.

Glass art is exactly what it sounds like, artistic pieces that are either partially or even completely made of glass. This can include things like jewelry, stained glass, mirrors, custom ornaments, windows, figurines, pretty much anything that can be forged in glass. Glass art pieces enhance the décor of any home or business, providing a touch of elegance and class, and in many cases can be had without a great expenditure of money.

A cross-country move can be exciting, but as with any moving project, the moving of glass pieces of any sort requires proper planning and specialized care. One moving company joked that they could pack a 20 piece China set in 10 minutes…less if you did not mind having a 40 piece set. But you get the picture, moving glass, over the short or long haul, can be difficult. We will explore how you can do it safely and efficiently.

First Things First

Before loading up your glass art pieces, make sure to have all of your packing supplies ready and accounted for. Whether you are dealing with complex artwork or just your garden variety glassware, the basics are pretty much the same. What you will need are:

• Saturday moving boxes. Avoid the standard cardboard box and spring for the more specialized moving boxes designed for just such materials as glass.
• Dish barrel boxes. These are corrugated, very sturdy containers designed for fragile items like dishes and china, but can be used for glass art pieces as well.
• Soft packing paper and bubble wrap. Make sure the packing paper is soft to avoid any scuffs or other damage to your glass pieces.
• Permanent marker and packing tape. You will want to seal up your glass art pieces and make sure the boxes are properly labeled for when you arrive at your new location.
• Clothing items such as shirts and socks. If you run low on packaging supplies, you can use items of clothing to wrap glass pieces in, effectively killing two birds with one stone.

Prepping The Boxes

Before even addressing the glass, make sure that the boxes are prepared, as this will provide a secure foundation for all of your glass pieces and reduce the risk of damage during transport.

You will need to tape the bottom of the box, using several layers. Not much is more disappointing than moving a box full of glass art pieces only to have the bottom quite literally fall out. Apply the packing tape straight across as well as in a cross pattern, covering the seams where the flaps meet, as this will provide extra strength.

You will also want to add a cushioning layer of packing paper. In case the box is jolted, or worse, dropped, there is at least something there to protect the pieces inside. Crumpled paper will help absorb the shock of any impact.

You want to have easy access to your boxes. Leave one flap unsealed until you have packed everything away, as this allows you to check and make sure everything is accounted for as well as adding or removing items as the need arises.

Make Things A Priority

As you gather all your pieces together, take particular note of any and all fragile or delicate or valuable items. This might include antique items, sentimental items, glass art, stemware, etc. Put these pieces aside and give them extra attention when packing.

Preparing The Glass Art Pieces

How the items are wrapped can often mean the difference between a broken piece and an intact one, and we recommend starting with a flat surface and creating several levels of protection in play. You will want to wrap each piece in packing paper, making sure there are no exposed areas, and then carefully layer more paper on top of that. Secure the paper around the glass piece using packing tape. If you want to go all in, use bubble wrap for a final layer around the piece. While it may not survive a fall from several feet, a properly wrapped glass art piece would be able to withstand some jostling, unexpected movement, or sudden contact with another solid surface.

If you are not convinced that your glass art pieces are sufficiently protected, simply double up on the wrapping. There is no hard and fast rule for how far you can take it. Double wrapping provides extra protection from impacts on the delicate pressure points found in many glass items.

Testing It Out

If you want to see how well you did, take one of your wrapped glass art pieces, and gently shake it in your hand. You should not hear any movement from inside, it should feel secure with nothing shifting around inside.

Boxing It Up

As you begin to pack up your glass art pieces, after you have placed packing paper or bubble wrap on the bottom of the box, gently place the piece in the box. Start with your largest and heaviest items, as this will add stability to the box and balance everything out. Once a piece is in, use more packing paper or bubble wrap to insulate it from the next piece that will be added. You want to fill and layer until the box is full. Make sure not to overpack, as doing so can also result in breakage of some of the pieces.

If you are still unsure how secure your items are, consider double boxing. Again, whatever is needed. You cannot unbreak glass.

Once everything has been packed up, take the time to mark all boxes “fragile” on all sides. Also make sure to note “This Side Up.” Doing so will make sure whoever is handling the box knows there are delicate items contained within.

Summary

Moving glass art pieces is not much different from moving any other items, but an extra level of attention and protection is required, simply due to the delicate nature and the monetary value of glass art pieces. Always take into consideration the rigorous nature of transporting items to a new location, particularly if that location is a long distance away. Make plans to stop and check on the pieces every so often. If a box has shifted in transit, make sure it is securely fastened down again before continuing on.

By utilizing the proper techniques and supplies, there is no reason that you should not be able to safely move your cherished glass art pieces anywhere in the country.