FALL/WINTER 2026
A digital magazine about moving and settling in
Move Now, Pay Later? Financing that takes the pressure off
Holiday Moving Checklist Stay on track this season
Hidden Perks of Moving Off Peak Why cooler months may be your smartest moving season
Letting Go and Moving On The emotional side of decluttering
New Traditions, New Address Carrying what matters into your next chapter
LE T T E R FROM T H E E D ITOR | FALL/ W IN T E R 20 26
A Place to Come Home To There’s something especially meaningful about home this time of year. As the days grow shorter and the calendar fills with gatherings, traditions and familiar rituals, we tend to appreciate the places and people that make us feel grounded. In a world that often moves at light speed, home can offer a sense of comfort, continuity and belonging. Of course, home doesn’t always stay in the same place. A move may mean leaving behind a kitchen where countless holiday meals were made, neighbors who became friends or rooms filled with memories you never thought much about until it was time to pack them up. Those connections matter, but moving forward doesn’t mean leaving them behind. In many ways, a new home gives us an opportunity to decide what we want to carry with us — from treasured belongings and family traditions to the everyday routines that make a place feel like ours. It also gives us room to create something new. That spirit runs through this issue. We’re looking at the emotional side of decluttering, sharing ideas for carrying favorite traditions into a new home and offering practical ways to make a fall or winter move feel easier. For generations, Mayflower has helped people navigate moves during every season of life. Wherever this one finds you, we hope your home continues to be a place where memories are made, traditions evolve and the people who matter most always feel welcome. Here’s to feeling at home, wherever life takes you.
JENNIFER OLVERA Editor-in-Chief
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Welcome HOME Fall/Winter 2026
Contents FALL/WINTER 2026
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IS MOVE NOW, PAY LATER RIGHT FOR YOU? Financing your move through Acorn Finance could ease the upfront burden and unlock services that simplify the journey
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HIDDEN PERKS OF MOVING OFF PEAK Why cooler months may be your smartest moving season — from flexible scheduling to potential savings
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NEW TRADITIONS, NEW ADDRESS
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LETTING GO AND MOVING ON
YOUR HOLIDAY-SEASON MOVING CHECKLIST
Decluttering before a move isn’t
A move can change where you
A week-by-week guide to staying
deciding what deserves a place in
celebrate without changing what
organized during the busiest time
the next chapter
makes the season feel like yours
of year
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just about fewer boxes — it’s about
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SAFE TRAVELS FOR YOUR HOLIDAY TREASURES
ASK THE EXPERT: WHAT SHOULD I PACK IN MY FIRST NIGHT BOX?
How to pack fragile ornaments,
The essentials that help you settle
heirlooms and seasonal decorations
in, recharge and get a good night’s
so they arrive in one piece
sleep
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The right supplies can make
Stay organized and protect your
packing easier, protect what
belongings, whether you’re moving
matters and help moving day go a
across town or across the country
THE MOVING SUPPLIES YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU HAVE
PACKING PRIMER: SIMPLE TIPS FOR AN EASIER MOVE
little more smoothly
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New Traditions, New Address A move can change where you celebrate without changing what makes the season feel like yours. The first holiday season in a new home can feel a little different. Maybe the stockings are hanging from an unfamiliar mantel. Maybe the neighborhood lights aren’t the ones you’ve driven past for years. Maybe the family recipe you always make is being prepared in a kitchen where you still have to think twice before opening the right drawer. That mix of old and new is part of what makes a move meaningful. Rather than trying to recreate every tradition exactly as it was, give yourself permission to bring the ones you love with you — and leave a little room for new ones to take shape.
DISCOVER WHAT YOUR NEW COMMUNITY DOES BEST One of the nicest parts of celebrating somewhere new is getting to experience the traditions already happening around you. Look for tree-lighting ceremonies, winter markets, neighborhood events, seasonal performances or local restaurants with holiday
INVOLVE KIDS IN THE NEW BEGINNING
specialties. Take a drive to see
For children, moving can mean saying goodbye to a lot of familiar things
the lights. Visit a bakery you’ve
at once. Including them in holiday planning can help give them something
never tried. Ask neighbors about
positive to anticipate.
the events they look forward to each year. You don’t need to fill the calendar. Choose one or
something new to try. Maybe they pick the spot for the tree, choose a new ornament that represents the move or help plan the first family outing in your new hometown.
two experiences that sound
You can also turn your first season there into a keepsake. Take a family
genuinely fun and let them
photo outside the new house, make an ornament with the year and your new
become part of exploring your
city or start a scrapbook with pictures from your first few weeks.
new home.
