Relocating for a Job: What You Should Know (2024 Guide)
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Relocating for a job means more than packing up and moving to a new locale. You’ll have a lot to consider before you make the move, such as finding the best movers and researching the city’s cost of living. To help you keep track of what to do when you relocate for a new job, we’ve created a comprehensive relocation guide. In this article, we’ll cover the reasons people relocate, what to know before relocating, and how to prepare for your move.
Why Do People Relocate for Work?
There are many reasons why people relocate for work. Interviewers may ask whether you’re open to relocating when applying for a new position. Sometimes, employers move their headquarters to a different city. Here are some of the top reasons why people move for a job:
- A fresh start
- Better career opportunities
- For a dream job
- Earn a higher salary
- Expand your professional network
- Experience new cultures
- Provide a better future for your family
9 Things To Know About Relocating for a Job
Relocating for a job involves uprooting your entire life for something that isn’t guaranteed to work out. It could be a good idea for someone fresh out of college because they can move to a new area without much disruption. However, someone later in their career or with a family may have a stronger connection to their current city, and relocating for a job may require more time and planning.
Below are some things to consider if you decide to relocate.
1. Cost of Living in the New Location
The cost of living, or the price of goods and services, can vary widely across locales. Researching a city’s cost of living can reveal how expensive it will be to live there compared to your current location. If you’re moving for a higher salary, it may not make much difference if you’re also moving to an expensive area. For example, wages in New York City are often higher than in other cities, but so are living costs.
Quick Tip
- Research the cost of living in your new location to determine if it’s more affordable than your current city. If it’s more expensive, ask your company if they can adjust your salary to account for the higher cost of living.
2. The Current Housing Marketing
Look into the housing market for both buying and renting before you move. Your company may help pay for you to look for housing or direct you to temporary housing options, so take advantage of this opportunity to find the right accommodations. If your employer doesn’t offer help, look into hiring a licensed realtor in your new location.
Finding a home within your budget in a competitive housing market could take longer. If that’s the case, consider renting while you look to purchase a home.
3. How the Move Will Impact Family and Friends
Moving can impact your relationship with friends and family. You can always travel back and forth to visit, yet the expenses can add up, especially if you visit frequently. Flying multiple times per year could cost thousands. Ask your employer about its time-off policy early on so that you can plan your visits accordingly.
If you have a family, your spouse or partner may need to find a job at the new location, and you’ll need to consider schools if you have children. You don’t want to move into a neighborhood that doesn’t have good school district access or work opportunities for your partner.
4. Research Neighborhoods
Research and explore neighborhoods in your new location to find the one that best suits your needs. One way to do this is to visit before you move, walk around, and talk to locals. If you can’t visit, look up neighborhood groups on social media platforms and ask questions. You can also read local blogs and newspapers to find out what the area has to offer or ask a real estate agent who knows the area.
5. Budgeting for Moving Expenses
The national average long-distance move costs around $4,700 according to HomeAdvisor, but job relocation shouldn’t empty your bank account. Budgeting to move across the country can help you anticipate and prepare for costs. Common moving expenses include the following:
- Professional movers
- Long-distance moving costs, such as car license and registration fees, travel costs, and short-term housing
- Move-in expenses
- Moving fragile or heavy items
- Moving insurance
- Moving supplies
- Packing and unpacking services
- Personal vehicle transport
- Renting a moving truck
- Storage unit rental
Create a moving budget and determine how much you can afford to spend. Set aside a portion of your monthly paycheck to fund your moving expenses. To help save money, gather quotes from moving companies, rental trucks, and other shipping options. If you decide to use a moving company, book your moving date at least two months in advance and reserve rentals as soon as possible.
6. Relocation Packages
Companies sometimes offer relocation packages to help cover moving expenses. When negotiating your relocation package, review what’s included and identify necessary items that the company isn’t covering. Look up competitors’ offerings and address your needs with your employer. A company could also provide you with relocation funds via a lump-sum payment, reimbursement, direct billing, or by paying for third-party relocation services.
A relocation package could include the following:
- A paid house-hunting trip
- Assistance with selling your home
- Auto travel reimbursement
- Moving company and insurance coverage
- Packing services
- School relocation assistance
- Temporary housing
- Temporary storage
7. Advancement Opportunities
Moving is a big commitment. Research the company and the growth opportunities it offers before moving. You don’t want to commit to relocating for a job if there’s no room for advancement.
