Getting a new job is an exciting phase of life! It means new day-to-day activities, making friends, meeting new co-workers, and maybe even a salary increase. Sometimes a new job also means relocation — which can take this phase of life from excitement to overwhelm.
Thankfully, there are helpful tips to follow when you’re moving to a new place after a job change. It’s critical that you learn what to do before you officially accept the position, what arrangements to make before you move, and how to negotiate relocation benefits.
Visit Your New Office
Before accepting a new job offer and deciding to move to another city or state, make sure to visit the new office you’d be working out of. Visiting the office will give you a feel for the culture and office vibe and provide you with insight into the location. Is the office in a hip downtown area you’d love to be in, or is it in a faraway suburb that would take hours of commuting every week?
If you’ve already decided to move regardless of the office location, it’s also a good idea to visit the office before your first day of work to help relieve first-day jitters. You can choose to introduce yourself to your new team members or opt to meet them on your first day. Regardless, getting a feel for the office layout, parking, and commute time will ensure a seamless and painless first day at your new job.
Negotiate Relocation Benefits
Once you’ve visited the office and decided you want to accept the job, it’s time to negotiate your relocation benefits.
First, check with the benefits coordinator at the new company to see what kind of relocation packages they offer. If what they’re offering does not sound ideal to you, it’s okay to negotiate; this process is typical during job relocation deals. Many corporations will pay for all or most of your moving costs. Others will help with closing costs on a house or even buy your current home.
Unfortunately, at smaller companies, these relocation benefits are not always available. Still, you should see what they have to offer and try to negotiate anything you can. Relocating for a job is a big, expensive undertaking, and you should see what help is available.
Make Your Moving Arrangements
Planning for a long distance moving tends to take more work than planning a local move to the next neighborhood over.
One of the first things to figure out is the date of your move. You may or may not have much say in this if your job is telling you to be settled by a specific date, but if you have a say in the matter, there are a few ways to save money. Moving during a weekday instead of a weekend lowers the costs of movers. If you’re moving into an apartment, moving in any season besides summer also results in lower costs and move-in fees.
The next step in planning a relocation is to determine if you will hire a moving company to take care of things or complete the move on your own. While there are pros and cons to each, hiring a moving company can relieve so much stress off your shoulders.
A moving company can handle as much or as little as you’d like. Full-service moving companies can pack, transport your items, and unpack for you — leaving you to continue enjoying life in a new city without the hassles of getting there. You also have the option to pack your belongings on your own and hire movers to transport them, which comes out at a fairly reasonable cost. Plus, the time and stress that it saves during the moving process is convenient for many people.
On the other hand, if cost is your biggest concern and time is not of the essence, a DIY move might be the best option for you.
Once you have a moving date in place, make sure to officially change your address with the United States Postal Service and contact your utility company to transfer your account to your new address. This way, you’ll ensure your mail gets to your new residence; the lights and A/C will be working when you arrive.
Explore Your New Home
As with any other moving situation, you should get a feel for the new area you’d be living in. The sooner you explore, the sooner you’ll feel more comfortable and at home.
Try to introduce yourself to neighbors after you move in and explore the places you’ll be visiting most often, like gyms, grocery stores, coffee shops, and restaurants.
Related Article: Moved To A New City? Here’s How to Make it Feel Like Home
Do What’s Best for You
Getting a new job and moving to a new city can be a life-changing experience! Remember to follow these tips for a seamless transition into your new life.