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Ask what traditions they definitely want to keep, then let them choose
Welcome HOME Fall/Winter 2026
Small rituals can become the stories everyone remembers later.
BRING THE FAVORITES ALONG Traditions have a way of making a new
Safe Travels for Your Holiday Treasures Holiday decorations often carry tremendous
place feel familiar. Unpack the holiday
sentimental value, which is why giving fragile pieces a
decorations that mean the most. Make
little extra attention is well worth the effort. Whether
the meal everyone asks for each year.
you’re packing delicate ornaments, ceramic figurines
Put on the same music you always play
or treasured decorations that have become family
while decorating.
heirlooms, the right materials and techniques can
If your move means being farther from
help keep them well protected on their new journey.
family or friends, think about how a favorite tradition can travel. Schedule
Wrap fragile items individually with packing paper,
the annual cookie-decorating session
bubble wrap or other cushioning material. For glass
over video, mail a favorite treat or pick a
ornaments, divided boxes or their original packaging
date for everyone to celebrate together
can provide added protection and keep pieces
from wherever they are.
from shifting. Because ink can transfer onto some
The address may be new. The
surfaces, avoid wrapping delicate items directly in
connection doesn’t have to be.
printed newspapers or magazines.
LET THIS YEAR BE DIFFERENT
Choose sturdy boxes that are appropriately sized and
There’s no rule that says your first
cushion the bottom before adding any items. Place
holiday after a move has to be perfectly
heavier decorations toward the bottom and lighter,
unpacked, beautifully decorated or
more delicate pieces on top. Fill empty spaces with
exactly like the year before.
packing paper or other cushioning so contents can’t
If half the decorations are still in
move around.
boxes, use the favorites. If hosting feels like too much, order dinner. If everyone
Give each box a gentle shake before sealing it. If you
would rather spend the day exploring
hear or feel movement, add more cushioning.
than cooking, go explore. A new home gives you the opportunity to decide what’s worth carrying forward
Clearly label boxes “FRAGILE” and “HOLIDAY DÉCOR,” and note which side should remain upright.
— in your boxes and in your traditions. Because home isn’t defined by doing
For especially valuable or irreplaceable decorations,
everything the way you always have.
it may make sense to have the movers pack and
Sometimes, it’s created by finding new
secure them for you. Reach out to your Mayflower
ways to make the people you love feel at
Move Coordinator for advice and guidance.
home, wherever you happen to be.
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The Moving Supplies You’ll Be Glad You Have The right supplies can make packing easier, protect what matters and help moving day run a little more smoothly — especially when cold weather joins the mix. There’s a point in every move when
save you some of that scrambling.
for books, canned goods and other
the boxes seem to multiply overnight.
Before you start filling boxes, gather
heavier belongings, while larger boxes
Suddenly, you’re hunting for tape,
the basics you’ll need, from the first
are better suited to lightweight items
wondering where the markers went
packed cabinet to the final moving-
such as pillows, linens and clothing.
and trying to decide whether that
day walk-through.
certain items easier to move.
half-empty box of holiday decorations really needs another layer of bubble wrap. A well-stocked packing kit can
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Welcome HOME Fall/Winter 2026
Specialty boxes can also make
START WITH THE RIGHT BOXES
Wardrobe boxes help clothing stay
Not every box has the same job.
hanging and wrinkle-free, while dish
Smaller, sturdy boxes work well
packs and dividers provide additional
OFF-SEASON TIPS
COLD-WEATHER PACKING ESSENTIALS Moving as temperatures drop? protection for glassware and
description of what’s inside.
other fragile pieces.
Marking more than one side
Whatever you use, avoid overpacking. A box that’s difficult for you to lift may also
makes labels easier to spot once boxes are stacked. For furniture you disassemble,
be more likely to tear or shift
place screws, bolts and other
during the move.
small hardware in labeled bags and keep them with the
TAPE, CUTTERS AND THE TOOLS THAT HOLD IT TOGETHER
corresponding piece whenever possible.
one supply worth having in
GIVE FRAGILE ITEMS A LITTLE EXTRA CARE
abundance. Seal boxes securely
Packing paper, bubble wrap and
along the seams, reinforcing
other cushioning materials can
heavier cartons as needed. A tape
help protect dishes, décor and
dispenser can make repetitive
keepsakes. Towels and linens can
packing faster, while scissors
also do double duty as padding
and a box cutter are useful
for some items, helping you make
for everything from trimming
use of things you’re already
materials to opening boxes at
moving.
