WelcomeHome - Spring/Summer 2026

SPRING/SUMMER 2026

A digital magazine about moving and settling in

Dollars and Sense Why moving loans are generating interest

Pick Up and Go! Conquering pre-move clutter

Moving Quotes 101 Know what you’re signing

Don’t Forget the Kids!

Help them adjust and thrive post-move

Is Your Mind Move-in Ready?

Relocation’s emotional impact

LE T T E R FROM T H E E D ITOR S PR IN G/ S U MME R 20 26

Welcome to the In-Between Spring and summer have a way of inviting change.

The windows open a little wider. The days stretch longer. And for many of us, this season brings movement — sometimes literally. A new address. A new neighborhood. A new chapter that looks good on paper, even if it still feels unfamiliar at first.

That feeling is what this issue is about.

Moving is often framed as milestones you check off — boxes packed, truck loaded, keys exchanged.

But as you’ll see throughout these pages, the real work of moving happens after move-in day. It happens quietly, in the routines you rebuild, the emotions you didn’t expect and the moments when a house slowly begins to feel like home.

We explore the emotional side of moving — the mix of excitement and doubt that can exist at the same time and the subtle sense of loss that can show up even when the change is a positive one. We talk about helping kids adjust, knowing that they experience a move through feelings first, not logistics.

And we share ways to make a new space feel more familiar, not all at once, but piece by piece.

What ties all these stories together is the reminder that transition takes time. There’s no single moment when everything clicks. There’s a series of small shifts. One room that feels finished. One routine that feels normal again. One day when you stop thinking so much about where things go, because they already feel right.

Mayflower has understood this for generations. Moving isn’t just about getting belongings from one place to another. It’s about supporting the people who live around those belongings as they settle into something new. That support doesn’t end when the truck pulls away. It extends into the days and weeks that follow, when questions come up and life finds its rhythm again.

As you read this issue, we hope you feel seen in the in-between moments. The not-quite-there days.

The quiet progress that doesn’t always announce itself.

Whether you’re in the middle of a move, just finishing one or simply thinking about what’s next, we’re glad you’re here. Welcome home — wherever home may be, and however long it takes to feel that way.

Warmly,

JENNIFER OLVERA Editor-in-Chief

Welcome HOME Fall/Winter 2025

Contents SPRING/SUMMER 2026

2

8

It’s a big job. Give yourself time,

BIG OPPORTUNITY, SMALL CITY

15

emotional distance — and think

Are “superstar” cities losing their

Use that first month after a move to

big picture.

luster? For many people, smaller

find your groove, explore possibilities

is better.

and shift into your new life.

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16

CLEANING BEFORE YOU PACK

3

HOW TO MAKE A NEW HOUSE FEEL LIKE HOME FASTER

UPSCALE YOUR MOVE

YOUR FIRST 30 DAYS IN A NEW HOME

How to get past the “moved in” phase

Why paying for your move over time

YOUR MOVE ISN’T OVER ON MOVE-IN DAY

and settle in comfortably.

could be a smart investment.

Bridging the gap between functional and familiar takes time, effort and

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HELPING KIDS ADJUST AFTER A MOVE

12

THE LONG-DISTANCE TIPPING POINT

support.

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Same move, but the reality is different

Our recent survey reveals the

for kids. Here’s how to help them get

challenges, trade-off and triumphs of

BINDING VS. NON-BINDING ESTIMATES

through it.

closing the distance.

Choosing wisely can help avoid unexpected twists and turns down

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THE EMOTIONAL SIDE OF MOVING

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the road.

WHICH MOVE FITS YOU BEST Hands-on, hands-off or a bit of both?

It’s more than just boxes and checklists.

See which type of move fits your

It’s a whole new headspace, too.

needs and personality.

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LOOK AT VOLUME, NOT CATEGORIES Instead of going room by room, look at how much you’re moving. Large furniture stands out, but volume builds quietly through smaller items.

Books. Kitchenware. Clothes you haven’t worn in two seasons but still think you might someday.

When you see the total, decisions get clearer. It’s easier to understand what’s worth bringing along.

CREATE DISTANCE BEFORE DECIDING If you’re unsure about something, don’t stand there debating it. Set it aside. Then, come back to it later, even the next day if you can.

This is especially true for items you feel obligated to keep, not the ones you use.

