Congratulations, you’ve received a new job offer or a promotion! There is only one thing that requires you to relocate.
Relocating for a job entails numerous considerations that need to be addressed before the move. Whether your new job is in a distant location or your current job is moving to a better place, you, your spouse, and your children may need to relocate to a new neighbourhood or city.
Adjusting to a new location and new conditions becomes easier for you and your family with proper planning.
Relocating can be a fantastic opportunity for experiencing a new city and its culture, potentially learning a new language, meeting new people and the experiences they can share, and even reinventing yourself.
In this article, we have created the checklist below to help you stay on top of your big move and possibly alleviate some stress.
Table of Contents
Research Your New Area
There is a lot to consider before you leave. Anything from where and live to what the schools are like and where to eat and drink is covered. It would be remarkably beneficial if you have done your homework before arriving. Use the internet to learn all you can, including answering questions on public forums. People who live or have lived there will be pleased to assist you, and you will have the opportunity to meet new people who will be waiting for you when you arrive!
Plan on visiting at least once or twice before deciding to relocate.
Know Your Options
Some companies provide relocation services. Consult management and research your options. They might, for example, pay for short house-hunting trips before the move. They may also help you buy or sell a house, and in some cases, they may even assist your spouse in finding a new job. Although not all businesses assist, you may be able to negotiate alternative options. Investigate and calculate some of the moving costs. Present these rough estimates to management along with documentation of where your money is going. This allows them to reimburse you for some or all of your expenses.
Keep Track of Your Finances
Many businesses have relocation services. These sometimes include rent and a stipend for up to a month after your arrival, but they may also include nothing. If you decide to relocate on your own, you will not be compensated for the time, effort, and money required for a large transfer. Will the work be enough to justify a big relocation? Stay top of your finances carefully to ensure a smooth operation.
You’ll need to consider several factors, including groceries, which could be more costly in a larger city than you’re used to, rent, which can vary greatly depending on the venue, parking, which can range from free to hundreds of dollars per month, and insurance, which can vary greatly depending on geography.
In the absence of a compensation plan, relocation firms may be a good next move. They can be a good bet for those looking to purchase a house rather than rent one, and they have buy-out opportunities if the job does not work out.
Use Social Networking Sites as a Research Tool
Don’t overlook the insights that social media can have to supplement the work on the internet. Check to see if there are any platforms specific to the location you’re going to, or look for a Facebook network or Twitter list.
Determine the Cost of Living in the New Location
Evaluate the cost of living in and around your new location to see if it is less expensive or more expensive than your current neighbourhood. Companies frequently adjust their employees’ salaries when the area becomes more expensive, but this is not guaranteed. Make your plan and budget based on your understanding of the cost change. For example, if you can’t afford a home right away, you could store some of your belongings and opt for a more affordable apartment. Inquire about your coworkers’ plans as well. They may be aware of less expensive location options.
Discuss temporary housing options with management as well. Some companies pay for condos and apartments for short periods while their employees adjust to their new surroundings.
Seek assistance
If you’re relocating for work, your new employer will undoubtedly want to make the transition as easy as possible for you. Inquire whether they would be of assistance. Even if it’s just suggestions on where to live or what the schools are like in a specific city. Few larger employers can also assist with relocation costs.
In the long run
In the short term, renting before buying may be advantageous. This will allow you to determine whether or not you like a specific area and whether or not you fit in with the culture of your new city before deciding whether or not to purchase a property.
Family and friends
You may be separated from friends and family who live hundreds, if not thousands, of miles away. However, in this age of globalization, keep in mind that with a reliable internet connection, they can usually be contacted at the touch of a button via Skype or Facetime. With improved transportation, flight and rail fares are becoming more affordable if you want to visit them or have them see you.
Schools and Childcare
If you are a parent, your priority will be your children. So, before you leave, look into the schools and childcare options in your new location.
Continue to be organized
Begin planning as early as possible. Once you’ve made your decision, start planning how you’ll carry it out. Checklists are a great way to stay on top of what you need to do. Please make a list of everything and cross it off as you go. It will not only give you a sense of accomplishment but will also help to keep your stress levels in check.
Prospects for growth
When you move, you have a plethora of options. You will not be bored, whether it is meeting new people or experiencing new cultures, food, or places.
Determine Whether or Not Your Moving Expenses are Tax-Deductible
If your employer does not cover your moving costs, you may be able to claim tax breaks. Many of the burdens associated with relocating can be alleviated by partial reimbursement of your expenses during tax season. However, there are several requirements that your situation must meet for the government to reimburse you. Among these specifications are:
The reason for your relocation must be related to your job.
Your new home must be at least 50 miles away from your previous home and job.
You must have worked full-time for at least 39 weeks before the move.
If you are self-employed, you must have worked for at least 78 weeks in the previous two years to be considered.
Set a Moving Date
It is best to relocate ahead of your new location’s start date. Depending on the distance, your company may give you a short period between leaving your current position and starting over at the new site. This is your chance to find a unique house or apartment. Consider the current season and how it may affect your moving plans. For example, if it’s winter and you’re moving north, you may need to plan for cold, snowy weather, which could hinder your relocation.
Decide on a specific date and commit to it after taking all necessary considerations. Complete all of the items on your to-do list by a particular deadline, and your move should be a success.
Look For a Low-Cost House
There’s a lot that goes into finding a new, affordable home for your family, but it’s best to start looking before you move. Finding a home that meets your financial needs while also including the location and features you desire makes the transition much more accessible. Before the move, you could even plan out how you want your furniture to be arranged in your new home.
If you can’t find a place to live before the move, either through work or on your own, look for temporary housing. Look for apartments that offer a comfortable commute to work, local amenities, and, if applicable, access to good public schools for your children.
The Pros & Cons
Employers in some areas of the world are also struggling to fill highly skilled positions and compensate eligible applicants. If you’ve filled the role, a dedicated boss will most likely work hard to keep you there.
In the same way, relocating to a new city will result in a completely new perspective. Hopefully, you’ve done your research on your new hometown and will find it a desirable place to live. If the job offer enticed you enough to relocate, chances are you’ll be happy with both your work and personal lives.
If you have a companion to consider? If this is the case, uprooting two lives rather than just one can be difficult. He or she will have to devote as much time as you do to finding a new career and assisting with the relocation. In the case of students, the timing must be correct in terms of the school year.
