Five Tips for a Smooth Job Relocation
For some people, a job relocation is exciting. But for most people, it’s viewed with skepticism and dread. Between moving, finding housing, and meeting new friends, the process can be quite challenging. It doesn’t have to be painful, though.
How to Make Your Job Relocation as Smooth as Possible
If you work in a large organization with lots of different locations and room for upward mobility, then you’re eventually going to be asked to relocate in order to keep moving up. It just comes with the territory. And while there will be plenty of times when you’re sad to leave, there’s always room for optimism.
Here are some tips for making the relocation process as smooth as possible.
Negotiate Better Relocation Benefits
When a company relocates you, they’re almost always going to provide some sort of relocation assistance. Some packages are better than others, but remember that you have the right to negotiate your benefits – especially if you’re relocating to take a job with a new employer.
Most businesses will provide a relocation package that includes an allowance for moving expenses, as well as temporary housing for the first few weeks. If you feel like you need more time or money, negotiate it as part of your job offer.
Research the Area
Before moving to the area, make sure you do your research. While you might think you have an idea of what a city is like, your impression is probably a little different than reality.
Take a look at things like weather, amenities, sites and attractions, cost of living, schools (if you have kids), and areas where real estate is appreciating and declining. Not only will this help you connect with the city, but it’ll also prove handy when it comes to securing housing.
Find the Right Housing
Speaking of housing, you don’t want to make any rash decisions. You have a variety of options – including rentals, townhomes, and single-family homes . And you’ll want to be sure you’re making the smart choice.
For those who want a new house, but don’t have the time to wait for new construction, quick move-in ready homes – like these from Candlelight – are the way to go. They give you a chance to live in a new house without the extended process.
Simplify the Move
One of the reasons moving is so stressful is that it takes forever to pack up your belongings, load them in a truck, and unpack upon arrival. You can simplify this process rather dramatically by decluttering prior to the move.
According to moving industry professional Joshua Green, you should sell, donate, or dispose of anything that falls into these categories: broken or worn out items, clothes and shoes you haven’t worn in a while, items past their expiration date, duplicate household items, books, and forgotten items.
Get Plugged In
While it’s tempting to spend the first few weeks after a relocation unpacking, getting your house perfect, and trying to relax, don’t delay in meeting new people. The sooner you focus on building friendships, the easier it will be.
Being the new guy or gal in town has its perks and is a great way to meet people. It gives you an immediate conversation starter and will appeal to people who are used to dealing with locals.
While you’ll definitely want to make some work friends, it’s helpful to forge relationships outside of work. This provides some work-life balance and ensures you aren’t putting all your eggs in the same basket.
Outside of work, you can find friendships in your neighborhood, at churches and religious institutions, in recreational sports leagues, and through mutual work connections. It’ll probably take a little longer to develop deep relationships, but keep working at it. Pretty soon you’ll have a group of friends (and some semblance of a social life again).
Relocate Without the Stress
When you keep these tips and tricks in the back of your mind, you’ll eliminate a lot of the traditional pain points that exist with a relocation. You may even find the process to be fun and exciting.
Don’t delay in planning – get started today!