AVOID LAST-MINUTE PURGING

Cleaning Before You Pack

week of a move can feel productive,

Most people don’t realize how much they own until they move it. That’s when everything shows up at once. Closets you haven’t opened in years. Drawers full of things you forgot you kept. Shelves that quietly collected more than you noticed.

when it happens over time, not all

The instinct is to move fast. Sort quickly. Pack faster. Figure it out later. That’s usually where regret sets in. Cleaning before a move isn’t about getting rid of things for the sake of it. It’s about making better decisions while you still have the space and time to do it well.

START EARLIER THAN YOU THINK YOU NEED TO Not because the work takes longer, but because your judgment improves when you’re not rushed.

When deadlines are looming, every decision feels urgent. Starting earlier gives you breathing room. You’re more thoughtful about what earns a spot in the moving truck and what doesn’t.

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Clearing things out during the final

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but it’s usually reactive. You’re tired.

You’re short on time. You’re more likely to keep things you don’t need or let go of things you might have handled differently.

Thoughtful editing works better at once.

THINK ABOUT UNPACKING, NOT PACKING It’s easy to justify bringing something because it fits in a box.

That’s not the right test.

Ask yourself if you’ll want to unpack it on the other side. If the answer is no, it probably doesn’t need to come with you.

Moving lighter isn’t just about cost or efficiency. It changes how quickly your new space comes together — fewer boxes, fewer decisions waiting for you, and more room to settle in and feel at home.

How to Make a New House Feel Like Home Faster There’s often a stretch of time after a move when everything technically works, but nothing quite feels settled. You know where things are. You can get through your day just fine. And still, the space feels temporary, like you’re passing through instead of truly living in it. That feeling doesn’t disappear overnight. More often, it shifts gradually through small, everyday choices.

ADD MEANING GRADUALLY Not everything needs to go on the wall or find a permanent place right away.

The pieces you add over time often end up meaning more than the

BRING YOUR ROUTINES BACK BEFORE YOUR DECOR

ones placed quickly just to fill space. A photo goes up when it feels right. A favorite book

It’s tempting to focus

settles onto a shelf. A

on how the space looks

corner starts to reflect

first.

how you live instead

But comfort usually not decoration. Familiar

START WITH HOW YOU MOVE THROUGH THE SPACE

routines tend to ground

The first setup is rarely the one that sticks.

you faster than any

Furniture gets placed where it seems logical, then a few

comes from repetition,

design decision.

Make your coffee the same way you always

days later you realize it doesn’t match how you live. A chair blocks the light. A table feels slightly off. The room looks done, but it doesn’t feel right yet.

have. Sit in the same

That’s normal. Give yourself permission to adjust early.

spot in the morning.

Pay attention to how you move through the house during

Take your usual walk,

a regular day. Notice where things slow you down or feel

even if the route is new.

awkward, then change them. It doesn’t need to be final. It

Those small habits

of how you planned it to look.

That’s usually when the shift happens. You stop thinking about where things belong and realize they already do.

just needs to work a little better than it did yesterday.

help reconnect daily life before your new home fully catches up.

FOCUS ON ONE OR TWO FINISHED AREAS Trying to finish the whole house at once usually means living in half-done rooms longer than you expected. Instead, pick one space and bring it to a stopping point. A bedroom. A corner of the living room.

Even a small workspace.

When one area feels complete, it changes how the rest of the house feels. You’ve got a place to land at the end of the day that feels intentional and settled, even if everything else is still coming together.

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Kids do not experience a move the same way adults do. While adults tend to focus on logistics, kids are paying attention to what appears different.

For example, their room looks unfamiliar; their school has changed; and the people they see every day are not the same.

Even when kids are excited about what’s ahead, there is often a layer of uncertainty underneath. The goal is not to remove that feeling, but to help make it manageable.

START WITH WHAT STAYS THE SAME Consistency plays a powerful role in helping kids settle into a new environment.

In the first few weeks, keep routines as familiar as possible. Meals, bedtimes and small daily habits provide stability when everything else feels new and unpredictable.

Simple decisions can make a meaningful difference. Unpacking a child’s room early, for example, gives them a space that feels like theirs right away and helps establish a sense of comfort faster.

PAY ATTENTION TO HOW THEY REACT, NOT JUST WHAT THEY SAY Some kids talk openly about how they feel.

