Whether your new job is located in a different city or your present job is moving to a different location, you and your family may need to relocate to a new neighborhood or city. Adjusting to a new area and new conditions becomes easier for you and your family with appropriate planning.

 

Reasons for Relocating for Work

 

Most people relocate for work due to the following reasons

 

• The company or organization is relocating

 

The most common reason why companies move is to pursue growth opportunities. By moving with your organization, you reinforce your willingness to grow with it.

 

• You have secured a new job in a different geographical location

 

Sometimes relocating for work may be due to securing a new job, in this case, the new opportunity may be a better option than the previous job (or being unemployed), or a change in career interest.

 

10 tips for Moving for Work

Before relocating for work it is necessary to prepare yourself or/ and your family mentally, emotionally, financially, and psychologically to help reduce culture shock. Below are some of the tips to help you when relocating for work.

 

• Ascertain your employer’s commitment to you

 

Moving to another city or country is a tremendous life change that will impact you and your family. As such you should ensure that your employer is committed to your best interests. 

 

Here are several important questions you should seriously consider when pondering on making the move:

• Will moving be a good thing for my family overall?
• How will my quality of life be affected by the move?
• Who will cover my moving expenses?
• What major cultural differences should I expect?
• Will I manage to meet my employer’s expectations in the new environment?

 

• Start planning your move early

 

 

Relocating involves a lot of complicated processes and remaining organized is the best way to get through it. Selling your home, finding a new home, transporting all your items long distances, and the cost of relocating are just a few of the processes. Make a list of all your goals. Add to the list as new ideas arise, and cross items off as they are completed. This allows you to keep track of the various details involved in moving and ensures that the entire process goes smoothly. 

 

• Research the new location before moving

 

Before relocating, take a trip to the new location to acquaint yourself and your family with the area. This is a fantastic opportunity to look at the neighborhood and choose a place that best suits your needs. Look through the local newspapers or blogs to see what’s going on in the city daily.

 

If you are unable to visit, do as much research as possible online. Look up the experiences of people who made such a move, learn about the various attractions and even connect with residents by visiting tourism websites, city government websites, or internet forums. 

 

Most importantly, get acquainted with some necessary services that you’ll need while there such as health care facilities, markets, grocery shops, religious venues, schools, and even modes of transport. 

 

• Find out how much is the cost of living in the new location

 

Examine the cost of living in and around your new area to see the variance in cost compared to your current dwellings. Factor in this variance when negotiating your new salary. 

 

• Check to see if your moving costs are tax-deductible

 

If your company does not cover your moving costs, you may be able to claim a tax deduction. Many of the hardships involved with relocating might be alleviated by receiving partial reimbursement of your expenses during tax season. However, there are a few requirements that must be met for the government to compensate you. 

 

These are some of the requirements:

• Your employment must be the reason for your relocation.
• Your new residence must be at least 50 miles from your prior residence and workplace.
• Before the move, you must have worked full-time for at least 39 weeks.

 

• Survey the New Location to Check for a New Home

 

There’s a lot to consider while looking for a home for your family, but it’s better to start looking before you relocate. Connect with local realtors to help you find a property that matches your needs. 

 

If you can’t find a place to live before the move, find temporary housing like an Airbnb at first. As you get settled in the area, you can then find appropriate dwellings that are compatible with your day-to-day life.

 

• Start Building Your Network in Advance

 

Even if you enjoy your career, moving to a new city might be lonely. Having a robust and growing professional community is always a bonus. Meet new people, and say yes more to new opportunities from the right people.

 

Take advantage of your company’s social events—having friends at work can easily turn a difficult day around, and getting to know your coworkers is a terrific way to quickly extend your network.

 

• Choose a moving date

 

 

It’s best to relocate ahead of your new location’s start date. Your firm may provide you a brief window of time between leaving your current job and starting at the new one, depending on the distance and complexity. This is your last chance to get a new house or apartment. Consider the current season and how it may affect your relocation plans. If you’re relocating north in the winter, for example, you may need to plan for cold, snowy weather, which could slow down your move. Decide on a certain date and commit to it after considering all the factors.

 

• Create a Budget

 

Moving expenses can and will quickly mount. Instead of not thinking about it and later getting an exorbitant bill just as you’re getting comfortable at your new job in a foreign area, it’s far better for you to have a clear idea of what you’re willing to spend going into the move.

 

One reason for doing so is that it will assist you in coming up with a realistic estimate for your organization if it is offering to give you the cash upfront. Even if you’re the one responsible for all the moving costs, keeping track of moving expenses is something you should do. You’ll be able to determine what you can afford to buy right now and what can be afforded in a later budget.

 

• Choose a Reputable Relocation Company

 

After doing all of the above; you know where you are moving to, you know your new desired home, you have a moving date and you have created your moving budget, you can scan for a professional and reputable moving and relocations company, and request for a moving quote.