Tips & Guides / Relocation

Job Relocation Tips

By Landing | Feb 26, 2020
job relocation briefcase

A new adventure awaits once you’ve been confirmed for a job relocation. There’s a feeling of excitement and anticipation. Then, the fun really begins. While the idea of moving to a new home is a daunting task for most, it doesn’t have to be when you implement planning and prioritization tips and tricks. 

Moving for a job comes with its own timeline and budget, which can be challenging to navigate, but don’t let these limitations dissuade you from coming up with a solid action plan that will keep you feeling cool, calm, and collected. 

If you’ve never experienced a situation like this before, you may have been wondering how to relocate for a job before the decision was even finalized. Having a headstart definitely helps. 

There are several job relocation tips to form a plan of attack and provide you with a peace of mind to enjoy what’s ahead. Whether you decide to opt for furnished apartments or simply set a realistic relocation timeline to minimize the stress of moving, using any of our relocation tips below are sure to make your transition easier.

Set a budget

Most companies allocate a relocation stipend for moving expenses, but the relocation package amount ranges depending on the role, the reason for the move, and the company’s preset policy. Make sure the breakdown of moving costs is clearly set ahead of time by your employer and keep accurate records of all related spending in a separate physical or digital file including your receipts. 

If your company doesn’t pay relocation fees or you don’t think it’ll fully cover your complete moving expenses, work on a budget to keep relocation costs from getting out of hand. Also, keep in mind that some companies may reimburse expenses rather than pay them out upfront. The terms of a company relocation package affect your budget as you make your move. Clarify ahead of time what your company will or won’t cover to avoid surprises down the road.

Factor in moving supplies, shipping costs, temporary storage units, moving trucks and professional movers, and/or a rental truck. However you plan to ship your household items and belongings (and yourself) to your new location, know that there’s going to be a cost for that. Setting a budget is useful to help you stay organized and save money, both of which helps to minimize stress levels.

In addition, be sure to factor in the cost of living in your future state or city. A furnished rental in Los Angeles and moving expenses, for instance, may be more expensive than a furnished apartment in Birmingham, AL.

Secure a place

While there are companies that will set you up with a temporary living space, like at an extended stay hotel, most leave it up to you to secure accommodations when moving to a new area. Rather than spending extra time, money, and resources visiting different places and putting down numerous application fees, take advantage of exploring a pre-vetted network of fully furnished apartments.

With furnished apartments, like the luxurious rentals here at Landing, you can minimize the stress of your job relocation. Members receive access to fully furnished apartments across our network with the freedom to transfer to another space with only a three-day notice. There are no applications or fees required to transfer and no long-term leases or deposits, making it easy should you need to relocate again and move suddenly.

Better yet, you can skip out on the hassle of trying to move or buy new furniture for your place. Every apartment comes well-equipped with bedroom and living room furniture, in addition to kitchen appliances, toiletries, linens, and other living essentials. Having this option makes it easier during your relocation preparation because much of the work is already complete. 

No worrying about moving truck delays for large important items like your bed or TV to keep you from feeling at home right away. It cuts down on the cost of shipping as well. The Landing process is simple: pick an apartment, apply (there’s a background and credit check), pack up your necessities, and that’s basically it. 

Make a moving checklist (or several)

Moving is a hectic time no matter the situation because there are several small details that often go overlooked until the last minute. Save yourself from panic mode by creating a relocation checklist that defines everything that must be done leading up to your move. This includes packing, canceling utilities, and planning those good-bye dinners. A basic list of ways to get started include: 

  • Get quotes from moving companies or rental trucks, depending on how you’re going to move your items
  • Buy packing materials 
  • Separate personal belongings into three piles: sell, store, or take
  • Secure a storage unit (if necessary)
  • Schedule utility cancelation and mail forwarding with the post office
  • Update your online accounts with your new address
  • Track expenses on your budget sheet 
  • Keep important documents in a safe place when moving boxes from one apartment to the next

One of the best relocation tips is to stay organized. This list serves as a starting point, but add anything that will help your moving process run more smoothly. Reach out to colleagues or friends that have experienced a job relocation before and ask for recommendations for professional movers. Contact non-profit organizations to schedule a pickup of larger items like furniture or kitchen equipment that you plan to donate. Creating lists allows you to visualize the progress being made and prevent you from procrastinating until the last minute.

