Issuu

FALL/WINTER 2026

A digital magazine for people on the move

The Strategic Edit What stays, what goes, what’s next P R E - M OV E A DV IC E

Pack Smarter, Stress Less Tips for every packing personality

Get the Best Off-Season Experience More flexibility, less stress, smoother move

Pay Now or Over Time Give your budget some breathing room

Keep Your Move in Check Your step-by-step countdown

Fall/Winter 2026

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Table of Contents

FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 2 6

M A KE YO U R F IRST H O LIDAY SEASON FEEL LI K E H OM E Fresh traditions, local discoveries and simple ways to celebrate somewhere new

AS K BE TS E Y: H O L I DAY-M OV E E DIT IO N United’s official moving maven shares her advice for keeping the season manageable when a move is in the mix

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PAY NOW OR OVE R T IM E : YO U N OW HAV E A CHOICE Financing your move through Acorn Finance is a great way to customize your move experience without using savings or credit cards

PROTECTING FR AGIL E HOL IDAY DEC OR A few extra minutes of careful packing can help protect treasured ornaments and heirlooms on the journey

W H Y FA L L A ND E ARLYW I N T E R M OV E RS GE T T HE B E ST E X P E RIE NCE More scheduling flexibility, experienced crews and a calmer pace can make a late-year move one of the smartest decisions you make

M OVI N G W I TH O UT A S L I P -U P Colder weather calls for a few extra supplies — here’s what to have on hand for a safer, smoother winter move

T H E ST R AT EGIC E DIT Decluttering before a move isn’t about getting rid of everything — it’s about deciding what belongs in your next chapter

KE E P YO U R MOV E IN CHECK A week-by-week checklist to help you stay organized from the first estimate through settling in

PAC K S M A RT E R, ST R E S S L E S S A little planning now can make moving day feel a whole lot lighter, no matter your packing personality

L E T T E R FRO M T HE E DITO R

Make Time for What Matters The holiday season can fill a calendar quickly. Between gatherings, travel, traditions and everyday responsibilities, time often feels like the one thing we could all use a little more of. Add a move to the mix, and thoughtful planning becomes especially valuable. Getting organized early can help keep moving tasks from taking over the season. A clear timeline, smarter packing strategies and the right level of support can make the details easier to manage while giving you more freedom to focus on the people and experiences that deserve your attention. That same practical approach runs throughout this issue. We’re sharing ways to pack more efficiently, prepare for cold-weather moving conditions, streamline your belongings and stay ahead of moving-day details. Each tip is designed to help you approach your move with greater confidence and fewer last-minute demands on your time. We know every move comes with its own priorities. Helping you manage the logistics more efficiently can create a little more breathing room during an already busy season, whether you spend it around the dinner table, catching up with family or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home. Some of the best parts of the holidays can’t be scheduled or checked off a list. Sometimes, making room for them begins with making everything else a little easier. Here's to time for the moments that matter,

Jennifer Olvera Editor-in-Chief

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Make Your First Holiday Season Feel Like Home Moving during the holidays can add a little extra chaos to an already busy season. But celebrating somewhere new also gives you a chance to make fresh memories, discover local traditions and start feeling at home.

Start a New Tradition

Keep the traditions you love but leave room for something new. Try a local holiday event, cook a dish inspired by your new city or start a simple ritual that marks this next chapter.

Give Back Locally

Volunteering is a meaningful way to connect with your new community. Look for food banks, toy drives, shelters or neighborhood organizations that could use an extra hand during the holidays.

Explore Like a Local Mix Old Favorites with New Finds

Unpack a few favorite decorations, then add something that reflects your new surroundings. A locally made ornament, regional keepsake or piece from a neighborhood shop can become part of your holiday story for years to come.

Meet Your Neighbors

The holidays offer an easy opportunity to say hello. Drop off a small treat, attend a neighborhood gathering or simply introduce yourself. A quick connection can go a long way toward making a new place feel familiar.

