Comprehensive Guide to Moving for a New Job

Comprehensive Guide to Moving for a New
Job
By Nazira Vieira
Education Publisher
Abstract
Relocation. It's a common part of adult life for many: whether it's in pursuit of
a dream job, a move to study or work abroad, or going off to graduate school.
Still, it can be scary. Regardless of how often we do it, moving rarely gets any
easier.
However, the more prepared you are, the less stressful it will seem. Here are
some starter tips for a smooth transition to a new city.
1.0 Introduction
If you’ve ever moved for a job, you know how many itty, bitty details are
involved. Depending on how far you’re going—crossing state lines or just

heading a few cities over, going abroad, or to the opposite coast—you’re going
to want to be as organized as possible so you keep your sanity, along with
your new job.
Moving for work is a different game than simply moving, typically because the
timeline involved in taking a job in a new location is a lot shorter than when
you decide on a change of scenery and then focus on getting the new position.
Whether you have three months to get everything squared away or a mere
three weeks, the comprehensive cheat sheet below will hopefully help make it
as seamless as possible.
‣ Ask About Relocation Costs
Like negotiating a job offer, this one can be tricky. A lot of people may be
unwilling or disinclined to ask about financial relocation assistance because
they don’t want to seem greedy or demanding. But ask yourself, what’s the
absolute worst thing that can happen? You inquire about getting reimbursed
for some moving expenses, and the HR person says that’s not something the
organization does, so you say “Thank you for letting me know,” and that’s the
end of the conversation. The job is still yours, and nobody got hurt. (Can you
even imagine a company that would rescind an offer because someone asked
for moving help?)
‣ Create a Budget
Do this even if you’re not a budget person or have never kept a record of your
spending. Moving costs can and will add up quickly. It’ll be far better for you
to have a clear sense of what you’re going to end up spending going into it,
instead of not thinking about it and later getting an insane credit card bill just
as you’re getting settled at your new job in an unfamiliar city.
‣ Become a List Person
Are you anti-list, or do you pride yourself on your great ability to keep
running mental lists of both personal and professional to-dos? Now is the time
to put pen to paper or finger to keyboard. With an exciting, new job looming,
this isn’t the appropriate moment to rely on your memory. There are simply

far too many odds and ends to consider for that. You’re going to want to save
all your brain power to impress your new boss, not to remember if you
changed your address at the post office.
‣ Start Building Your Network
If you like sports, consider joining a recreational league. An experienced
mover notes that “It's a really good way to make actual friends instead of
relying on meeting people ‘out.’” But these people can be more than just
people you meet for brunch on Saturdays; consider them a part of your
growing network.
‣ Locate All the Essentials
There are certain things which you should never show up late for. A job
interview is one, but so is your first day of work. Even if you interviewed in
the space in person months ago and are pretty sure you know where you’re
going, do yourself a favor and perform a dry run before you’re officially
expected to report. Locate the best driving route, or figure out the easiest and
quickest way via public transportation if you’re going to be relying on the bus
or subway. In addition, you're also going to want to scope out neighborhood
essentials, such as the dry cleaner, laundromat, and grocery store.
‣ Make All the Necessary Appointments as Soon as Possible
If that’s not feasible or your moving needs demand that you be flexible—your
kitchen table is now on backorder and won't be delivered on the Tuesday
morning you planned to work from home—consider having an open dialogue
with your boss and let her know that you'll do your best to notify him of your
whereabouts as far in advance as possible, but sometimes, you may have to be
out on shorter notice than you (or she) would like. Basically, the more heads
up you can give people, the less stressful the ask will feel.
2.0 Is Relocating For Work Worth It? 10 Things to Consider
You received a job offer. Not only is it a great opportunity, but it’s paying more
than your current salary. The only thing left to consider is that the

opportunity is halfway around the country – or world. Are you ready to make
the move? Should you move for a job?
Before you answer these, here are 10 questions you should ask yourself to
determine if you should consider the offer:
‣ Who will pay relocation costs?
At the most basic level, the company you’re relocating for should have a
relocation policy in place. It protects the employer and should make you feel
more comfortable about uprooting your life too. This will outline how
relocation costs will be covered or offset and if it will be a lump sum or direct
bill method. There may be different policies depending on if it’s a short- or
long-term relocation and whether it’s domestic or international.
‣ Will my salary increase, or will my money go further?
It’s unlikely you’re considering a big move for a job if it isn’t offering you more
money or greater opportunities. But, what you really should be looking at is

