How To Move A Chandelier

When it comes to decorating your home or apartment, adding a chandelier can truly take the appearance of your space to the next level. From small chandeliers that add a pop of elegance to a small New York apartment to show-stopping large fixtures, this design element is one that should not be overlooked.

If you’ve chosen to install a chandelier in your NYC home but are planning to move, the question will arise: how exactly do you move a chandelier?

Moving is often an overwhelming and stressful time for any individual or family, especially in New York. Figuring out how to securely transport a chandelier without causing damage adds an added challenge that might leave you scratching your head. However, with the proper planning, moving even the most elegant of chandeliers can be a smooth process. Whether you choose to move your chandelier yourself, or decide to seek assistance from a trusted and experienced moving company like Roadway, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Prepping a Chandelier for the Move

As you prepare for your big move, you must first get the chandelier ready for removal from its current location. It is important to always have assistance to ensure your safety. If your chandelier is connected to a power source, make sure to turn off the power to the room in which it is kept. Disassemble the chandelier from the ceiling while collecting and securing all mounting hardware. Screws, hooks, wires or other loose pieces can be placed in a plastic bag and marked, so that you have everything you need when it comes time to hang the chandelier in your new home. Any wires or cords should be rolled up and secured with twist-ties to avoid tangling.

Once all the mounting gear is safely packed, begin to disassemble any removable parts from the chandelier. Loose parts might include lampshades, crystals, chains, light bulbs, or other decorative that are detachable. These parts should be wrapped in packing paper and bubble wrap to ensure they can be transported without damage. Once smaller pieces have been packed, wrap the body of the chandelier in a protective layer of packing paper and bubble wrap, covering one section at a time. Every scroll or arm of the chandelier should be completely covered to avoid scratches, dings, or abrasions throughout the move.

Preparing a Shipping Crate and Packing the Chandelier

Once the chandelier has been properly prepared, you will want to purchase a shipping crate in which to transport it. The shipping crate should be able to hold the chandelier with 4-inches of space around each side of the fixture, including at the bottom. Next, you will need to construct a mechanism from which the chandelier will hang within the shipping crate for the move. You will need two 1-by-1 pieces of wood that are 2 inches shorter than the height of the shipping crate, as well as a third piece of wood the length of the crate. Secure the 1-by-1 pieces to the sides of the crate with screws, and place the last piece of wood on top of the ledge made by the side pieces. Secure with screws. Repeat these steps on the other side of the crate. Once complete, the chandelier will be able to hang within the shipping crate during the move.

You will now need to hang the chandelier in the shipping crate. This can be done by first feeding a rope through the mounting chain of the chandelier, and then tying the other end of the rope to the top of the shipping crate so that fixture hangs about two inches from the bottom of the crate. Though you’ve already wrapped the chandelier with packing paper and bubble wrap, you may consider additional padding. One option is to place a garbage bag around the chandelier that is filled with packing peanuts. To prevent the chandelier from swaying during the move, you might also consider filling the shipping crate with packing peanuts as well. Minimizing as much movement as possible is crucial to eliminating the possibility for damage to your chandelier.

The final step in packing your chandelier for the move is to nail the shipping crate shut, and label the top of the box to ensure it remains upright as it is handled.

Leave it to the Experts

While you may be able to disassemble and pack your chandelier yourself, many individuals do not feel comfortable with the work and care necessary to ensure a safe and accident-free move. In this case, it is recommended that you enlist the help of moving professionals. Roadway Moving, the top-rated moving company in New York, has helped many chandelier owners safely transport their chandeliers to their new homes. Large or small, no chandelier is too challenging for our expert trained crew. We go above and beyond to ensure your items are handled with the utmost care, even bringing in electricians or other specialists to properly remove light and decorative fixtures when necessary.

Roadway prides itself on being the one-stop-shop for all your moving needs. But don’t just take our word for it. Browse our online reviews today to see why we are the #1 rated movers in NYC and the surrounding boroughs. Contact us today to discuss how we can prep and move your chandelier safely, efficiently, and in a timely manner.