Get to Know Your Neighborhood From local culture and things to do to everyday essentials, United Van Lines’ City and State Guides can help you learn more about your new community — and feel at home a little sooner. Explore the City and State Guides at UnitedVanLines.com.

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See what makes the season special where you live now. Check out holiday markets, light displays, concerts, winter festivals or other traditions unique to your new area.

Send a Little Home Share your new surroundings with the people you miss. Send holiday cards featuring your new home, tuck in a local postcard or share a favorite photo from your first few weeks.

Ask Betsey ADVICE FROM UNITED’S OFFICIAL MOVING MAVEN

We’re planning to move during the holidays. I’m worried about juggling packing, moving day and all the usual holiday activities. Can you give me any tips for keeping everything manageable? — PERPLEXED IN POUGHKEEPSIE

Dear Perplexed,   Absolutely! A holiday move calls for a little extra planning … and perhaps a little less pressure to do everything you normally would. Start by simplifying your holiday plans and decide which traditions are keepers this year. Leave a few favorite decorations, gifts and seasonal essentials separate from the rest of your packed belongings so they’re easy to find. If you’re buying gifts, have them shipped directly to their recipients instead of moving them with you. It’s also a good idea to have coats, boots, gloves and weather-related moving supplies close at hand. And remember, holiday schedules can affect everything from mover availability to store hours and deliveries, so confirm important dates and arrangements early. Most of all, give yourself permission to celebrate differently this year. A favorite meal, a few decorations or a quiet evening in your new home may be all you need to make the season feel special. Once the move is behind you, you’ll have plenty of time to unpack and start making holiday memories in your new space! All the best,   Betsey Betsey Malone is the granddaughter of “Bette Malone,” United Van Lines’ official “Moving Consultant” from 1957 through the 1970s. Got a question? Reach out to Betsey at housekey@unitedvanlines.com and you may see the answer in an upcoming issue.

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When Financing May Make Sense When several expenses are competing for your budget at once, paying over time provides greater flexibility. It may also allow you to consider adding services that could make your move easier. That’s why it’s good to know that with Acorn Finance, there are financing options available for eligible United moving and storage services costing at least $1,000. In addition to transportation, that can include certain related services. For example, full-service packing assistance can reduce the amount of time and physical effort required before moving day. Electronics setup will ensure your monitor and other equipment is installed properly — and our debris removal service can help get things move-in ready from the start.

FINANCING YO UR MOVE

Pay Now or Over Time: You Now Have a Choice with Aside from planning, prepping and packing, there’s another important move-related question you need to answer: How will you pay for it? A full-service move can represent a significant expense, particularly when it coincides with other costs such as travel, deposits or other 5

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typical costs associated with a new home. Some people use their savings or a credit card. For eligible residential interstate moves booked through United Van Lines, financing through Acorn Finance offers another option that allows you to spread eligible moving expenses over monthly payments.

Where Acorn Finance Fits In United Van Lines agents will provide the moving services; however, they are not lenders, loan brokers, lender agents or loan advisers. Instead, eligible customers can work with Acorn Finance, an online lending marketplace that connects borrowers with participating lenders. Also be aware that rates, fees, repayment periods and other terms are determined by the lender you select.

From Moving Quote to Financing The process starts with your move rather than your loan application. First, request a United quote and

complete your in-home or virtual survey. Once you’ve determined the services you need, you can explore financing through Acorn’s online marketplace if your move is eligible. Acorn uses a soft credit check to show prequalified loan offers, and reviewing these initial options will not affect your credit score. If you decide to proceed with an offer, the lender may perform a hard credit check before final approval. If your loan is approved, the lender provides the funds directly to you. You then pay the United agent through the normal process. We can even accept your moving payment through the MyUnited Move Portal.

