Getting a new job can be both exciting and stressful. In addition, relocating for work can add to some of the stress. Not only will you have to meet and work with new colleagues, but you have to get acquainted with an entirely new city, state, or country. Oh, the pressure. Yet, it doesn’t have to be that difficult. The four strategies below can help you hit the ground running.
Plan Well
There is a saying that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. The most critical time for planning is months before your anticipated relocation. When you have some free time, it is vital to start thinking about everything thing you need to do before you move from running errands to selling your home or transferring your lease. Then, there are the tasks of looking for a new place to stay. If you have kids, then you will need to determine where they will be going to school. Also, who will you choose to move your stuff? At this time, it’s also important to create moving and post-moving checklists.
Request Relocation Assistance from Your Employer
This is essential because the costs of moving to another city, state, or country can add up rather quickly. Really, there are so many unexpected expenses that it wouldn’t make sense to pay for everything out of your pocket. If you have followed strategy number one, then you can now figure out how much it will cost to hire professional movers, for housing, etc. Then, get quotes, and present these to your employer. You should also ask your employer for a designated list of relocation professionals to either get a reimbursement or allotment to cover some of these types of costs.
Explore Your New Area Before Your Move
If you have the time, and the means, try to explore the new city, state, or country a bit before your full relocation. Determine where the grocery stores and restaurants are located. Figure out where the nearest hospital is, as well as other important types of businesses such as drugstores, auto shops, and more. Get as much perspective as you can. See if you can connect with one of your future coworkers to ask them what it’s like living there.
Don’t Commit to a Home Just Yet
Before going all in to purchase a home, it may help to try renting first. As a result, you aren’t making a massive commitment to a new city that you may not end up liking. On the other hand, your employer might have information on temporary corporate housing. This way, you have more time to shop for a home without feeling that you have to make a rushed decision. Plus, you want to work with professionals who are experienced in real estate sales.
As you can see, relocating for work, while potentially stressful, is also manageable. Make sure to plan effectively, request relocation assistance from your employer, explore the new area beforehand, and rent first. With the right strategies in place, and you will hit the ground running.