Quality packing tape is
your destination. Keep these tools together in
Keep heavier items toward the bottom of boxes and fill empty
a small supply caddy so they
spaces so contents don’t shift
don’t disappear into a packed box
unnecessarily in transit.
halfway through the job.
LABEL NOW, THANK YOURSELF LATER
DON’T FORGET THE LITTLE THINGS A few extras can make packing
A permanent marker may be
and cleanup easier: resealable
one of the simplest tools in your
bags for small parts, trash bags
packing kit — and one of the
for cleanup and paper towels or
most useful. Label boxes with
all-purpose cleaner for those last
the destination room and a brief
empty-room wipe-downs.
Keep these within easy reach rather than packing them deep in the truck: Ice melt: Help keep sidewalks, steps and loading areas safer if conditions turn slick. Old blankets or towels: Useful for wiping down items, protecting surfaces and adding an extra layer around belongings when needed. Cold-weather travel kit: Set aside warm layers, gloves, a scraper, flashlight and other seasonal essentials you may need on the road. A relocation may come with many moving parts, but your packing supplies don’t have to be among them. Gather what you need before you begin, keep the essentials close, and take it one box at a time. Not wanting to do the heavy lifting yourself? Mayflower’s full-service moves can include
professional
packing and unpacking services.
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T H E U LT IMAT E MOVIN G CH ECKLIST
Your Holiday-Season Moving Checklist
A week-by-week guide to staying organized during the busiest time of year Moving during the holidays can make an already-full season feel even busier. Between packing boxes, making travel plans and keeping up with celebrations, a little extra organization can go a long way. Mayflower can help keep your move on track from the first estimate through settling into your new home. Use this eightweek countdown to tackle the essentials a little at a time — and leave more room for enjoying the season.
8 WEEKS OUT SCHEDULE AN ESTIMATE Arrange for a Mayflower agent to visit or conduct a virtual survey
Ask questions now so there are
Responsibilities brochure
fewer surprises later
Confirm your move-out date and plan with your move coordinator
of your home for a personalized
Keep your coordinator’s contact
estimate
information handy
Review important moving policies Discuss any additional moving services you may need Make sure everything being moved is accounted for, including items in storage Familiarize yourself with
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Mayflower’s Rights and
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6 WEEKS OUT START YOUR CHANGE-OFADDRESS LIST Notify the post office and update
7 WEEKS OUT REVIEW THE DETAILS Read your estimate/order for service carefully Make sure you understand your move details and any services you’ve selected
your address with mail providers Update banks, insurance, subscriptions and other service providers Add holiday cards, packages and seasonal deliveries to your change-of-address checklist
5 WEEKS OUT CLEAR OUT WHAT ISN’T COMING ALONG
1 WEEK OUT TAKE CARE OF THE FINAL DETAILS
Sort belongings and organize items to sell, donate
Make sure mechanical and electrical equipment is
or discard
ready for shipping
Donate unwanted items and keep receipts for tax
Be available for any appliance preparation
purposes
Double-check that everything you plan to move is
Use up perishable foods and reduce excess household supplies Set aside anything you’ll need through the holidays
packed or clearly set aside Keep valuables, important documents and holiday travel necessities with you
so it doesn’t get packed too early
MOVE OUT DAY
Learn about our partnership with Move For Hunger
KEEP THE BIG DAY RUNNING SMOOTHLY 4 WEEKS OUT CHECK IN WITH YOUR MOVE COORDINATOR Share any changes to your inventory or moving dates Confirm your destination address and contact
Be available during loading and review the inventory and bill of lading Complete necessary paperwork and provide your destination address Keep children and pets safely away from active
information Arrange any additional stops or auto transport needs Ask about anything you’re unsure of before the final
loading areas Do one final walk-through before leaving
weeks get busy
DELIVERY DAY
Tell friends and family about your move
3 WEEKS OUT MAKE TRAVEL PLANS AND START PACKING
WELCOME YOUR BELONGINGS HOME Make sure access to your new home is clear, both inside and outside Be available during unloading and complete
Confirm travel arrangements and accommodations
necessary paperwork
Begin packing nonessential items
Check items as they arrive and note any concerns
Keep holiday essentials, gifts and important
Keep essentials easy to find so your first night feels
seasonal items somewhere easy to reach
a little more settled
2 WEEKS OUT FINISH ERRANDS AND PREP FOR TRAVEL Arrange travel plans for pets and make sure you have any needed health certificates
SETTLING IN MAKE YOUR NEW PLACE FEEL LIKE HOME Review delivered items and report any issues Arrange any additional services you need at your
Complete errands and return borrowed items
new home
Double-check your preparations and outstanding tasks
Retrieve held mail and update legal documents
Pack a separate bag with medications, chargers,
Unpack the things that make your space feel like
documents and anything you’ll want immediately
yours first — especially if the holidays are right around the corner
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Acorn Finance’s online marketplace to explore financing options.
