May 14, 2026
Meet Jakob Clearman, Thumbs Up Moving Labor’s May 2026 Mover of the Month, known for expert truck loading, customer care, and stress-free moving support.
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Moving is often cited as one of life’s most stressful events, but for Jakob Clearman, it’s just another opportunity to make a new friend and solve a complex puzzle. As we continue our mission to provide the best moving labor in the Pacific Northwest, we are thrilled to spotlight Jakob as our Mover of the Month for May 2026.
Jakob represents the heart of our crew: hardworking, honest, and physically driven to provide a "Thumbs Up" experience for every family he serves. In this special feature, we’re diving into Jakob’s background, his expert moving tips, and the passion that makes him a standout member of our team.
Originally from Walla Walla, Washington, Jakob made the move to Bellingham three years ago to pursue his college education. Like many of our best movers, Jakob wasn’t looking for a desk job; he wanted a role that would keep him active and allow him to use his sports background to stay fit while contributing to the community.
"I was looking for a physical and active job," Jakob explains. "I joined Thumbs Up Labor and have loved every second of my two years with the company". For Jakob, the physical nature of the work isn't a chore; it's a lifestyle. His history in sports translates perfectly to the coordination and endurance required for a long day on the ramp.
But if you ask Jakob what has kept him in the industry for two years, he won't talk about the heavy lifting first. He'll talk about you. "The clients keep me passionate," he says. "Helping people out and meeting new friends every day makes the job not feel like work".
Meet the rest of the crew: Jakob is just one of the many dedicated professionals on our roster. Check out our Team Page to see the faces behind the heavy lifting.
Anyone who has ever stared at a mountain of boxes knows the feeling of rising panic. Jakob’s primary goal on every job site is to act as a "stress-reducer."
"Moving is a very stressful thing to do," Jakob notes. "Making it as easy and stress-free as possible really helps people with their experience, and I love to help them". This empathy is what separates a "muscle-only" mover from a true service professional. Jakob understands that he isn't just moving furniture; he's moving a person's life and memories.
One of Jakob's most memorable experiences involved a client who was convinced their move was too big for a single trip. They had already rented two trucks and were visibly stressed about the logistics and the mounting costs.
Jakob and his co-workers didn't just see a truck; they saw a game of high-stakes Tetris. "We were not only able to fit it all, but we saved them money and time by only using one truck for everything," Jakob recalls. By the end of the day, the stress had evaporated, and everyone was in a great mood. That ability to save a client hundreds of dollars through sheer packing skill—similar to the efficiencies suggested by U-Haul's loading guides—is exactly why Jakob is our Mover of the Month.
See what our customers are saying: Our commitment to saving you time and money shows in our feedback. Read our latest Reviews to see why clients trust us with their biggest moves.
After two years on the front lines, Jakob has seen it all. We asked him for his top three pieces of advice for customers preparing for a big transition:
When clients see Jakob approaching a massive armoire or a heavy washing machine, they are often surprised by how easily he handles it. His secret? Forearm straps.
"They make heavy items light and always impress the clients," he shares. It’s this combination of the right tools—like those found in Penske’s moving supplies—and the right technique that ensures your furniture is moved without damage to the item or your walls.
Every mover eventually meets a doorway or a stairway that looks like a dead end for a piece of furniture. Jakob takes pride in the fact that the Thumbs Up crew never gives up.
"Whether we take it apart or make an adjustment, we always make it work," Jakob says. This "never-give-up" attitude is a core value of our company. We believe that with enough honesty and effort, there is a solution to every moving challenge.
In a competitive industry, Jakob stands out because of his relentless work ethic and his genuine love for his co-workers and clients. He is the first person to volunteer for extra shifts and the last one to leave until the job is done right.
"I’m always looking for hours and shifts, and I love working with everyone," Jakob says. His social life and his professional life are connected by a single thread: a love for helping people. When he isn't on a moving job, he’s likely using that same energy to stay active and engaged with his friends in the Bellingham community.
Are you like Jakob? Do you have a background in sports, a love for staying active, and a passion for helping your neighbors navigate stressful times? Organizations like Move for Hunger highlight how moving professionals can make a massive community impact, and we strive for that same level of service.
We are always looking for hardworking individuals to join our growing team. At Thumbs Up Labor, we provide more than just a paycheck; we provide a supportive community where your hard work is noticed and celebrated.
Start your journey: If you’re ready for a job that keeps you fit and lets you make a real difference, visit our Careers Page to apply today.
If there is one lesson Jakob has learned over the last two years, it’s the power of transparency. "Being open and honest with clients always makes everyone happy and stress-free," he concludes.
Congratulations, Jakob, on being our May 2026 Mover of the Month! Thank you for your hard work, your "forearm strap" magic, and for making the community a little less stressed, one move at a time.
