If you managed to get a job offer in a different state or country from the one you’re living in, then moving to a new place for work can be an exciting experience! However, remember that you will also effectively be uprooting your life and starting anew, so there is a lot to consider.
If you’ve decided to relocate but need some idea of where to start, here are some tips to help make the transition much easier.
Create a relocation checklist
Before you take the first step, make sure you have a good understanding of what relocation means and what it entails. The best way to do is to start by creating a checklist – there will be a lot of things you’ll have to keep up with, and it won’t do to miss out on any of them.
If you are relocating for a job, make sure you have already been pre-approved for the position before moving. Check if they have a list of relocation services providers to recommend, or which have been used by other staff members. If not, you need to either source those yourself or figure out how to move on your own.
Check whether you qualify for relocation assistance
In some cases, you may be eligible to receive help with relocation expenses. Your company may offer to reimburse relocation costs, or even appoint a designated relocation service provider to assist you.
Your company may also provide you with short-term lodging at your destination while you search for a long-term housing option. Make sure you double check the length of the stay they’re covering for you so you can factor that into your relocation timeline.
Plan your expenses carefully
Once you know the amount of salary and relocation assistance you’ll be receiving, you can start working on saving money. You could look at switching utilities companies, changing phone plans, adjusting your insurance coverage, or planning your expected daily expenses. All of those things can add up over time.
Treat your relocation as a fresh start of sorts. Use this as an opportunity to relook your existing expenses and pare them down where necessary. For instance, if you are moving to a city, do you really need a car and all the other expenses that come along with maintaining it? Or can you just rely on public transport instead?
Start searching for housing first
One of your first priorities for relocating should be securing long-term housing. Look online to find a rental agency servicing the area you’re moving to and see if they can recommend you options or arrange viewings in advance.
You can also search through property listings on sites like PropertyGuru and scheduling property viewings for when you arrive at the area you’re moving to. Lastly, don’t forget to ask around and see if anyone in your network has a good agent to recommend, or if they know a friend or family member with a spare room to let.
It’s best to get started on finding housing options as early as possible. Depending on your luck (and market conditions), this process might take longer than you expect. With that said, don’t forget that you’ll still need short-term housing throughout this process, which brings us to the next point…
Get started on finding a temporary residence
If your company is not providing you with short-term lodging during the relocation period, then it’s up to you to sort that out by yourself. Try using websites like Airbnb and iBilik. These sites allow users to rent rooms in homes or apartments for short periods without committing to a full lease.
Try and find short-term lodging as close to your new workplace as possible. During the relocation period, you’ll already have enough to worry about. No need to add the commute to your new workplace to that list!
Plan for trips home or family visits
Moving for a job means you might have to pay for trips home to see family and friends. These costs may not be immediate or frequent, but it’s wise to consider them upfront. You should also talk to your new supervisors about how and when you can take time off so you can plan your visits accordingly.
On the other hand, don’t forget that your family and friends from home might decide to pop by and visit you as well! Make sure you clearly communicate your comfort level about this to them in advance so you avoid any unwanted surprises.
Don't forget to plan for the future
Remember that sometimes relocating to a new area isn't always the best thing for your career. It may seem great at first, but as time goes on you might run out of options or see your savings dwindle and then end up back where you started. This could be due to factors like higher cost of living, higher taxes, or you being reshuffled or laid off from your job.
Remember to take time every now and then to stop and assess how you’re doing, and whether this relocation is really still working out for you professionally, financially, or personally. Keep in mind that you should always stay flexible and be open to other new opportunities no matter what happens.