WHAT MOVE FINANCING COVERS Having the option to finance your move can be especially helpful when you’re deciding which services make the most sense for your particular needs. Letting Mayflower handle the packing, for example, may save considerable time, effort and headaches, while storage can provide some welcome breathing room if your move-out and move-in dates don’t
Is Move Now, Pay Later Right for You?
quite line up.
We don’t have to tell you the whole moving process can become daunting
lets you compare available loan
at times. Besides settling into a new home, a new routine and a new city,
options before deciding whether
there’s also the practical matter of paying for it all. A professional, well-
financing is the best way forward.
coordinated move experience comes at a price. And when you’re dealing
If you choose an offer and proceed
with several move-related expenses all at once, it can put added pressure on
with a lender, a hard credit check may
both you and your wallet.
then be required.
HOW DO YOU QUALIFY? Acorn Finance uses a soft credit check to show you prequalified offers from their network of lenders. This
If your loan is approved, the lender
THE UPSIDES OF FINANCING Here’s something you may not
For starters, let’s clarify the
provides the funds directly to you. You then pay your Mayflower agent
know: If you’re planning an interstate
relationship between Mayflower and
for the move through the normal
move costing at least $1,000 and
Acorn Finance.
payment process. It’s also worth mentioning that your financing
booked through Mayflower, it may be
Mayflower and our agents don’t
eligible for financing through Acorn
approve or service loans, make credit
agreement can be accepted through
Finance. Depending on your needs,
decisions or recommend a particular
the MyMayflower Move Portal.
this can include not only the move
lender or loan product. Mayflower
itself but related services, such as
takes care of the actual moving
professional packing, unpacking and
services; Acorn Finance provides
electronics setup.
access to financing options through
Spreading the expense over
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HOW DOES IT WORK?
a network of lenders. Rates, fees,
predictable monthly payments frees
repayment periods and other terms
you from the financial strain of paying
are established by the lender you
off your entire moving bill right away
select.
or putting it on a credit card. It may
Otherwise, the process works like
also make it more practical to select
any other Mayflower move: You request
additional Mayflower services that
a quote, complete your home survey
can take a lot of the physical work off
and choose the services you need. If
your shoulders.
your move is eligible, you can then visit
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MORE FLEXIBILITY EXACTLY WHEN YOU NEED IT No single payment approach works for everyone. Financing simply gives you another option. Ultimately, having more choices about how you pay for your move can make the financial side of the experience feel a little more manageable and let you focus on settling into what comes next. For more details, reach out to your local Mayflower agent.
COVER STORY
Hidden Perks of Moving Off Peak Your mental picture of moving day probably includes sunshine, green lawns and a moving truck parked out front. There’s a reason for that: Late spring through summer is traditionally the most popular time of year for moving. School is out, the days are longer and warm weather can make moving seem a little simpler. That said, peak season isn’t necessarily the best time for everyone. If you have some flexibility in your schedule, moving during the winter months can come with advantages. From greater scheduling flexibility to a potentially less hectic transition, an off-season move may be worth considering.
