Relocating to a new job in a new city or state may be the stepping-stone you need in your career now. It could be thousands of miles away, crossing oceans, or a complete change of climatic conditions. Sure, it is an exciting opportunity. Many people relocate for better jobs every day. Scouting for a new home and calculating the cost of moving cross-country the whole process will require a lot of planning.
Regardless, if you have thought about the job relocation and are up for it, the next steps are to strategize your move. The whole process can work smoothly if you ask the right questions, plan efficiently and work closely with your employer to ensure your transition goes smoothly.
As you prepare to take on this new challenge, work through the relocation process diligently, involving all the key players. Here are tips that you can use to guide you in your decision-making and relocation process.
Get Your Family Onboard
If you are single, this part of the process will come easy without any kids or commitment because your decision revolves around what works best for you alone. You only need to inform a few close relatives and friends about your move. However, for those with families, relocation is not as simple as packing and going. You should check-in with your spouse and kids before signing any contract.
Getting family on board is not just about being polite; several logistics involve them that you will need to consider. For example, if your spouse works in the locale you are moving away from, find out if there are opportunities for them to relocate to the new region.
It would be best to also investigated schools for your kids as you plan your relocation. Often, the stress of relocation on kids is overlooked, but that should not be the case. If they are old enough to talk with, discuss potential changes they will experience if you move and find solutions to managing them as a family.
Review Your Contract & Negotiate with Your Employer
Before you sign any contract, it is crucial to review it first, understanding the terms and negotiate for changes. One thing to consider discussing with your employer is moving compensation. If you have a moving compensation package, especially if you know the moving process will put a strain on your finances. Most people find this awkward and somewhat difficult, but it is perfectly okay to discuss your job relocation expenses with your new.
Different companies have varying relocation compensation. This list will help to know when asking for a job relocation package.
- The cost of a planning/investigative trip
Before you move, you will need to do one or numerous scouting trips to find housing, familiarize yourself with the new location, and check out the schools, among other necessities. Some companies will cover the expenses of these trips, and others will not. Ask if they will cover the cost of scouting trips.
- b. Home sales/buying
Will your company cover the costs incurred in selling your home and buying a new one? These expenses are included in some companies’ relocation packages where they cover closing costs, real estate commissions and other house buying/selling expenses. If it is not in your package, find an alternative method of ensuring your job relocation expenses are reimbursed by your employer.
- Moving Costs
Many relocation packages cover the cost of a moving truck, packing, car rental, unpacking.
- Temporary House Allowance
It will be so nice to have rent relief for one or two months as you settle in your new assignment. The lump sum in the temporary housing should give you time to house hunt before settling on a house you like.
- Job Search Help
Some employers will assist your spouse with finding a new job and schools for your kids.
- Transportation
Your company could pay for your business trips to your new location before your final move.
Just as you would negotiate your salary for a transfer, you have the right to discuss your needs and expectations when it comes to your employer-covered moving expenses. It will help if you get an estimate for the cost of moving cross-country before you settle on what to ask for in a job relocation package.
Relocation Tools
Many companies collaborate with moving companies to cover the entire moving process, including packing, disassembling and assembling furniture, storage, etc. However, if you are taking care of all the logistics, using the lump sum given by your employer to cover your cross-country move, you need to establish a moving strategy.
Shop for movers, preferably long-distance movers that are well established, rated by the BBB and certified by the ATA. Book a mover early enough to avoid the last-minute rush. Some long-distance will put your treasures in storage facilities before you are ready to relocate.
Ask if the relocation package includes packing your household before the move. It can be an advantage to hiring professionals to pack because your items will be covered for loss or damages. We recommend hiring professional movers when packing for a move for the best organization.
Plan Ahead
What is the cost of living in your new location? The answer to this question should drive your negotiation and final decision-making process. A move to a different state could mean a hike or dive in your annual budget. Investigate the cost of transportation, food, rent, education expenses, among others, in your new locale and calculate the amount you will need to live comfortably.