Pause Before You Apply Financing is not necessarily the right solution for every move. Before accepting an offer, carefully review the interest rate, fees, monthly payment, repayment period and total cost of borrowing. The advantage is having another choice. By understanding your moving costs and financing options upfront, you can decide which services make sense for your move and which way of paying for them makes the most sense for your budget. Your United Move Coordinator is always available to help get you started.

Protecting Fragile Holiday Décor Fragile holiday décor has a way of becoming more meaningful with time, which makes careful packing worth the extra few minutes. Before anything goes into a box, give ornaments, figurines, glassware and other delicate pieces their own layer of protection. Start by wrapping each item individually in tissue paper, bubble wrap or packing paper. Avoid printed newspaper, which can transfer ink onto light-colored or porous surfaces. For especially delicate ornaments, place wrapped pieces in divided ornament boxes or small individual cartons so they can’t knock against one another. Choose sturdy containers that are appropriately sized. A box that’s too large leaves room for shifting, while an overpacked one puts pressure on fragile contents. Fill empty spaces with crumpled packing paper, air pillows or soft linens to keep everything secure without adding unnecessary weight. For wreaths, garlands and decorative greenery, use dedicated storage bags or wide, shallow containers that prevent crushing. Wrap lights loosely around a spool, piece of cardboard or cord organizer to reduce tangling and strain on the wires. Finally, label every container clearly — and be specific. “Holiday Décor” is helpful, but “Fragile Glass Ornaments” is better. Mark boxes containing breakables as fragile and store them on top of heavier bins, preferably in a dry, temperaturecontrolled area. Good packing protects more than decorations; it helps preserve the pieces you’ll look forward to unpacking next year.

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Why Fall and EarlyWinter Movers Get the

Best Experience Timing may not seem like the most important part of a move — until it is. Moving later in the year may not be the obvious choice, but it can be one of the smartest. With more scheduling flexibility, a more measured pace and easier access to experienced crews, fall and earlywinter moves can offer a smoother, more personalized experience from start to finish. When most people picture moving season, they picture summer. The days are long, school is out and “For Sale” signs seem to multiply overnight. But while peak season gets most of the attention, the final months of the year offer some compelling advantages of their own. For movers with flexibility, fall and early winter can be an especially favorable time to relocate. Demand typically eases after the summer rush, creating more room in the schedule and, in many cases, a calmer moving experience overall. That doesn’t mean every late-year move will be effortless. Weather, shorter daylight hours and the holidays can all add complications. But with thoughtful planning and an experienced moving team, those factors are manageable and the tradeoffs can be well worth it. 7

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More Room in the Schedule One of the biggest advantages of moving later in the year is flexibility. During peak summer months, popular moving dates can fill quickly. Families may be coordinating around school calendars, home closings and job start dates, which puts added pressure on certain weekends and end-of-month timeframes. By fall, that pressure often begins to ease. With fewer households moving at the same time, customers may have more options when choosing their moving date. That can be especially helpful when a closing changes, construction runs behind or another unexpected wrinkle affects the timeline. Instead of trying to fit a move into one narrow window, there may be more opportunity to choose a date that works with the rest of your schedule. Booking early still matters — particularly around Thanksgiving and the December holidays — but greater availability can give movers something that’s hard to come by during a busy transition: breathing room.

A More Efficient Moving Day Less congestion can also help the move itself feel more streamlined. During the busiest part of the year, roads, loading zones, apartment elevators and storage facilities can all be competing for attention. Fall and winter often bring fewer moving trucks on the road and less activity at common moving destinations. That can make logistics easier to coordinate. Experienced professional movers also know how to adjust to seasonal conditions. They can plan around shorter daylight hours, monitor the forecast and take steps to protect flooring and entryways when rain, snow or mud are part of the equation.

More Attention Where It Matters A good move is about more than transportation. It’s also about planning, communication, timing and problem-solving when something changes. A less hectic season can create more opportunity for those details to get the attention they deserve. That might mean having more time to talk through packing options, storage needs or special handling for furniture and fragile items. It may mean building a timeline around a complicated closing.