MORE FLEXIBILITY WHEN CHOOSING A MOVING DATE
always smart to book your move early,
Because summer is peak moving
Availability can vary by location and
season, popular dates (and weekends)
date, particularly around the holidays
fill up quickly and getting your ideal
and at the beginning and end of
move window may be difficult. In fall
the month.
usually at least 6-8 weeks in advance.
and winter there’s less demand, giving you and your moving agent more breathing room. This can be especially helpful if you have a preferred moving date or need to coordinate your move with a home closing, lease or work schedule. You may also have more options when it comes to choosing a day of the week that works for you versus adjusting your plans around a mover’s availability. Even during off peak season, it’s
MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO SAVE The lower demand may also work to your advantage when it comes to moving costs. Moving quotes are based on a variety of factors, including the distance of your move, shipment weight and the services you select. Timing also plays a role. Because fewer people move during fall and winter, you may find more favorable
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pricing than you would during peak season. If your schedule is flexible, ask your moving company whether adjusting your moving date would save money. Even shifting your plans by a few days may make a noticeable difference. Before choosing a date, take a look at Mayflower’s basic scheduling guidelines to learn more about how the date you pick can affect your move.
COOLER TEMPERATURES ARE A BOON Moving boxes and furniture is physical work, and doing it on a hot, humid summer day can get a bit sticky. Cooler temperatures eliminate one of summer moving’s biggest challenges: excessive heat. Of course, fall and winter moves have their own challenges. Be sure to monitor the weather forecasts on both ends since snow, ice and extreme cold may affect moving conditions. It’s also important to make sure walkways, steps and driveways are clear and barrier-free before the move truck pulls up. Dressing in removable layers will help you stay comfortable as you move repeatedly between indoors and outdoors. It’s also a good idea to keep winter essentials like boots, gloves, shovels and an ice scraper easy to access if you are moving to or from a colder climate.
LESS COMPETITION AT YOUR DESTINATION Even after you arrive, an off-season move may make transitioning into your new home easier. With fewer people moving, there’s less competition for the types of
Because fewer people move during fall and winter, you may find more favorable pricing than you would during peak season. If your schedule is flexible, ask your moving company whether adjusting your moving date would save money. Even shifting your plans by a few days may make a noticeable difference.
services most people typically need.
MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO SAVE
For example, scheduling cleaners,
WHEN MOVING OFF PEAK
painters, contractors or other home
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services is almost always easier
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outside the busy summer season. Prices are often lower, too. If you’re renting, you may find there are seasonal incentives or greater flexibility in certain markets during the fall and winter. It’s a good idea to research your new community (and your new landlord) online before making plans.
IT MAY BE BETTER FOR KIDS, TOO If your children are comfortable with their teachers, classmates and routines, moving during the school year might initially seem like a disadvantage. However, if you look at it through another lens, a midyear transition can have some major upsides. At the beginning of the school year, teachers are getting acquainted with
an entire classroom of students, and everyone is adjusting to new schedules,
to your next home. Anything you no
classrooms and expectations. On the other hand, a child who arrives during
longer use can be donated, sold or
the school year is clearly the new kid. That can often mean more individualized
recycled.
attention from teachers, counselors and other school staff as they help your child get acclimated. Their classmates will take notice, too. Rather than being one of many
Once you arrive, the colder evenings and shorter days provide welcome time to settle in more
familiar faces on the first day of school, your kid is the newcomer everyone
smoothly. Instead of feeling
wants to meet. That often makes it easier to start conversations and form new
pressure to immediately tackle
friendships.
outdoor projects, you can focus
A midyear move also lets children step directly into an established classroom
on making the interior of your
routine versus spending the summer feeling anxious. They can begin getting
new home feel cozy, comfy and
acquainted with teachers, classmates and activities right away.
completely your own.
Remember, every child responds differently to change. Whenever possible, talk with the teachers and staff at the school ahead of time to help make the transition as comfortable as you can.
MAKE WINTER WORK FOR YOU Winter may not be the traditional moving season, but that can be
A NATURAL TIME FOR A FRESH START
part of its appeal. With thoughtful
There’s something to be said about starting the new year in a new home.
planning and help from Mayflower,
A fall or winter move gives you an opportunity to unpack, organize and get
an off-season move can offer greater
comfortable during a season when you’re naturally spending more time indoors.
flexibility, potential savings and a
It can also encourage you to be more selective before you pack. Holiday
calmer path to a bright future.
decorations, winter clothing and other seasonal belongings are already top of mind, making this a good opportunity to decide what you really want to bring
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START WITH THE EASY DECISIONS You don’t have to begin with the box of family photographs. Build some momentum by tackling things that carry less emotional weight: expired pantry items, worn towels, duplicate kitchen gadgets or clothes no one wears anymore. These straightforward decisions can help you get comfortable with the process before moving on to more meaningful belongings. Breaking the job into smaller areas — one drawer, shelf or closet at a time — can also make it feel less overwhelming.
