Moving can be one of the most stressful experiences people go through.
According to New York Times author Sarah Kershaw, your residence is a source of security, relocating can be incredibly stress, and the dialogue around the kitchen table is dominated by packing, transportation, and finding a new place to live.
Pair that with a significant life change, like a new job, and the combination of stress and excitement can be overwhelming. In many cases, moving for a new job means new opportunities and a fresh start. Other times, the implication of moving somewhere completely new can be terrifying.
When it comes to relocating for work, preparation is key. Doing your due diligence in research and outsourcing tasks whenever possible will help make your transition as smooth as possible. In this ultimate guide to relocating for work, we’ll cover some of the things you need to consider before packing your bags and making the move.
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Finding a Place to Live
Of all the things that matter, this is at the top of the list. If you’re very far away, you may find yourself in a situation where you must agree to live in a place that you haven’t seen in person. Whether you choose to rent until you find something suitable or buy right away is a matter of personal preference and availability.
For example, the Dallas housing market has been booming in recent years, making it challenging for the massive influx of newcomers to be able to purchase a home. As such, they use reliable apartment locators like The Urban Avenue to find the right rental property for their needs. Rising housing prices in Florida have made the market a seller’s paradise, but have also opened a lot of homes for purchase.
To find the best place for you, get up to date on the local markets in the area you are moving to. Then, find a trusted real estate or apartment locator business to help you find the right place for your needs. Before you make any solid decisions, you’ll need to assess the neighborhood.
Neighborhood Amenities
If you’re a single individual, you have a lot of freedom to move close to your new job without being tied to any location needs aside from proximity. You may have preferences about the surrounding amenities, but can ultimately be pretty flexible. If you are in a relationship or have a family, the complexity increases.
First, look at the neighborhoods closest to your new job with affordability in mind. Next, consider what the neighborhood has to offer. Is there a well-respected school nearby to send your children? Are there daycare facilities in the area that have great reviews? What about playgrounds and activities to keep your family active? These are all extremely important if your entire family is relocating.
Another thing to consider is transportation. Moving into the city may cost more than being on the outskirts, but you might be able to leave your vehicle behind and rely on public transportation. For example, less than half of the households in New York City own vehicles. Find out if the area you’re moving to would make vehicle ownership a hindrance.
Whether you have a partner who is relocating with you or you’re alone, you’ll want to take a look at the various aspects of the neighborhood you’re moving to. Do you like to be amidst the chaos at the city center, or in a quiet, artistic neighborhood? Where do cost and features overlap on your list of needs and wants? Thinking these things out in advance will help you feel more comfortable with the transition.
Moving Logistics
Before you do anything else, find out if you will receive a stipend for relocating from the business offering you the job. You may or may not receive financial assistance. It all depends on the business and the level of the job itself.
Start searching for moving companies right away. Get quotes to create a cost comparison chart. Don’t choose the cheapest mover as a way to save money. Get referrals from trusted colleagues and online. Look at moving insurance and decide if you want a mover who will pack for you or if you’d rather do it yourself.
If you’re moving across the country, you might want to think twice about bringing everything. You may be moving into a smaller home than you currently own and thus no longer require all of your furniture. You may be moving from Minneapolis to Fort Lauderdale, and no longer need many of the seasonal items you own. Think critically, and start the arduous process of sorting through what you need to bring and what you don’t. Then you can sell unnecessary items or donate them. If nothing else, this is a chance to de-clutter.
Decide What to Do With Your Current Residence
Before packing up and leaving, you need to decide what to do with your current home. If you are a renter, look at the time left on your lease and decide the best way to handle it. You may be able to get out of it with an appropriate amount of notice or may have to pay a fee for early contract cancellation.
Alternatively, you can look into subletting your rental to someone else. Be sure to do a thorough evaluation of the people who apply to sublet your apartment, as any damages will ultimately fall on you. There may be a clause about subletting in your lease, so check closely and discuss your options with your landlord.
If you currently own your home, you need to decide if you’re going to sell it. This can be tough, depending on the market in your current region. Discuss your options with a real estate agent and see if it is best to aim for a price that will keep it on the market for a while, or list it for a low price that will cover your costs but allow you to unload it quickly.
Another option, depending on your comfort with the idea and your financials, is to rent your current home. If you have a trusted friend or family member you can rent to or someone who can check in regularly, this is a great way to build equity and create a nest egg. However, renting a property isn’t for everyone, so most prefer to sell and be done with it.
Now, Move It!
Before you jump in a truck and make your way to your new life in Dallas or Miami, be sure all your i’s are dotted and your t’s are crossed. Sourcing a moving checklist or app can help you keep track of everything and make your relocation as straightforward as possible. You can also check out our March 2018 blog “Steps To Take Before Relocating” for some additional insight.
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Call Us (954) 676-1846 Send Text Send Text Send Text or Fill Out This Form For Your FAIR Offer.