Others show it instead.

You might notice changes in mood, energy or behavior. That does not automatically mean something is wrong. It often means they’re processing the transition in their own way.

Try to give them room to sort through those feelings without pushing for instant enthusiasm or reassurance.

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TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS Keep the focus simple and concrete. Let them engage with what they can see and touch.

MAKE CONNECTION EASIER, NOT FORCED Meeting new people takes time, especially after a big change.

Rather than rushing to social situations, look for natural

“This is your new room. Where should your favorite toy go?”

“Do you want to help unpack your books or your stuffed animals first?”

entry points. School activities, neighborhood interactions and familiar interests that carry over into the new environment can create low-pressure opportunities to connect.

Younger kids often settle into new friendships more easily. Teenagers may need more time. Both responses are completely normal.

KEEP COMMUNICATION OPEN — BUT LOW PRESSURE

SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN Invite sharing without steering the response.

“What feels different about the new house so far?”

“What’s something you’re curious about here?”

TEENAGERS

There doesn’t need to be one big conversation. Short, ongoing check-ins tend to work better. Ask simple questions and listen without feeling the need to solve everything right away. Often, kids are looking for acknowledgment rather than immediate solutions.

GIVE IT TIME Some kids feel settled within a couple of weeks. Others take longer, especially if the move meant leaving close friendships or long-standing routines behind.

What matters most is consistency. As the environment starts to feel predictable again, confidence and comfort usually follow.

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Welcome HOME Spring/Summer 2026

Keep conversations direct and respectful and avoid forcing a positive spin.

“What do you think will take the most getting used to?”

“Is there anything you want to figure out first, like school or activities?”

Across every age, the goal is to open the door to conversation in a way that feels natural, not required.

NAVIGATING THE PART OF MOVING NO ONE WARNS YOU ABOUT

The Emotional Side of Moving There’s a version of moving that gets talked about a lot — a fresh start, new space and a clean slate. And then there’s the one most people don’t expect.

You’re standing in a home that’s yours now, surrounded by familiar belongings, and something feels just slightly off. Not wrong. Just new in a way your mind hasn’t fully caught up with yet.

That gap can catch people by surprise.

It shows up in small ways. You reach for something that isn’t where it used to be. You drive a route out of habit and realize it no longer applies. Or maybe you open a box and feel more tired than you expected.

None of this means the move was a mistake. It means you’re in transition.

EXCITEMENT AND DOUBT CAN COEXIST You can feel good about the move and still question it in quieter moments. You can look forward to what’s next and still miss what you left behind. Those feelings don’t cancel each other out. They tend to sit side by side for a while — and that’s normal.

With the right support, it’s easier to hold both — and keep moving forward.

GRIEF HAPPENS — AND THAT’S OKAY You’re not just leaving a place. You’re leaving routines, familiarity and a version of your day that didn’t require much thought.

Even when a move is the right decision, something is still being released.

That’s why having experienced movers who understand what this moment carries — not just the logistics, but the emotional weight of it — can make a meaningful difference.

EXHAUSTION CHANGES HOW THINGS FEEL By the time you arrive, you’ve made dozens of decisions in a short window — packing, scheduling, coordinating details. That mental load doesn’t disappear once the last box is inside. Remember that it’s common to feel a little flat or overwhelmed in the first few days, even when everything goes smoothly.

This is where a trusted partner matters most — one who handles the details, anticipates needs and gives you the space to land in a timeframe

WHAT HELPS, WITHOUT OVERCOMPLICATING IT You need a little time and a few steady anchors.

Start small. Make one room feel finished. Reestablish one daily routine — morning coffee in the same spot, a short walk at the same time each day.

And lean on the people and support systems that got you here.

Most importantly, give yourself permission not to feel fully settled right away. That part rarely happens on day one.

For most people, the shift comes gradually, when your place becomes easier to move through, routines return and what’s unfamiliar starts to feel like yours.

And then, almost without noticing, something else changes, too.

The move didn’t just change your address. It changed your rhythm. With the right support behind you, you may just find yourself settling into it with more ease than you’d expect.

that’s unique to you. Your body and your mind are simply catching up.