ASK A BETTER QUESTION When contemplating what stays, it’s tempting to ask, “Could I use this ... someday?” For many of us, the answer will always be yes. Try instead asking if the item fits the life you’re creating in your new home. Will you actually use it? Do you enjoy having it? Would you choose to buy it again today? If the answer is no, letting it go is
Letting Go and Moving On Decluttering before a move isn’t just about having fewer boxes. It’s
That’s why decluttering before a
about deciding what deserves a
move can feel more emotional than
place in the next chapter.
practical. You aren’t simply sorting
Moving has a way of turning everyday belongings into decisions. The sweater you haven’t worn in
possessions. In some cases, you’re sorting through pieces of your life. The goal doesn’t have to be
years suddenly reminds you of a
getting rid of as much as possible.
favorite trip. A stack of old birthday
Instead, think of it as making
cards becomes surprisingly difficult
intentional choices about what you
to recycle. Even the chipped mug at
want to bring with you.
the back of the cabinet can carry a
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story you had forgotten.
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more about making room than giving something up.
GIVE MEANINGFUL THINGS SOMEWHERE MEANINGFUL TO GO Parting with an item can be easier when you know it will be useful to someone else. Offer special pieces to family members or friends who may appreciate them. Donate clothing, household goods and furniture to organizations that can put them to good use. Sell higher-value items if the time and effort make sense for you. For sentimental belongings you don’t necessarily want to keep,
consider taking a photo before
Keep the things that make you
saying goodbye. You can preserve
smile. Keep the holiday decoration
the memory without moving the
with the worn edges, the books
object itself.
you still love and the serving dish that always appears at family
LET EVERYONE HAVE A SAY If you’re moving as a family,
gatherings. A move is a fresh start, but it
remember that one person’s clutter
doesn’t require leaving your history
may be another person’s treasure.
behind.
Give children age-appropriate
As you pack for what comes
choices about their belongings
next, give yourself time to decide
rather than making every decision
what belongs there. Fewer boxes
for them. A toy that looks forgotten
may be a welcome bonus. The real
to you may still hold real meaning
reward is arriving at your new home
to them. Partners and other
surrounded by things you chose to
family members deserve the same
carry forward.
consideration.
and priorities matter.
KEEP WHAT MAKES HOME FEEL LIKE HOME Not everything needs to earn its place through practicality.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK IN MY FIRST-NIGHT BOX? A first-night box is exactly what it sounds like: a collection of
Decluttering works best when everyone feels that their memories
ASK THE EXPERT
Where will your move take you? Get inspired, get informed and get headed down the path to your new beginning.
essentials that can help you get through your first evening and morning in your new home without searching through stacks of boxes. Start with the things you’d normally pack for an overnight stay, including toiletries, medications, a change of clothes and phone chargers. Add towels,
GIVE YOUR FOOD A NEW HOME, TOO Moving means cleaning out the
toilet paper, basic cleaning supplies and anything you’ll need to make the bed. A few
pantry — and those unopened,
kitchen basics, including bottled
non-perishable items don’t
water, snacks, coffee supplies
have to go to waste. Through
and disposable plates and
our partnership with Move For
utensils can also come in handy.
Hunger, your Mayflower agent can pick up donations on moving
If you’re moving with children
day and deliver them to a local
or pets, include the essentials
food bank.
they’ll need, too, from favorite
It’s one small step during
bedtime items to pet food, bowls
your move that can make a big
and leashes. Finally, make your
difference for families in need.
first-night box easy to identify.
Ask your move coordinator if
Label it clearly and keep it with
your agent participates in the
you during the move, do not
Move For Hunger initiative.
send it in the moving van. When
Learn more at
mayflower.com
you arrive, you’ll have what you need to settle in, recharge and get a good night’s sleep.
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Packing Primer:
Simple Tips for an Easier Move
Packing has a way of finally making a move feel very real. One minute you’re sorting through a closet; the next, your home is filling up with boxes and you’re wondering how you accumulated so much stuff. Take heart: Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, in the heat of summer or the dead of winter, these tips will help you stay organized and on top of it all.