your salary relative to the cost of living. CNN Money has a user-friendly
calculator that will take your current salary and location and determine a
comparable salary based on cost of living in the new prospective city.
‣ What does the future of the company look like?
There are a couple angles you should research when determining where you
think the company will be in the next five to 10 years. First, pull market
research on the industry in which the company operates. The United States
Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics reports on employment by
industry, including changes in the past decade and projections for the next
decade. Then, if the company is public, dig into its financials to gain an
understanding of its viability. You should also consider the company’s
position in the market, relative to competitors. You don’t want to make a
move for a business that might not make it into the next year.
‣ Is there an opportunity to move up in the company?
If you don’t know this already, you should ask your recruiter about the
company’s hierarchy and opportunity for advancement if this organization is
new to you. Don’t be shy; after all, you’re considering relocating for the
business. If you’re an employee already, you should have a feel for how people
are promoted from within the organization. To relocate, you may want to see
a whole new potential career path unveiled; you certainly don’t want to see a
dead end.
‣ Will the new job be satisfying?
Understanding your future career opportunity is important, but don’t forget to
look at the now as well. You want to make sure the current job you’re being
brought in to do is just as satisfying and engaging as the one you’re striving to
move into in the future. Conduct informational interviews with people who
are already doing the job you’re moving for, so you can decide if you’ll like it.
‣ Do I think I’ll have a good relationship with my new boss?
A Gallup study found about half of the adults surveyed left a job “to get away
from their manager,” so it’s safe to say your boss can make or break your job

satisfaction. Don’t be afraid to spend time with your new potential manager
during the interview process to get to know him or her better and ask
questions that will lend some insight into their leadership approach.
‣ What is my comfort level with change?
You know yourself better than anyone else. Reflect on how the idea of not only
adjusting to a new job but also moving to a new location will feel. Everything
changing at once may overwhelm some people; others thrive on it.
Additionally, if you have a spouse and/or children, think about how it will
affect them.
‣ Will my spouse find a job in our new location?
According to Atlas Van Lines Annual Corporate Relocation Survey Results, 55
percent of employees who declined relocation offers did so because of a
spouse’s employment. Be mindful of your spouse’s career opportunities as
well as their overall wellbeing in the new location.
‣ Will my children be happy at our new location?
Consider your children’s ability to adapt to new situations before making a
move. You should research the quality of education they’ll have access to and
think about where in their schooling journey they’re at: Are they making the
jump from elementary to middle school anyway, or do they have one year left
in high school?
‣ What is my backup plan if the new gig doesn’t work out?
This is a question people often overlook because they’re excited about the
prospect of a new job in a new location. If the move doesn’t work out, will you
be able to relocate back to your prior location, and will the company help you
do so? Would your former job (or something comparable) be available to go
back to, or are there other roles you could consider? While you may not be
able to have every possible scenario mapped out, having a couple options to
fall back on will help put your mind at ease.

Set aside some time for research and reflection before moving for a job. Going
through the exercise of answering these questions will give you a foundation
for deciding what’s best for you. If you do your homework, you’ll be making a
move – or staying put – with confidence.
3.0 Know These Things before Relocating for a Job
A major decision when considering your next career move is whether to limit
your job search to your current location or consider moving for the right job?
While expanding your job search beyond your current location may increase
the number of jobs available, there are some important factors to consider to
make sure this is the right decision for you.
Things to consider
‣ Preparing for your next job
Will you find a job before you relocate or wait until you get there?
What if finding a job takes time? How will you live without an income in
the new location?

Do you have the required skills and experience for jobs in your
preferred location/industry?
Are there many vacancies in your chosen location/industry?
‣ Choosing a location
Where will you live? Would you move to another town, another state or
overseas?
How close is your home to your work?
How will you get to work?
Will you need a car or rely on public transport?
Do you have easy access to public transport, shops, schools, etc?
‣ Impact on your family
Will your partner be able to find work in the new location?
How will you cope with being away from friends and family?
Where will your children go to school/childcare? How will they get
there?
Will you have a support network (i.e. friends/family)in your new
location? How important is this to you?
Do you rely on family members for support or caring assistance?
‣ Financial
What are the costs of moving?
For example, upfront costs, transport, housing costs, etc.
Will your new employer cover some of the moving costs?
What is your starting salary in your new job?
What is the cost of living in your chosen location?
Will you buy a house or rent?
Will you sell your current house or rent it out?
What is the cost of travelling back to visit family and friends?
4.0 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Relocate For a Job