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Traditionally, the American relocation story centered on a

important for first-time long-distance

handful of “superstar cities” like

movers looking to build stability

New York, Los Angeles and Chicago

without sacrificing lifestyle.

and their surrounding suburbs. But

But it’s not just cost savings.

increasingly, movers are discovering

Quality of life is a major factor behind

that opportunity doesn’t have to

the trend. Mid-size cities tend to offer

include skyscrapers and traffic jams.

shorter commutes and easier access

In fact, some of the most popular

to outdoor recreation. And despite

destinations today are mid-size

prevailing “wisdom,” you’re probably

cities that offer a powerful blend of

just as likely to find a thriving arts

affordability, quality of life and career

scene or a standout restaurant,

flexibility.

without the crowds or the wait times

Places like Dover, Delaware, Springfield, Oregon, and Wilmington,

found in larger cities.

Flexibility is another factor.

North Carolina are attracting

With remote and hybrid work now

newcomers who want more space,

firmly part of the landscape, more

less congestion and a better

people have the freedom to choose

balance between work and life.

where they live based on how they

These cities may be smaller in

want to live. This opens the door

scale, but they’re big on momentum.

to destinations that might have

Growing job markets (especially

been overlooked in the past. A city

in tech, healthcare and advanced

like Wilmington or Springfield can

manufacturing) are creating first-rate

offer proximity to nature, a vibrant

opportunities without the premium

downtown and a growing economy

price tag found in larger hubs.

all in one package.

Affordability is often top-of-mind.

In a nutshell, when it comes to

Housing dollars stretch further

move destinations it’s smart to think

in mid-size cities, whether you’re

beyond the obvious. The “right”

renting or buying, making it possible

destination may not be the biggest or

to upgrade easily for more space. A

the busiest. It’s the one where you’ll

lower cost of living frees up income

be happiest.

for travel, savings or simply enjoying

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your day-to-day. That’s especially

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Upscale Your Move Without the Upfront Costs Moving is full of decisions and one of the biggest often comes down to budget.

For many households, the idea of upgrading to a full-service move complete with packing, storage and other value-added options can feel out of reach.

That’s where loans designed especially for movers can make all the difference.

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PUTTING TIME ON YOUR SIDE

reduce stress. Rather than cutting

A POWERFUL PARTNERSHIP

Instead of paying the full cost of

corners or taking on the physical and

With Mayflower, this flexibility

your move all at once, a moving loan

logistical headaches yourself, you

allows you to spread payments over

can invest in a smoother, easier move

time, making it easier to access the

experience without breaking your

can explore financing options that fit

services that simplify your move and

budget.

your budget and timeline, turning a

Welcome HOME Spring/Summer 2026

comes through our partnership with Acorn Finance. Through Acorn, you

large, one-time expense into manageable monthly payments.

The result? More freedom to customize your move based on what you need, not just what you can pay for right away.

For example, that can mean adding professional packing services to protect your belongings, opting for custom crating for high-value items, or

What a Moving Quote Really Covers At first glance, a moving quote might look

incorporating storage-in-transit when your move-

quite cut and dried. However, behind that

in timing doesn’t quite align. It can also mean

number is a detailed breakdown of services,

choosing value-added services like debris removal,

logistics and protections designed to get you

furniture assembly, or electronics setup that help

from point A to point B with a minimum of fuss

you settle in faster and with less hassle.

and surprises.

A professional moving quote typically starts

COMING TO TERMS

with the transportation cost, which will be

Of course, financing isn’t just about access;

based on factors like distance, shipment weight

it’s about planning. Understanding your terms,

and timing. From there, any additional services

monthly payment and overall cost is essential

you’ve selected such as packing and unpacking,

to making a confident decision. When used

custom crating for fragile or high-value items,

thoughtfully, financing can be a powerful tool that

storage-in-transit, and specialty handling come

helps you balance today’s needs with tomorrow’s

into play. Depending upon your mover, labor, fuel

budget.

and access considerations (stairs, elevators or

At Mayflower, we believe moving should feel

long carries) may also affect the final estimate.

manageable, not overwhelming. By combining our

One of the most important components of

century of trusted expertise with flexible payment

your quote is valuation coverage. Options

solutions from Acorn Finance, you can design a

like Mayflower’s Full-Value Protection help

move that works for your life and your budget.

safeguard your belongings, offering repair, replacement or compensation if something is lost or damaged. Be sure you fully understand

Check Out the Welcome Home Library

what level of protection is included and what

Our past issues are full of useful packing, moving and planning tips.

as well as your rights as a customer. It shows

upgrades are available.