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"Fall and early winter can offer a quieter window, greater scheduling choice and an experience that feels deliberate rather than rushed." Or it could simply mean having fewer moving parts competing for attention at once. For customers, that can translate into an experience that feels more personal and less rushed. It’s especially useful for moves involving extra considerations, such as downsizing, temporary storage, valuable furnishings or a transition between homes that happens over time rather than all in one go.

A Smart Season for Bigger Transitions Fall and early-winter moves often coincide with other major life changes: a new job, a home purchase, retirement, downsizing or a move closer to family. Because those transitions can involve more than simply changing addresses, having flexibility built into the moving process can be valuable. Storage, for example, can bridge the gap if one home isn’t ready when another needs to be vacated. A flexible schedule can also make it easier to coordinate cleaners, contractors or deliveries without stacking everything into the same few days. Even the season itself can work in your favor. Cooler temperatures can make the physical moving process more comfortable than a hot midsummer day, particularly when loading and unloading take several hours. And once the move is complete, settling in during fall or early winter can have its own appeal: Unpacking before the holidays, exploring a new neighborhood during a festive season and beginning the new year already at home.

Plan for the Season

Moving later in the year comes with a different checklist. Monitor the forecast in both your current and new locations. Keep coats, gloves, boots and other coldweather essentials with you rather than packed deep in the moving truck. Make sure heat, electricity and other utilities are working before you arrive. If snow or ice is possible, keep driveways, sidewalks and entrances clear. It’s also worth remembering that daylight disappears

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quickly late in the year, so an early start can make a meaningful difference. None of those steps are complicated — they simply reflect the season. And that’s ultimately what makes a fall or early-winter move work so well: Planning around the conditions instead of fighting them.

A Quieter Season, a Smoother Start Summer may be the traditional moving season, but traditional doesn’t always mean better. For movers who have some flexibility, fall and early winter can offer a quieter window, greater scheduling choice and an experience that feels deliberate rather than rushed. Pair that with an experienced moving team, and the season many people overlook may turn out to be one of the best times to make a move. Sometimes, going against the moving-season rush is exactly what makes the journey easier.

Your Move Has a Story. We Wrote the Companion Guide. Whether you’re knee-deep in bubble wrap or already scoping out the best brunch spot in your new neighborhood, our blog has something for every stage of your moving journey. Expert advice, real-world tips and a few things you didn’t know you needed to know — all in one place. Dive in

on the blog.

2 EXTR A TOWELS AND ABSORBENT R AGS Keep a supply near exterior doors to wipe up melted snow if surfaces get slippery. They're also useful for keeping entryways and surfaces dry.

3 Q UALITY PACKING TAPE Cold temperatures can make adhesives less effective. If you’re moving yourself, choose tape specifically designed for packing that will hold up under a range of temperatures. Make sure boxes are securely sealed before they’re out the door.

4 MOVING I N COLD WEATHER

Moving Without a Slip-up.

Colder weather has moving challenges you don’t encounter during peak season. Snow, ice, freezing temperatures and wet conditions can affect everything from your floors to the boxes you’re transporting. That’s why having a few season-specific supplies ready can help make moving day safer and more manageable. In addition to the supplies we recommend for every move, your fall/ winter checklist should also include these items: 1

HEAV Y-D UTY PL ASTIC SHEETING OR FLO OR RUNNERS Snow and slush can quickly get tracked indoors. If it’s a DIY move, use plastic sheeting, waterproof tarps or floor runners to help protect hardwood, carpeting and other flooring, particularly along high-traffic routes between the entrance and moving truck. Moving with United? It’s all handled for you!

SNOW AND ICE SUPPLIES Rather than packing them on the truck, keep a snow shovel and ice scraper handy. Also make sure there’s an ice melt or sand on hand to help keep walkways, steps and loading areas safe and slip resistant. If the weather’s snowy, clear walkways, steps and driveways before moving begins, and check them periodically throughout the day.