To avoid problems like this, ask yourself the following questions before you
relocate for a job:
Will I love my new job?
Where will I live?
Who will pay for relocation expenses?
What is the cost of living like in this new city? Can I afford to live in the
new city and still save some money?
What does the future of this company or position look like?
Is the job one in which I can definitely envision myself learning and
advancing my career?
Is the culture of the new company and new city a good match for me and
my family?
Will we make friends easily?
Will living and working in the new city provide me with better
opportunities than my current situation?
What are the benefits of relocating for this job? Do they outweigh the
obstacles?
Is my significant other on board and where will he or she work?
What is there to do in the new city besides work?
What am I leaving behind?
Do I do well with change?
Where will my kids go to school? Does the school system have a good
reputation?
What is the neighborhood like?
What is the weather like?
What’s my backup plan if things don’t work out?
Will my family be happy in this new place?
Will I be happy?
5.0 Job Relocation Checklist
Great job getting the job offer, now it's time to take the next steps and plan for
your relocation. Our job relocation checklist will help you plan out your move
and not miss any steps.

8 WEEKS BEFORE
‣ Visit the New Office
So you've accepted a job in a new city – congratulations! A few months before
moving, schedule a time to visit your new city and office building. Not only
will this alleviate first day jitters (and give you a good lay of the land), but it
will also make your transition to the new job a successful one. Just be sure to
let your employer know about the visit beforehand.
‣ Connect With Employees
When visiting your new city, ask to grab coffee with other employees at the
same company. If they also relocated for the job, they could be full of great
advice on how to get settled in your new city.
‣ Ask About Relocation Packages
If moving for work, you should ask your employer whether or not they plan to
cover moving expenses. Many companies offer an assortment of relocation
packages to employees. While relocation packages vary from company to
company, most large employers will cover at least part of the move. Be sure to
speak directly to the human resources department to find out any job
relocation specifics.
‣ Consider the Cost of Living
When searching for a new home, be sure to consider the city's cost of living.
For instance, are restaurants pricey? Or is it a cheap place to eat out? Are
public transportation options fairly expensive? Or is the price of gas relatively
low? Be sure to also look into average rental costs and home prices in the
city's various neighborhoods.
‣ Determine Your Ideal Work Commute
How far are you willing to commute to work? While many will happily settle
for a longer drive from the suburbs, others may prefer to live within walking
distance of their office. Whatever your preference, just make sure to carefully

consider your options and your budget before signing a lease or purchasing a
home.
6 WEEKS BEFORE
‣ Find a New Home
If you're able to do so, start your housing search a couple of months before the
move. Be sure to hire a reputable and experienced Realtor to show you
around the city's various neighborhoods. You can also learn more about your
community through our helpful Neighborhood Guides and City Reports.
‣ Budget Accordingly
Before hiring a moving company or committing to a DIY move, figure out your
overall relocation budget. Be sure to take into account how much your
company is willing to cover when it comes to moving expenses. Keep in mind
that moving companies are pricey and typically cost around $5,000 for a long
distance move.
‣ Track Your Moving Expenses
Begin keeping track of all moving expenses – especially if your job is paying
for the relocation. Keep all receipts and credit card statements in an easy to
find place. After your move, you'll need to provide copies to your employer for
reimbursement purposes. Important expenses to keep track of include moving
company services, truck rentals, car shipping and packing supplies.
‣ Save All Travel Receipts
Don't forget to save all necessary travel receipts as well! Whether you're
paying for gasoline or an expensive airplane ticket, be sure to keep track of
any travel expenses that pertain to moving.
‣ Schedule the Movers
If you're planning to hire professional movers, go ahead and schedule a
reputable moving company as soon as possible. When choosing a move date,
keep in mind that the specific day, week and month you pick will affect the

cost of your move. Moving during peak season (May to September) will likely
cost more. The same goes for weekend moves. If your budget is tight, aim for a
weekday move during the off-season months.
‣ Reserve a Storage Unit
Need temporary storage while you relocate? Consider booking a storage unit
through Moving.com's free Storage Center. All you have to do is type in your
zip code and click the “find storage” button. Moving.com will pull quotes from
the closest storage unit facilities near your new home.
4 WEEKS BEFORE
‣ Figure Out Temporary Housing
If you need a temporary place to live during the first few weeks in a new city,
try looking for short-term rentals on Realtor.com, Airbnb or VRBO. Be sure to
also ask whether or not your company plans to cover any short-term housing
costs after you move.
‣ Schedule Car Shipping Service
If you need to ship your vehicle to your new home, contact a car shipping
service at least a month in advance to make arrangements. Read more on the
best ways to ship your car to a new city.
‣ Prep Your Wardrobe
Moving from one climate to another means you may need to tailor your work
wardrobe before moving. If moving to a cold weather city, try adding warm
layers and outerwear options to your closet. If moving to a warm city, focus on
light-weight clothing made of cotton and linen fabrics. These weatherappropriate
basics should help you adjust to the new city with ease.
2 WEEKS BEFORE
‣ Forward Mail