Equally important to understand is the move tariff. The tariff is a legal document detailing your mover’s rates, rules and responsibilities how charges were calculated, what services are included and how delays, storage or additional

READ MORE

labor will be handled. Taking the time to read the tariff ensures you fully understand what your quote covers and what it doesn’t.

At Mayflower, we strive to be as transparent with our pricing as possible, so you’ll know exactly what to expect, start to finish. Wherever you’re headed, we’ve got you covered.

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Why more couples are closing the gap — sooner than ever

Take a deeper dive into the survey.

For couples separated by miles, love has always required effort — plane tickets, weekend visits and time together carved out between work and everyday life. But something is shifting.

According to Mayflower’s recent “Will You Go the Distance?” survey, conducted by Talker Research, long-distance relationships can be both emotionally demanding and financially unsustainable. And that reality is changing how — and how quickly — couples decide to take the next step.

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WHEN STAYING CONNECTED COMES AT A COST

WHAT DISTANCE REALLY TAKES AWAY

One in three respondents say they’ve experienced a

Ask people what makes long-

“moving mental breakdown” in

distance relationships difficult,

the past. Anxiety is common,

spend an average of nearly

and the answer goes beyond

especially when combining

$7,000 on travel over their

travel. One respondent put

households and expectations

relationship. Visits happen

it simply: “High travel costs,

at the same time.

about once every three

missing physical proximity

months, a pace that can make

and feeling disconnected from

connection harder to maintain.

daily life.”

Long-distance couples now

Over time, the math catches up. What starts as a commitment begins to feel like

That sense of disconnection is what lingers.

Couples not only miss the

Still, optimism carries through.

Eighty-five percent say moving excites them, and 63% say it gives them hope.

That mix of stress and

a tradeoff between sustaining

big moments, but also the

anticipation defines the

distance and building a shared

everyday routines, shared

experience for many couples

life. Nearly three-quarters of

space and quiet time that

taking this step.

long-distance respondents

fosters connection.

(74%) say rising travel costs

TURNING A MILESTONE INTO A STARTING POINT

move in together — a shift

CHOOSING A SHARED STARTING POINT

researchers are calling the

When couples decide to

distance, moving in together

Long-Distance Tipping Point.

close the distance, many

is about building a shared life

choose to start fresh.

that no longer depends on

influenced their decision to

MORE THAN ROMANCE

More than half (51%) plan

For couples closing the

calendars, travel budgets or

to move into a new home

time apart. It’s waking up in

always been tied to love. That

together, creating a shared

the same place, settling into a

hasn’t changed. What has

environment from the

rhythm and letting connection

changed is how couples think

beginning rather than stepping

happen without planning every

about the decision.

into one already established.

moment.

Moving in together has

While 68% say romance is

It’s a choice that reflects

As more couples reach that

the primary driver, many are

balance and a desire to build

tipping point, they’re looking

also weighing practical factors,

something jointly.

for ways to make the transition

including the cost of living

Some couples take a

feel manageable.

With more than a century

and whether a shared space

measured approach, weighing

fits both partners’ lifestyles.

each option carefully. Others

of experience, Mayflower

The result is a decision that

keep it simple — about 6% even

supports couples through

feels more deliberate than

say they flipped a coin.

every stage of the move —

Either way, the goal is to

helping simplify the process

And it’s happening sooner.

build a life that works for both

so they can focus on what

Couples report discussing

people.

comes next.

spontaneous.

Because in the end, closing

moving in together around 10 months into dating. For those living further apart, that timeline often moves even

THE REALITY OF MOVING TOGETHER While the outcome is

faster, shaped by the reality of

exciting, the process can

maintaining two separate lives.

feel overwhelming.

the distance is about more then being closer. It’s about finally living life in the same place.

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Full Service, Hybrid or DIY: Which Fits You Best?

Not every move looks the same. Whether you want to hand off every detail or stay hands-on, the right approach depends on your time, budget and comfort level.

A full-service move is ideal if you’re juggling personal or professional responsibilities or managing a long-distance relocation. A hybrid move offers flexibility — you choose the tasks you want to tackle yourself and let the mover handle the rest. Prefer total control? A DIY move can save money, but it requires more planning, physical effort and potentially unforeseen challenges. The key is finding the balance that keeps your move efficient, cost-effective and as stress-free as possible.

