How To Pack & Move a Chandelier

Chandelier brings a modern look and has the power to transform the decor of your home completely.

Be it gold versus stainless steel, crystal versus glass, vintage versus modern. There are so many varieties in Chandeliers. 

But are you planning to move houses and worried about leaving your pricey chandelier behind? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered.

In this blog, we will provide you with detailed steps on how to move your chandelier with you, but before that, let’s take a look at what all things you should keep in mind before starting the relocation process. 

4 Things To Keep In Mind Before Moving a Chandelier

Before you even attempt to take down your chandelier, prioritizing your safety is the most important thing in this process. 

This process involves several steps to ensure that the removal goes smoothly and without any accident.

It is also necessary to gather all the essential tools and equipment and a clear relocation plan so that you don’t make mistakes on your moving day.

1. Turn Off The Electricity

The most crucial step in the removal process is to ensure that you disconnect the electricity.

If you are not sure what MCB takes care of the lights, then go ahead and disconnect everything else- it can be cutting off the electrical supply from the main source.

You don’t want to find yourself electrocuted just because you want to remove your chandelier (or any light fixture, for that matter).

2. Assessing the Chandelier’s Installation

After turning off the power supply, analyzing the ceiling mount is the other crucial step in making the move safe and efficient.

The method of installation varies depending on the chandelier’s design, size, and ceiling structure, but it often involves mountain brackets, chains, or rods. 

Assessing how the chandelier is attached will help you determine the necessary tools and equipment (wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, voltage tester) and any additional help required for its detachment.

3.  Get The Right Tools

If you are planning to move and don’t want to leave your exquisite chandelier behind, removing it requires careful planning and the right tools and equipment.

Preparing these tools in advance will ensure that the removal process goes smoothly and the chandeliers are safely transported throughout the long-distance move. 

Here is the list of equipment and tools you’ll need on the moving day.

• Screwdrivers

 Get a set of both flathead and Philips screwdrivers to remove any screws securing the lamps to the ceiling.

• Pliers

Needle nose pliers can be used for bending wires or holding small parts, while standard pliers can assist with loosening nuts or bolts.

• Adjustable Wrench

It is generally used to loosen any bolts or nuts that may be holding the chandelier in place.

• Voltage Tester

After switching off the power, it is better to use a voltage tester to ensure that there is no current flowing to the chandelier.

• Wire Cutters

It is used for cutting through electrical wires. 

• Ladder

You need a strong and sturdy ladder that will allow you to comfortably reach the chandelier without stretching.

• Extra Pair of Hands

You’ll definitely need help while removing the chandelier- Consider hiring a licensed electrician if this is your first time moving a chandelier. They know the process and can complete the task in an efficient manner. 

4. Prepare Your Space

Prepare your space before removing your chandelier. Set up your ladder and set it at a comfortable height. There is no specific range, but the goal here is to remove the dangling crystal chandelier without any hindrance.

Spread a thick blanket around the ladder and cover it as much as you can. The thick blanket can help cushion the fall of any crystals and pendants.

Step-By-Step Guide to Take Down a Chandelier for Relocation

1. Turn Off The Power

You might be reading this point again, but trust us, this is the most crucial step when taking down the chandelier.

Go to the main fuse box and turn off the MCB by which the chandelier is connected. 

No matter what you do, DON’T SKIP THIS STEP. The chances of getting an electrical shock when moving a chandelier are very real. 

2. Take Photos of Your Set-up

If you have a huge chandelier, you need to remember what part goes where. D

on’t completely rely on the instruction manual; there is a high chance that it wouldn’t be useful to you.

Instead, use a camera to take photos. Remember to take them from different angles.

You can also write down important things to help with the setup in the future. 

3. Unscrew the Bulbs and Canopy

Unscrew the light bulbs from the fixture. This step depends upon the style and model of a chandelier or a light you have on hand.

If you have a simple model, all you have to do is take out one lightbulb.

However, if you have a vintage crystal chandelier, you need to take the time to remove it piece by piece.

Unscrew the canopy and lower it from the ceiling. The canopy is the metal plate that covers the hole and the wiring inside the ceiling.

4. Remove and Check the Wiring

Pull the wiring out of the ceiling. Loosen and remove the plastic wire nuts on the end of the joined wires; be cautious and don’t touch the bare ends of the wire. Take a voltage tester and check the voltage in the wiring. 

If you get the reading, go back to the main panel, locate the correct MCB, and turn off the power. Do not proceed until you get no reading on the voltage tester. 

Pro Tip: If you are unsure about what to do, consult a certified electrician who can help you with it. 

5. Detach the Fixture

Have your helper or friend support the chandelier at all times so that it’s heavyweight and doesn’t damage the wires in the ceiling. 

Unhook the fixture and remove the wires that go into the ceiling with a screwdriver. Make sure you tape the ceiling wires. Take down the chandelier and place it gently on the floor with the help of your friend. 

Use a screwdriver to remove any pieces that are detachable-arms, chains, ornaments, lampshades, etc.  

How To Clean Chandelier Before Moving

Now, if your chandelier is not hanging on the roof, you should take the opportunity to clean it. Over time, chandeliers accumulate a lot of dust and dirt. When you leave it like that, it can affect the overall luster and shine when it’s in use. 

What Things You’ll Need To Clean It

• Cleaning Solution
• Rubber Gloves
• Lint-free cloth

Pro Tip: You can use different types of cleaning solutions, including 1:1 water and vinegar solutions, 1:4 rubbing alcohol and water solution, or plain dishwashing liquid. Don’t ever use ammonia-based cleaners for your chandeliers. 

Process To Clean Your Chandelier

• Choose What Suits You The Best

There are two ways to clean your chandelier: you can either submerge it into the water along with a cleaning solution, or you can clean your crystals one by one. Both are efficient ways to clean a chandelier; it depends on your preference.