Several weeks before moving, go to USPS.com and choose the date you want
to begin forwarding your mail. If you wish to rent a PO Box in your new city,
check out Moving.com's guide to setting up a PO Box when you move.
‣ Transfer Utilities
Let all of your current utility service providers know about your move.
Utilities include cable and internet, water and sewer, gas, electricity, satellite,
security system, trash and phone. Research utility companies in your new area
and schedule installation dates. Make sure you have important utilities such as
electricity and cable turned on in your new home before you move. Read more
tips on how to transfer utilities before moving.
DAY BEFORE
‣ Pack an Essentials Bag
The day before you move, make sure to pack all essentials in your suitcase.
Since you might not receive moving boxes for a week or two after the
relocation, it's important that you have your necessities with you. Essentials
may include pajamas, toiletries, clothing, shoes, medications, pet and baby
necessities, as well as any important documents or valuables. You may also
want to consider packing a special “Moving Day” bag with trash bags, light
bulbs, scissors, tools, flashlights, paper towels, toilet paper and bed linens.
Read more tips on packing essentials here.
AFTER MOVING
‣ Rent a Car
Those shipping their own cars to their new home may have to wait a week or
more to receive their vehicles. If this is the case (and public transportation
isn't an option), try renting a car to get you through the first few weeks.
Driving around the area is also one of the best ways to familiarize yourself
with the new city.
‣ Research State-Specific Tax Laws

Moving to a new state? Be sure to look into any state-specific tax rules. If
moving to a state without income tax, keep in mind that you may be able to
pocket quite a bit more money than you did in your previous job. In order to
take advantage of a state's tax benefits, you may need to establish domicile
within the first few weeks. To find information on the various ways to
establish domicile in your new state, check out the state's official government
website.
6.0 Challenges and Upsides of relocating for work
Challenges of relocating for work
Moving is expensive. The cost of moving can be a deal-breaker if your
company doesn't offer to cover relocation expenses. However, some
employers may negotiate relocation packages. Inquire about the costs
associated with travel expenses, moving labor, corporate or temporary
housing, and fees for breaking a lease.
Your partner may struggle. A trailing spouse may have to find a job in your
new city, which can take several months. This can put a financial strain on
your relationship. Herring recommends your partner start their search three
to four months before the move.
You must find housing in an unfamiliar area. If you are unable to take
advantage of corporate or temporary housing, finding a place to live in a new
city can be a major challenge. Utilize GPS and online tools to find the "good"
and "bad" parts of town, and drive by your new neighborhood at night, before
you move. Consider renting, instead of buying, a home for at least the first six
to 12 months.
Finding the right schooling and child care can be tough. If you have
children, you will need to find housing that is within the boundaries of the
school district you would like your children to attend. You will also have to
find trustworthy child care, which can be worrisome if other family members
have watched your children, shuttled them to and from school and
extracurricular activities, etc. Utilize trusted internet forums and ask around
for references.

You may have to learn a whole new transportation system. If you move
from a rural area to a big city, you may have to forgo the car and learn a new
public transportation system. Conversely, if you are moving from a city to the
countryside, you may have to factor in the cost of purchasing a vehicle, gas,
maintenance, etc. GPS is your best friend when learning a new city. After the
move, try out different commute routes to find what works best for you.
You might experience culture shock. Learning a new city and culture can
feel overwhelming and lonely, especially if you are moving alone or
internationally. If possible, try to visit the area a few times before you move to
ensure it is an environment you will enjoy.
You have to make new friends. Social integration can be difficult and is
especially challenging for those who are introverted or moving alone. Mindy
Green, owner of MG Beauty, has relocated for work multiple times. During her
moves, she learned valuable tips for social integration, including taking up a
hobby, volunteering at a local charity, joining a rec league and attending
meetup groups.
You may need new documentation and licensing. Licensed professionals
sometimes move and are unable to work for a period of time, since states are
notoriously slow at processing paperwork. To avoid this, Herring suggested
investing in the new state's licensure requirements ahead of time. This can be
particularly important for professions, such as lawyers, that might require a
bar exam, which are only offered a few times each year.
Integration can be difficult, and the job might ultimately not be a good fit.
Integrating into a new position can be challenging. Green said it is important
to remember that you will have to earn the trust of your new team. If you test
out your new position and ultimately decide it is not the right fit, you must be
OK with accepting that and moving on.
Upsides of relocating for work
It could offer job security. In some situations, relocating for work is the only
way to keep your job. If you decide to make the move, your employer may feel