FULL-SERVICE MOVE

HYBRID MOVE

DIY MOVE

Best for Convenience & Long-Distance Moves

Best for Flexibility & Control

Best for Small Budgets & Local Moves

Packing, loading, transport and

You pack, pros handle heavy

You manage packing, loading,

unloading handled for you

lifting and/or transport

driving and unloading

Ideal for long-distance or

Services customized to fit your

Full control over timing and

complex moves

needs and budget

process

Less stress, more time to focus

Great middle-ground option

Can be lower cost, but more

on your transition

physical and logistical challenges Potentially lower out of pocket

Potentially more expensive

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cost but requires more effort

Best for smaller, local moves

Your days begin to take shape again, whether that means school drop-offs, commutes or quiet mornings at home. The house starts working with you instead of against you.

This is also a good moment to say hello to the people around you. It doesn’t need to be formal. A short conversation goes a long way toward feeling connected.

The goal isn’t to socialize. It’s to feel oriented.

WEEK 3 TACKLE WHAT’S BEEN HOVERING

Your First 30 Days in a New Home Move-in day is full of momentum. Boxes are opened. Decisions happen fast. There’s a sense that if you just keep going, you’ll be settled by nightfall. Then reality slows things down. By the end of the first week, you start noticing what’s still missing. The routines you haven’t rebuilt yet. The small comforts you didn’t realize mattered until they weren’t there.

The first 30 days are less about the move-in to your house and more about easing into it.

By now, the obvious tasks are mostly behind you. What’s left are the things that didn’t feel urgent at first.

Address updates. Medical transitions. Scheduling services you’ll rely on. These details matter more once life settles into a rhythm.

You may also start noticing items that don’t quite belong in your new space. Furniture that feels awkward.

Things you brought out of habit rather than need.

That’s normal. Let the house teach you what works.

WEEK 1 GET COMFORTABLE ENOUGH Start with the basics that make day-to-day life work.

Make sure utilities aren’t just on, but actually doing what you expect.

Test outlets. Run the shower. Check that Wi-Fi reaches the places where you will spend time, not just the room with your router.

Unpack with intention. Focus on what supports your daily rhythm: bedding, kitchen essentials,

their spaces early. Familiar items and routines help everyone feel grounded, even if the rest of the house is still a work in progress.

You don’t need perfect. You need functional.

WEEK 4 MAKE SUBTLE SHIFTS This is where things start to click.

You hang something because you know where it belongs. You rearrange

WEEK 2 LET ROUTINES FIND THEIR GROOVE This is when the new place starts to feel less unfamiliar.

You figure out where you’ll grab

a room because you’ve lived in it long enough to understand the flow. You stop thinking about where things are.

You’re not completely settled, but you’re no longer adjusting every day.

And that’s the transition point.

A move doesn’t really end when the

everyday clothes, a real place to sit.

coffee. When traffic builds. Which

boxes are gone. It ends when your

Everything else can wait.

grocery store will become your

routines return and the space begins

default — at least for now.

to reflect how you actually live.

If you’ve got kids, prioritize

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SETTLING IN

Your Move Isn’t Over on Move-In Day Explore the stages of settling in THE FIRST FEW DAYS ARE ABOUT FUNCTION At first, it’s not about comfort. It’s about getting through the day.

Beds are assembled. Kitchen basics come out of boxes.

You figure out where to sit, where to eat and how to start

thinking about where things are. You move through your home without pausing. You know which cabinet you reach for. You drive to the store without double-checking directions.

Nothing big announces the shift — it just feels easier

the morning. It’s practical, slightly uneven and completely

since the space finally is working with you instead of

normal.

around you.

You’re not settled yet — you’re operational.

WHY ONGOING SUPPORT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Mayflower customers often tell us this stage feels like running on momentum.

That’s okay.

Even after move-in day, there are still

The goal right now is to function rather

moving parts.

than achieve perfection.

Questions come up. Small adjustments need attention. Life settles in layers, not

THE NEXT PHASE IS ADJUSTMENT

all at once. Having a moving partner who

Once the basics are in place, the details

stays connected beyond delivery helps bridge that space between arrival and

start to surface.

feeling at home.

