How to Store Clocks
Nov 3, 2025 / Public Storage
If you’re wondering how to store your clocks, the answer is simple: treat them with care, keep them steady, and give them a calm, consistent environment to rest in. Whether you’re packing away a wall clock, a mantel clock, or that quirky cuckoo bird that announces every hour, the process is easier than you might think.
Start with a Clean Slate
Before you stash your clocks, take a few minutes to clean them. Gently dust the casing with a soft cloth, paying attention to crevices where grime might build up. If your clock runs on batteries, remove them so they don’t corrode while in storage. For plug-in models, neatly wrap the cords and secure them with a twist tie or rubber band. You’re not just tidying up. You’re setting your clocks up for success when it’s time to hang them again.
What Kind of Space Works Best?
Think about your storage space like a comfortable room in your home. Clocks like stability, steady temperatures, and moderate humidity help keep metal parts from rusting and wood from warping. A consistent indoor environment, like the kind you’d find in a well-maintained storage unit, is perfect for helping your clocks rest easy.
Wrap, Pack, and Stack with Care
Once your clocks are clean and prepped, it’s time to pack. Wrap each clock in soft packing paper to cushion it from bumps. Stay away from bubble or plastic wrap as they can trap moisture. For wall clocks, remove any pendulums or detachable parts and pack them separately. Use sturdy boxes and fill any empty spaces with crumpled paper or soft padding so nothing shifts during transport. Label each box clearly—“Kitchen Clock” or “Living Room Mantel Clock”—so unpacking later feels like a breeze.
How Do You Store Different Types of Clocks?
Not all clocks tick alike, and that’s part of their charm.
- Wall clocks: Store them upright in their boxes, not flat, to avoid pressure on the glass.
- Mantel clocks: Wrap them snugly and place them on a stable surface inside your unit.
- Cuckoo or decorative clocks: Remove any weights or hanging chains before packing them away. These can be stored in smaller boxes within the same container to keep everything together.
- Digital clocks: Remove batteries and cords, and store them in dry, dust-free containers.
Make Unpacking a Joy
When it’s time to revamp your space or bring your clocks back home, you’ll be glad you organized everything ahead of time. By following these simple steps, you can store your clocks with confidence, knowing they’ll keep perfect time when you’re ready to display them again. Whether you’re decluttering, moving, or just saving them for a rainy day, a Public Storage unit offers a steady spot for every tick-tock treasure.
Features and amenities vary by location, facility, and unit. “Climate-controlled” and related terms (such as air-conditioned, heated, or humidistat-equipped) describe storage spaces designed to help maintain more consistent temperature or humidity levels compared to non-climate-controlled units. Public Storage does not guarantee temperature or humidity ranges. Availability, features, and unit types may differ by location, facility, and unit. Please confirm with your facility whether specific climate-controlled features are available on units at that location.