Pack with purpose

Carefully consider what needs to go with you and what can be donated, stored, sold, or sent to the trash. This process takes time but can save you time, money, and energy in the long run. Use your job relocation as an opportunity to clear away the clutter of things you no longer need. Once you’ve purged what you’re not going to take with you and start the packing process, be methodical and label your moving boxes by room and contents. 

Reserve bags or boxes that will travel with you rather than be loaded onto a moving truck. These items include your electronics (laptops, chargers, and other necessities), identification documents and important paperwork, as well as any comforts to keep you calm through the chaos.

If you’re putting part of your belongings in storage, create an online spreadsheet with an inventory of what’s been packed. This limits unnecessary future trips to search for misplaced items. Even if you don’t have that much to take with you, packing always takes longer than you think. Plan ahead as much as possible to give yourself ample time to make your efforts purposeful. 

Establish a realistic timeline

The pressure of relocating for a job may also come with a short timeline or certain expectations of when you’ll be available to work. If you work remotely during your move, set aside blocks of dedicated hours to your relocation preparation without being distracted by your computer or needing to stop to take a conference call. Work with the hiring manager and/or your boss to communicate clear expectations. 

This helps to alleviate the stress of trying to do too many things at once so you can stay on track with your timeline. Constant interruptions or an undefined plan can lead to problems on all levels. When discussing the proposed timeline, take into account any extra time you need to move as well as unpacking and settling into your new place. 

For example, if you have kids or pets, factor in setting up school introductions and pet care, as needed. Consider timing around already scheduled breaks or include weekends to limit the amount of time you’ll be off your regular routine. Tackling tasks in chunks rather than rushing to complete them all at once will help you maintain a sense of security and rhythm in your day-to-day life. 

Research your new neighborhood

Getting an idea of what your new neighborhood and city are like will help with the transition. Explore different things to do and places to eat that are nearby. Use online groups through Facebook or Meetup to start connecting with people socially or for work. Ask your hiring manager if there are any resources they recommend to make your temporary corporate housing arrangement feel more like home. 

Part of relocation preparation is saying goodbye to the old and embracing the new. The quicker you can become familiar with your new residence, the more it’ll feel like home. 

  • What is your new city known for? 
  • Do you need to become familiar with a public transportation system? 
  • How does the weather differ from what you’re currently experiencing? 
  • Are there any neighborhood community groups that you can join to become acclimated more quickly? 

Considering these types of differences, big and small, can better prepare you for all the changes you’re about to face.

Ready for the move?

After all the lists have been checked off and the final box has been packed, all that’s left to do is pack up your suitcase and get to moving. Whether this is your first job relocation or your fifth, being prepared and following these job relocation tips will make the move more seamless. It makes the change seem less abrupt and the transition easier every time you go through the moving process. You’ll be better able to handle any inevitable bumps in the road, because what is job relocation without a few hiccups? 

Plan something fun to do within the first few days of being settled. Pop a bottle of champagne, pick a place in the city to explore, or order in pizza and revel in the excitement of your newest life event. Proper planning and structure allow you to minimize stress, keep you on track, and make you feel like you’ve got everything ready to go when the big day comes. Make the job relocation easy with one of Landing’s move-in ready homes!

Landing

Ted may be the world's slowest typist and struggle to hold a pen, but he has mastered how to pursue a more flexible lifestyle throughout his airborne adventures around the U.S. Whether you're looking for more information before migrating to a new city or want to find an easier way to rent a nest—erm, apartment—Ted will always be here to share his best advice for where to live and how to thrive.