You notice what’s missing. You shift furniture. You rearrange a drawer that

That’s part of Mayflower’s approach.

didn’t make sense after day one. New

The move doesn’t end when the boxes

routines begin forming quietly in the

come off the truck. We can help you with

background.

debris removal and even claims support.

This is when the house responds to how you live in it, not how it looked on paper.

It’s also the phase that takes longer than most people expect. That’s okay because transitions take time.

Additionally, we offer immersive

state and city guides

that help you feel like a local from day one.

Because a successful move isn’t defined by timing alone. It’s defined by how confidently you settle into what comes next.

THEN COMES FAMILIARITY At some point, something subtle changes. You stop

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That part often takes a little time.

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LET’S COMPARE

Binding vs.

Non-Binding Estimates When planning a move, one of the most important things to understand is binding vs. nonbinding estimates. Knowing how each works can help you go with the option (and the mover) that fits your comfort level. Here’s a quick rundown to help you decide.

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BINDING ESTIMATES With a binding estimate,

NON-BINDING ESTIMATES

you’ll receive a single, all-

On the other hand, a non-

in-one price based on the

binding estimate means

details of your shipment

your final cost is not locked

and the services you

in. The cost of your move

select. The benefit here is

can vary depending on

you’ll know your total cost

the exact weight of your

upfront, making it easier to

shipment, the time it takes

plan financially and avoid

to load and unload and

unexpected expenses.

any additional services

A binding estimate is

you requested. While this

especially suitable for

model offers flexibility if

long-distance moves and

you are unsure of how many

corporate relocations,

belongings you are moving,

where weight, distance

it’s also subject to cost

and fuel can introduce

fluctuations, both up and

variables you may not have

down. For example, if your

considered.

shipment ends up heavier

Unless a new estimate

than it was originally

is established with your

estimated or there is an

mover, your price is locked

extra flight of stairs at your

in. Just so you know,

destination, your final bill

Mayflower offers only

may be much higher than

binding estimates. We find

you expected. Proceed

they work best for most

with caution.

moving situations.

ASK THE EXPERTS

What is a parts box (and why does it matter)?

When you’re getting ready to move, it’s often the smallest items that create the biggest headaches. Screws, cords, remotes and specialty tools are easy to misplace, yet essential for getting your new space ready. That’s why we recommend creating a dedicated parts box: a simple, effective way to keep everything organized and at-the-ready.

Start with the basics. As furniture is disassembled, bag and label all screws, bolts and fasteners using plastic zip-top bags. Label the bags room by room to ensure nothing gets mixed up.

Next, turn your attention to electronics.

Label power cords and adapters for each device, and take the extra step to tag HDMI, coaxial and AV cables so you know exactly where they belong.

Equally important, place TV and entertainment remotes in labeled bags and add them to your box. Misplacing these items can be extremely frustrating, so be as thorough as possible.

Your parts box should also include the tools you’ll need on the other end. Allen wrenches and any specialty tools required for reassembly should be kept here for easy access when it comes time to reassemble.

Finally, create a simple inventory sheet

SO, WHICH IS BETTER?

listing the entire contents of your parts box.

If you value certainty and want to lock in your

Keep a marker and tape or label maker inside

budget, a binding estimate is the right way to go. If

as well, so you’re always prepared for last-

you prefer flexibility, have just a few items to move

minute additions.

and are comfortable with some variability, a non-

Finally, make a plan for transport. Your

binding estimate might make sense, particularly if

parts box should travel with you or be clearly

it’s a local or relatively simple move.

marked “load last” for immediate access on move-in day.

Whichever path you choose, transparency is key.

Do a little organizing beforehand and you’ll

Be sure to review your move estimate carefully and

enjoy a smoother, less stressful experience on

understand what’s included. Also take time to read

move-in day.

the mover’s tariff, which will outline rates, rules and responsibilities. It provides critical context for how your move will be priced and what happens if plans change.

Spring/Summer 2026

Welcome HOME

19

Your Future Handled with Care.

A new home is more than a destination; it’s a fresh start. Mayflower brings the experience, attention and trusted support you need to help you begin your new life with confidence.

For 100 years, customers have counted on us to move them with less stress and more peace of mind. We’ll do the same for you.

Every Move. Every Moment. Every Step of the Way®. © 2026 Mayflower Transit | U.S. DOT No. 125563