5 COLD-WEATHER ESSENTIALS BOX This is specifically for items that will be traveling with you if you’ll be traveling through inclement weather. Include extra gloves, hats, dry socks, hand warmers and other items you might need. For more help, check out our packing tips.

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DECLUTTERING 101

The Strategic Edit EVERY I T EM YO U LET GO OF I S ONE LESS BOX TO PAC K , U NPAC K A ND FI ND A PL AC E FOR

Moving has a way of forcing decisions you’ve been putting off. Suddenly, every chair, box, appliance and stack of “maybe someday” items has to earn its place. That’s where a strategic edit comes in.

Instead of treating decluttering as a last-minute purge, think of it as a way to make your move lighter, more intentional and easier to manage. The goal isn’t to get rid of everything. It’s to decide what belongs in your next chapter, what can be released and what simply needs to wait in storage.

What Stays

Start with the things that support the way you actually live. Everyday furniture, kitchen essentials, clothing you wear regularly and items with real sentimental value usually make the cut. It can also help to think about your new space. Will your current dining table fit? Do you need three bookcases if your new home has built-ins? Are there pieces that worked in your old layout but won’t make sense in the next one? Keep what is useful, meaningful or difficult to replace.

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If an item checks none of those boxes, it may be worth reconsidering.

What Goes

Moving is a good time to let go of items that are broken, duplicated, outgrown or simply no longer used. Be realistic here. The waffle maker you haven’t touched in five years probably doesn’t need to cross state lines with you. Neither do clothes that no longer fit your life, stacks of old paperwork or furniture you’ve been meaning to replace anyway. Create clear categories for donating, selling, recycling and discarding. The earlier you start, the more options you’ll have — and the less likely you are to make rushed decisions when moving day gets closer. For sentimental items, give yourself a little more room. You don’t have to keep everything to keep the memory.

Choosing one meaningful piece from a larger collection can be enough.

What Gets Stored

Storage can be useful when you’re not ready to make a permanent decision — but it works best when it has a purpose. Seasonal décor, off-season clothing, family heirlooms and furniture you plan to use in a future home can all be good candidates. Storage can also help if you’re downsizing temporarily, staging a home for sale or moving into a space with a very different layout. What you want to avoid is using storage as a holding zone for things you already know you don’t want. If you wouldn’t pay to replace it, consider whether it’s worth paying to store. Label boxes clearly, keep an inventory and place frequently needed items where they’re easy to reach.

STOR E SEA SONA L DÉC OR I N C LEA R LY L A BELED BOXES

A thoughtful edit won’t just reduce what you have to pack. It can make unpacking easier, help your new home feel more intentional and give you a cleaner start from day one.

H OST I NG A G A R AGE SA LE H ELPS C LEA R C LUT T ER BEFOR E M OVI NG DAY

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Keep Your Move in Check Moving is a multi-step process, but a little planning can make that process much more manageable. Use this checklist to stay up to speed, week by week. 2-3 MONTHS BEFORE

Organize!

7 WEEKS BEFORE

Get the Details in Order

Create a moving folder for estimates, documents, services and important contacts

Notify employers and schools and arrange to transfer important records

Set a moving budget and decide whether to hire a professional mover like United

Review and update insurance policies Decide what to move, sell, donate or discard

8 WEEKS BEFORE

Do Your Research Research moving companies, read reviews and verify credentials to avoid moving scams Schedule an in-person or virtual survey to get an accurate estimate

6 WEEKS BEFORE

Make Travel Arrangements Book transportation and overnight accommodations Arrange to service or ship your vehicle if necessary

5 WEEKS BEFORE

MOVING DAY

Protect and Prep

Stay Focused

Back up important documents and secure valuables

Direct movers as needed

Gather packing supplies and continue decluttering

Be available to complete paperwork and check belongings as they’re unloaded

4 WEEKS BEFORE

Get Packing Pack non-essential belongings first and clearly label each box

3 WEEKS BEFORE

Re-orient Your Info

SETTLING IN

Make Yourself at Home Give your new home a clean sweep first, then unpack gradually Assemble furniture and stock up on necessities for your first week

