Whether it’s due to a layoff or simply landing an amazing new job, many people find themselves relocating for work at some point in their career. No matter the reason though—even if it’s finding your dream job—it can be quite the stressful ordeal. Finding a new home, packing everything you own, figuring out how to transport all your belongings… the list goes on. Here are what professionals who have relocated for work advise to ensure your move is a positive experience.
The To-Do List
Even if you have moved before, moving for work is often very different due to the rushed timeline to start your new position. Make a detailed to-do list to stay on top of things.
We highly recommend making a moving checklist with everything you need to do before, during, and after you move broken down into a week-by-week format. This will help keep you organized and essentially save your sanity. Your list should have things that need to be done sooner rather than later, like home maintenance, listing your home, selling or donating unwanted furniture, and a packing schedule. On top of those more urgent tasks, it should also include last-minute to-dos, such as confirming movers, defrosting your fridge and freezer, and handing over keys to your old home. No matter how insignificant a task may seem, add it to the list. You may be surprised what slips your mind with the hustle and bustle of the move.
The New Home
If you are unfamiliar with your new job location, don’t buy a house right away.
While there is undoubtedly a lot of freedom that comes with homeownership as opposed to renting, this freedom doesn’t extend to relocation ease. You don’t want to commit to buying a home or a long lease only to find out you don’t particularly like that part of town—or worse, that your new job isn’t a good fit. Some companies may offer you a temporary place to stay while you get your bearings in your new town, but if that doesn’t happen, consider a short-term rental agreement while you get a feel for everything. It may feel unideal at first if you are accustomed to owning a home, but it can save you a lot of stress and regret in the long run.
The Relocation Costs
Every move will incur expenses depending on how much you have to move, how far you are moving, and the moving method you choose. Estimating this cost is possible—and highly recommended.
First off, is your new company footing any portion of your relocation expenses? With the thrill of a new job, people often forget to ask about this or don’t want to, but it may be worth a shot. While this along with a few key cross-country moving tips can make your move more affordable, you should still draw out a budget to see what you are looking at as everything can add up rather quickly. Home Advisor estimates the cost of a typical cross-country move is anywhere from $2,078 – $5,645, with a cross-state move still running over $1000. When calculating your relocation costs be sure to include bigger expenses like transportation and moving, but don’t forget the smaller items like meals on the road and essentials like lightbulbs and condiments that you will need in your new home. Be sure to consider all your moving costs to budget accordingly.
The Movers
You need to consider everything you have to move, who is going to do the heavy lifting, and what kind of transportation is required.
This may mean renting a U-Haul and putting in a lot of elbow grease, packing your home for professional movers to take over, or letting the movers take the wheel—packing, transportation, moving, and unpacking. Many moving services now offer instant quote services so you can quickly compare options and some even have apps to handle pre, during, and post-move needs. If it is in your budget, professional moving services can be worth their weight in gold when it comes to stress relief for a big move. Just be sure to opt for a company with a good reputation, as well as the proper certifications, insurance, and licenses to ensure your move goes as smooth as possible.
Feeling Homesick
Whether it’s you, a family member, or all of the above, feeling homesick when moving to a new place—especially on a condensed timeline—is very common.
While this is normal, try to be proactive in making your new dwelling feel more familiar by getting to know your neighborhood and what your new area has to offer. This could be as simple as taking the family for a walk around the block or downtown to take stock of the local sights, people, and businesses. Or perhaps try joining a local sports team or club for something of interest to you. Both are excellent ways to slowly get your bearings in your new environment, meet a few new people, and even hone a skill or two or along the way.
Rest assured that many professionals before you have had successful moves. While we understand that moving for work has an abundance of opportunity to be stressful, through careful planning and consideration, it doesn’t have to be. Enjoy your move, remember to relax, and don’t forget to celebrate your new job and your new home—you deserve it!