• Try Mixing Your Cleaning Solution

Try mixing your cleaning solution with any preferred solution mentioned above (look at the pro tip part).

Any solution would work, but use the rubbing alcohol and water mixture for any crystal and metal pieces and the water and vinegar mixture for the lightbulb. 

• Start Cleaning

If you are cleaning the chandelier piece by piece, then have your cleaning solution in a spray bottle. After using it, rub it with a lint-free cloth.

On the other hand, if you want to wash everything in a basin or sink, mix your cleaning solution with water and use a sponge.

Do not do this for the chandelier arm or lightbulbs; for the latter, just use a lint-free cloth. 

How To Pack Your Chandelier Safely

When everything has dried, it’s time to pack the chandelier. Most chandeliers are very delicate, so you need to be extra careful with this step. 

What Packing Materials You’ll Need

We cannot emphasize enough the importance of choosing high-quality moving supplies to secure your chandeliers for relocating. 

Here are some materials you need to ensure your chandelier doesn’t get damaged during the trip.

• Packing Paper
• Bubble Wrap
• Packing Tape
• Packing Peanuts
• Moving Boxes
• Markers 
• Extra pair of hands

3 Techniques To Pack a Chandelier 

• Careful Disassembling 

Disassemble your chandelier. Begin by laying out a clean blanket where you can lay down all the delicate parts. 

Then, remove easily detachable parts like bulbs, crystals, and lampshades.

This step is necessary to protect its delicate components and ensure they fit into the available packing materials. 

As you disassemble, it’s important to keep track of where each piece belongs.

Organizing and labeling the parts can help you with this. Small zip lock bags or containers labeled with a marker can keep small items like screws, bolts, etc. 

• Wrap Each Individual Piece

Wrap each piece to prevent the chandelier from breaking or developing scratches during the move. Start by wrapping the individual pieces you removed first, using soft packing paper or bubble wrap. 

Crystals and Pendants

The crystals and pendants should be wrapped in tissue paper first, then in newspapers.

You can label them as you go along for easy identification. 

Arms and Base

Wrap the arms and base with newspapers or packing peanuts and ensure that it is done firmly.

You don’t want the newspaper to loosen up during transit. Secure it well with packing tape.

Frames and Larger Parts

For frames and larger parts of the chandelier, use bubble wrap. It is beneficial for providing extra cushioning.

Light Bulbs

Put your light bulbs in a small moving box packed with newspaper and bubble wrap. Secure it with a tape.

This would prevent them from any damage during transit. 

Wires

Roll your wires, secure them with tape, and store them in zip-loc bags or containers. 

• Secure Them In Sturdy Boxes

Once all the pieces are wrapped, begin placing them in sturdy moving boxes while putting the heaviest item at the bottom.

Use crumpled packing paper, packing peanuts, or additional bubble wrap to fill any extra gaps in the box. 

This will prevent movement that could break these components.

When everything is packed, seal the box with packing tape and label it as FRAGILE. Indicate which side should face up.

Moving the Chandelier- The Last Step

Moving a chandelier requires careful handling and precision to ensure that it safely reaches your new home.

As we are aware of its fragility and complex design, it is definitely one of the most difficult items to move. 

However, if you take the right approach and steps, you can avoid the risks and protect your valuable chandelier. 

Load The Chandelier Safely

When you are loading a heavy and fragile item in a moving truck like this, you need to ensure that it is well-protected, there are no gaps in the box, and it is securely packed to prevent any movement during transit.  

Ensure that the box is surrounded with soft items, including moving blankets and cushions, to prevent any damage to the Chandelier.

Ensure the box is fastened with moving straps to prevent it from sliding during transportation.

Are you Planning To Move Your Chandelier? 

Are you also planning to move your chandelier? Then, hiring a professional moving company would be a safer option. 

Professional movers know how to move your chandelier with utmost safety and understand the complexities that can arise while moving antiques. 

They are well-equipped and trained to handle heavy and fragile items.

From packing your valuables safely to labeling your moving boxes, the expert movers can do it all.

Not only that, but they can also provide you with customized moving crates to relocate your chandelier seamlessly. 

So whether you’re moving long-distance or across your neighborhood, choose the right moving company that can make your move stress-free. 

Final Thoughts

With this blog, you must have gotten the idea that moving a chandelier is no easy task and definitely not a one-person job, so instead of living in this constant anxiety of “What if my chandelier breaks? Consider getting the help of professional movers or a friend.

Ideally, you should hire a professional moving company to move your chandelier to avoid any risk of breakage or injury.  

Professional movers have the required tools and equipment to transport your antique item to your new home.

Delegate the difficult aspects of moving to expert movers and make your move as stress-free as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to move a chandelier?

The cost of moving a chandelier ranges from $100 to $900.

However, this range is not fixed; the price can vary depending on several factors, including distance, weight, and whether a customized crate is involved. 

2. How do I move a glass chandelier?

Chandeliers are heavy and fragile, so you should hire a chandelier mover who knows how to handle glass chandeliers carefully.

However, if you plan to transport your chandelier yourself, bubble wrap it, put it in a moving box or crate, and secure it.

If the chandelier has delicate parts, you can disassemble it first.

3. How do I dispose of old chandeliers?

You can dispose of old chandeliers through salvage shops or other community organizations.

Salvage shops usually have a high demand for working chandeliers, and many community organizations use donated chandeliers when rehabilitating low-income homes. 

4. Do I need an electrician to install chandeliers?

Yes, it is often recommended to hire an electrician to ensure the proper installation of a chandelier.

Hiring a licensed electrician is more convenient and safe than installing it on your own.