Update your address with the post office and other organizations Schedule utilities at your new home

2 WEEKS BEFORE

Handle Final Details Clean and prepare appliances and arrange servicing if needed Confirm travel plans

Get to Know Your New Hometown Getting to know a new city can start well before moving day. United Van Lines’ City and State Guides offer helpful insights into neighborhoods, cost of living, local culture, things to do and more, so you arrive feeling more familiar with the place you’ll soon call home. Explore City and State Guides

1 WEEK BEFORE

Prep for Move Out Finish packing and get your home ready for the movers Set aside and label luggage, documents, valuables and anything traveling with you Prepare a first-night kit with clothing, toiletries, medications, chargers and other essentials

PACKING 101

Pack Smarter, Stress Less A little planning now can make moving day feel a whole lot lighter. Fall has a way of making fresh starts feel natural. But before you can settle into your new space, there’s packing to tackle — boxes, tape, decisions and all. The good news? A little planning can go a long way. Whether you’re packing up a studio apartment or a five-bedroom house, these tried-and-true tips can help you stay organized, protect what matters and make the process feel more manageable.

Three Things You’ll Thank Yourself for Later L ABEL MORE THAN THE TOP. Mark the sides of your boxes, too, so you can tell what’s inside even when they’re stacked. KEEP HARDWARE TO GETHER. Use zip-top bags for screws, cords and small parts, then label each bag and store in a clearly marked “Parts Box.”

You Don’t Have to Pack Perfectly Packing is really a series of small decisions: What to keep, what to donate and what deserves three layers of bubble wrap. Take it one box at a time and remember progress counts.

PACK FOR YO UR FIRST NIGHT. Set aside a suitcase or first night box with the things you’ll want right away, including toiletries, chargers, sheets, medications and a fresh change of clothes. This box should travel with you, not in the moving van.

A Few More Tips from the Pros 1

Keep liquids separate from electronics. Future you will be glad you did.

Leave lightweight clothing and soft goods in drawers when appropriate.

Put towels and linens to work cushioning glassware and other breakables.

Wrap small items in brightly colored paper so they’re easier to spot during unpacking.

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Packing Help, Your Way

You don’t have to do everything yourself. United Van Lines offers full and partial packing services, so you can choose what you want to handle and get help with the rest. Prefer to DIY? Our packing resources can help you get started.

Watch step-bystep packing videos

Browse our expert packing checklists

See what can’t go on the truck (yes, bleach counts)

Packing by Personality

Everyone approaches packing a little differently. Find the style that sounds most like you — and make it work in your favor.

The Procrastinator

The Minimalist

You haven’t started yet. The calendar says you probably should.

You’ve already edited your belongings down to the essentials. DO

Pack room by room.

Set a 20-minute timer and tackle one small area at a time.

D O N’T

Assume you’ll remember what’s in that “misc.” box.

DON’T

Leave the whole kitchen for last.

The Maximalist

You still have your corsage — and maybe your prom dress. DO

Get more boxes than you think. DON’T

Pack by sentiment alone. Organize by category so unpacking is easier.

The Aesthetic Overachiever

Your color-coding system has a color-coding system. DO

Use smaller boxes to keep the pantry and craft supplies organized. D ON’T

Spend so much time making it pretty that you forget to keep it practical. Fall/Winter 2026

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BUY BOX ES RENT TR UCK BUY MOR E BOXES BORROW MOVING PRAY CO D O L L Y UCH FITS PAY FRIE NDS WITH RENT BI P I Z Z A GGER TR UCK ICE BACK REPLACE B R O K EN LAMP APOLOGIZ E TO PAR TNER

WE'LL SAVE YOU 47 STEPS. Why turn moving day into a full-time job? We handle the packing, loading, driving and heavy lifting so your to-do list stays blissfully short.