BACKWARDS IS BETTER
GIVE FRAGILE THINGS A SMOOTH JOURNEY
One of the best strategies to get underway is to pack
China, glassware, ceramics and other breakables will
in reverse order of how often you use things. Start with
need extra attention. Wrap each piece separately using
things you can comfortably live without until after the
clean, unprinted paper, tissue, bubble wrap or a similar
move, like decorative pieces, books, fancy tableware,
cushioning material. Particularly delicate pieces can be
sporting equipment and other infrequently used items.
packed in smaller cushioned boxes, which can then be
Save the everyday necessities for last.
placed inside a larger carton with more padding around
Season-specific items are a particularly good starting point. If you’re moving in fall or winter, summer clothing, patio accessories and warm-weather sporting equipment
them. Wrap very small items in brightly colored paper to keep them from getting lost in the mix. Keep in mind certain items could damage other
can probably go into boxes early. Just be careful not
belongings. Sharp kitchen utensils and similar objects
to pack all your cold weather gear in the fall or spring.
should be isolated and securely wrapped. Electrical cords
Keep coats, boots, gloves and other winter essentials
and plugs should be wrapped and secured rather than
accessible in case temperatures drop before moving day.
left dangling.
BUILD A BETTER BOX
KEEP IT ALL TOGETHER
A properly packed box does more than hold your
Few things more frustrating (or preventable) than
belongings; it helps protect them in transit. Begin
arriving at your new home with a piece of furniture and no
with a sturdy carton and add a two- to three-inch layer
idea where its hardware went.
of cushioning material at the bottom. Place heavier
When disassembling furniture or equipment, place
belongings on the bottom, medium-weight items in the
screws, bolts and other small components in labeled
middle and lighter pieces on top. Fill open spaces with
plastic bags and keep them all in a centralized “parts
packing paper or other cushioning material as you work.
box” to keep them safe. The same goes for remotes,
The goal is a firm pack without overloading the box.
cords and other easily misplaced accessories.
When you’re finished, the top should close easily without being forced down or sagging inward. Before sealing the top, shake each box gently. If something’s moving, add more cushioning.
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Welcome HOME Fall/Winter 2026
BE LABEL-CONSCIOUS Instead of just writing “KITCHEN” or “BEDROOM” on top of a box, label the side so you can identify it even
when boxes are stacked up. Name the contents and the room where each carton belongs. Numbering boxes and keeping a master list will make finding something much easier. Make unloading easier on your movers, too. Label the rooms at your new home so they can quickly match each box to its destination.
THINK OUTSIDE THE TRUCK Certain items should always travel with you. Prepare a separate “first night” bag or box with medications, chargers, toiletries, important documents, a change of clothes and other essentials you’ll want access to immediately. For a fall or winter move, think about the weather. Keep gloves, boots, an ice scraper and other coldweather necessities within reach. If snow or slush is
From “Where Do I Even Start?” to “Honey, We’re Home.”
possible, have absorbent mats, nonslip floor protection
Planning a move, packing up your life or
and towels ready at your new home.
figuring out how to finally organize that garage? Our blog covers every step of your
GIVE YOURSELF ENOUGH TIME. Packing room by room and starting early can turn a potentially overwhelming job into a series of manageable ones. Put a strategy in place and stick to it.
moving journey — the checklists before, the chaos during and the settling in after. Consider it your moving companion, minus the heavy lifting.
You’ll be glad you did. Want more tips?
Download our Packing Checklist.
Start Exploring
Get to Know Your Next Hometown A new address is only part of a move. There’s a whole new community waiting on the other side. Mayflower’s City and State Guides can help you get acquainted before you arrive, with useful insights into destinations across the country. Explore everything from neighborhoods and cost of living to job markets, local culture, things to do and the everyday details that help a new place start to feel like home. Whether you’re narrowing down where to go next or already counting down to moving day, it’s a smart place to start.
Explore City and State Guides
Fall/Winter 2026
Welcome HOME
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Green Flag Your Move Picking your mover can be a gamble — and red flags can pop everywhere if you’re not careful. Why chance it? Go with a name customers have known and trusted for 100 years. No hassles, no worries, no red flags. Move with Mayflower. We do moving right. Every Step of the Way®. © 2026 Mayflower Transit | U.S. DOT No. 125563