Ask your employer about advancement options in your new location and how long these advancements or promotions take. This can help you decide whether relocating is the best choice for you.
8. Tax Considerations
You may be eligible for tax deductions on certain moving and relocation expenses if you’re an active-duty service member in the U.S. military and your move was related to a military order or permanent change of station. Moving expenses will only qualify as a deduction if you didn’t receive a reimbursement.
You can use the IRS’s interactive tax assistant to determine if you can deduct moving expenses.
9. Learning New Culture, Customs, and Language
You may need to adapt to new cultural norms and customs if you’re relocating internationally or even to a different part of the country. For example, if you’re moving from Florida to Texas or California, it can take time to get used to the different cultures and customs.
If you’re moving to a new country, research cultural differences and basic etiquette. If you don’t speak the local language, consider putting in the time and effort to learn a new language before arriving. Learning the area’s social norms will make the transition easier for your family, too.
Planning Your Move
If you decide to accept a job offer that requires you to relocate, you’ll need to plan your move. Creating a moving checklist and knowing what to expect can go a long way toward a more pleasant relocation experience.
Here are the next steps after landing your new job:
1. Research the location: Familiarize yourself with the new area and find a neighborhood that meets your needs. If you can, visit the area and do a dry run before your first day of work. Find the best driving route or determine the quickest way to get back and forth via public transportation. Drive around and find all of the essentials, such as grocery stores and pharmacies.
2. Connect with coworkers: Reach out to your new coworkers on LinkedIn and start networking before you arrive. This is another great way to learn more about your new city and job.
3. Find a new place to live: Start the housing search a couple of months before relocating. Hire a reputable real estate agent to show you around different neighborhoods.
4. Create a budget: Before hiring a moving company, determine your moving budget. Make a list of all expenses and have a realistic number you’re comfortable spending. Take into consideration how much your company is willing to cover. Don’t forget to save all travel receipts.
5. Hire movers: Hire movers as far in advance as possible. Get quotes from several moving companies and hire one that fits your budget and is available on your preferred moving date. The date you choose can also impact the cost of your move.
6. Reserve a storage unit: If you need temporary storage, reserve a storage unit in advance.
7. Figure out temporary housing: If you need temporary housing while you look for something more permanent, ask your real estate agent to help you find short-term rentals. Ask your company if they plan to cover short-term housing costs after you relocate.
8. Start packing: Gather all your packing materials and start packing up your house room by room. Pack similar items together and label everything clearly. Consider downsizing and decluttering to save money and streamline the process.
9. Ship household goods: If you’re using a moving container, ship it ahead of time so that your items will arrive when you’re moving into your new home. If you ship your car, you may need to rent a car while you wait for it to arrive in your new city.
10. Move on your scheduled moving date: Grab your essentials bag, which should include a change of clothes, pajamas, toiletries, medications, and other necessities, and let the movers do their job or ask for help. Go room by room and make sure you don’t leave anything behind.
Our Conclusion
Job changes can be stressful, especially when relocating to a new city or moving to another country. We recommend you spend several months thoroughly researching your new location before you relocate for your job. Create a budget based on your new cost of living and learn the community’s societal norms to help your family adjust. Remember that you can always contact your company if you have any questions.
FAQ About Relocating for a Job
What should you ask when you are relocating for a job?
When relocating for a job, ask your company about relocation perks and what’s included in the relocation package. You will also need to know your work start date, whether or not the new position offers upward mobility, and if your new salary will make up for any cost of living differences.
What are the challenges of moving for a job?
Moving for a job comes with many challenges, especially if you move to another country. You’ll need to sell your old home, find a new one in your new city, and plan your move. When it’s time to relocate, you’ll need to pack up your home, find a safe and efficient way to transport your belongings and settle into your new area.
What are the benefits of relocating for a job?
A major benefit of relocation is the possibility of career advancement. Other benefits include the potential for a higher quality of life and the chance to start fresh.
How much should my company pay me to relocate?
How much a company is willing to pay depends on the individual and the relocation package. According to American Relocation Connections (ARC), relocation costs anywhere from $2,000–$100,000.
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