“Safety Third”

Safety Third:

A Moving Philosophy from Packhorse Moving

At Packhorse Moving, safety is paramount.

We ensure our team is equipped with training, the right tools, and protocols to minimize risks on every job.

But let’s be honest — moving furniture isn't always "safe."

Sometimes, the task at hand demands navigating tight stairwells, maneuvering a massive sectional through a tiny doorway, or lifting a fragile heirloom up a narrow spiral staircase.

That’s where the philosophy of "Safety Third" comes into play.

The idea of “Safety Third” might sound counterintuitive, even reckless at first glance.

Popularized by Mike Rowe, it doesn’t mean safety isn’t important.

Quite the contrary. It means that in the real world, accomplishing a goal sometimes requires stepping outside the neat boundaries of absolute safety.

The goal is not to ignore safety but to acknowledge that risk is inherent in certain tasks and to approach those tasks with a balance of skill, awareness, and common sense.

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The Realities of Moving:

Safety in the Real World

Our movers, just like the farmers, oil rig workers, or fishermen Mike Rowe describes, sometimes face situations where absolute safety would mean walking away from the job altogether.

Take, for example, a beloved antique armoire destined for a third-floor bedroom in a historic home. The staircase is narrow, the turns are sharp, and there’s no freight elevator in sight.

The safest option? Advise the client to leave it on the ground floor or store it in the garage. But that’s not why we’re here. We’re here to move that armoire.

Safely if we can - creatively if we must!

Our team assesses the challenge. We use lifting straps, padding, and sheer ingenuity to overcome what at first seemed impossible. Sometimes, this means taking calculated risks, lifting heavier loads than we’d prefer, squeezing through tight spaces where fingers and toes might be at risk, or working in conditions that aren’t ideal.

These risks aren’t taken lightly. They’re calculated and executed with an unwavering focus on the bigger picture, delivering exceptional service to our clients.

Take a look at this example...

There is no stair railing!

Are we too just leave all of the furniture on the 1st floor? Of course not! But, if we applied the "safety first" philosophy we would probably avoid the risk as this is not considered "safe".

By applying our shared philosophy with Mike Rowe - "safety third".

Moral of the story - the job was completed and the client was satisfied - with no injuries or damages.

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Balancing Safety and Success

“Safety Third” is not about recklessness; it’s about prioritizing the mission.

We’re not saying safety doesn’t matter. It does. What we’re saying is that when push comes to shove (and sometimes it’s literal), our job is to get the job done.

That’s why we stress training and teamwork. When our crew knows their equipment and trusts one another, they’re able to make smarter decisions in the moment, even if those decisions carry some degree of risk.

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How We Approach "Safety Third"

1. Preparation: Every job begins with a detailed plan. We inspect the space, measure tricky areas, and communicate openly with the client about potential challenges.

   
   

2. Training: Our movers are experts at lifting, carrying, and maneuvering heavy and awkward items. From knowing how to use lifting straps effectively to practicing proper body mechanics, our training focuses on minimizing risk even in less-than-ideal scenarios.

   
   

3. Adaptability: When a curveball is thrown our way, we adapt. Maybe the stairs are narrower than expected, or the couch simply won’t fit through the front door. Creativity and flexibility become our greatest tools.

   
   

4. Focus: On challenging moves, distractions can spell disaster. That’s why our team emphasizes focus and clear communication to ensure everyone is on the same page when executing tricky maneuvers.

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A Promise to Our Clients

At Packhorse Moving, “Safety Third” doesn’t mean we’re putting safety on the backburner.

It means we’re committed to doing whatever it takes to deliver for our clients while respecting the realities of the job.

When you hire us, you’re hiring a team that values skill, ingenuity, and professionalism.

You’re hiring a team that understands sometimes, the best way to move forward is to take on the challenge with eyes wide open, risks acknowledged, and solutions at the ready.

In short, we’re here to move you, even when the path forward isn’t perfectly safe.

And we do it with pride, skill, and an unwavering commitment to the mission!