you are loyal to the company. This could result in job security if your
employer has to make cuts later on.
It can be an opportunity for career advancement. In addition to job
security, Herring said relocating for work can be a career accelerator, leading
to promotions. Green agreed that it can give you the opportunity to excel, take
things to the next level and set the bar for others behind you. She said that,
depending on your new role, you may have the chance to build a new team or
project from the ground up.
It can increase your standard of living and quality of life. Kate Windleton
is a relocations manager at Strong Move, a company that helps people relocate
both domestically and internationally. She said the possibility of a better
standard of living is an important consideration. Take into account the salary
offered as well as the cost of living. You may be taking a pay raise or pay cut,
but depending on the new cost of living, you can end up with a smaller or
larger disposable income.
It is great for personal development and new experiences. Herring said
relocation is an opportunity to start fresh and reinvent yourself. Try the things
you've always wanted to do but haven't made the time for.
You can make new friends. Green said moving is the perfect opportunity to
welcome new, positive friendships and leave the toxic ones behind. You can
use online apps, rec leagues and local meetups to find people who share your
same interests.
It will widen your dating pool. Green said this is ideal for those who are
single. Dating apps make it incredibly easy to meet singles, or you can attend
local activities to find someone who shares an interest in one of your hobbies.
You can move to a better climate. Whether you are currently living
somewhere cold and you've always wanted to live in a tropical area or vice
versa, this may be your chance to finally move. Moving to your desired climate
may improve your quality of life.
7.0 Expert Advice for a Seamless Job Relocation Experience

Windleton said the most important thing about job relocation is setting
enough time aside to plan everything in detail. Thoroughly research
everything you will need for your move – it will make for a more seamless
experience.
"Arrange documents, inform utility providers that you're moving, decide what
you'll take with you and so on," said Windleton. "Embrace the change. Don't
pity yourself. Focus on the positive side of this new experience."
After you've moved, it is important to be patient with yourself and practice
good mental health. Be open to the idea that you will have growing pains, and
you may feel sad at first. Green suggested finding a mentor to help you
through this process.
"Mentoring is an excellent way to talk through your frustrations and get
advice from someone that has your best interests in mind," said Green. "If they
have been through a relocation, they will understand what it's like to be the
new kid in class and can share their insights."
Timothy Wiedman, retired associate professor of management and human
resources at Doane University, has undergone several job relocations and, as a
result, created a list of useful questions to consider when debating job
relocation.
For single people without dependents, consider the following:
Will I love my new job?
Will this move enhance my current career and future opportunities?
Is this move likely to improve my financial situation?
How far will I be from parents, siblings and current friends?
Unless my employer will pay for the entire relocation, can I afford the
cost of the move?
If I own a home, how easily can I sell it quickly without taking a loss?
What is the cost of living in the new location?

Will the new locality provide sufficient social, cultural and recreational
opportunities?
For those with dependents, consider the following (in addition to the above
questions):
How will this move impact my spouse?
How will it impact my children?
Can we afford to live in a "good" neighborhood in the new location?
Are there "good" public schools in the new location?
If those local public schools are not so good, can we afford private
alternatives?
8.0 Final Words
There’s a lot involved in job relocation, yes—and not least of all because you
want to nail it at your first week on the job without thinking of whether or not
you bought kitty litter. The many moving parts mean you should try to be as
organized as humanly possible from the beginning. If possible, give yourself at
least a couple of days (longer if you're moving a great distance or to a really
big city from a tiny town) in your new surroundings before the job starts. But
if that’s not an option, know that if you follow the above steps, you’ll be able to
hit the ground running. Chances are, you’re not the first one at your new
company to have relocated for work, and generally, people who have been
there, done that are more than happy to share words of wisdom and advice.
And that right there is your foolproof conversation starter at the water cooler.
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