From higher salaries and more flexibility to a change of pace or industry, relocating for a job can be an excellent opportunity for growth. But moving for work often involves a lot of moving parts. In many cases, these kinds of moves happen on a tight timeline. If you’re considering moving because of a new job offer, hiring residential moving services is a common way to simplify planning your move.
Key Takeaways
- If you’re relocating for a job, it’s important to carefully plan to ensure things go smoothly.
- Give proper notice at your current job to maintain relationships.
- Carefully research potential neighborhoods and housing options that match your lifestyle and budget preferences.
- Create a checklist and schedule for your move to stay on task and reduce stress.
- Update your address with the USPS.
- Remember to explore your new city as much as possible at this exciting time.
- Use a moving broker to help streamline the long-distance moving process.
A Fresh Start: How to Navigate Your Job Relocation
Moving to take a new job or promotion is an exciting opportunity to grow your career, explore a new place, and embrace fresh challenges. However, managing the logistics of your move and adjusting to your new environment can take time, and the process can be overwhelming without proper preparation.
That said, planning for your move is a lot easier than you might expect — especially with expert advice. Let’s explore the essential steps that help ensure relocating for a job goes smoothly, and your experience is positive.
Handling the Job Relocation Process
The job relocation process involves more than just finding movers. You’ll also need to negotiate things like relocation packages, giving notice (if switching companies), and seeking out a new home.
Giving Notice at Your Current Job
Let’s assume you’re switching jobs (or careers). You’ll need to inform your current employer that you’re leaving. This can be challenging, but handling the conversation professionally lets you leave on good terms and maintain valuable connections.
Schedule a private meeting with your manager to talk about the situation. Provide at least two weeks’ notice (or more if your industry requires it). Be honest and gracious, and express gratitude for the opportunities and growth you’ve experienced. Prepare a formal resignation letter to complement the notice. Include details like your intended last working day and other necessary information. If possible, offer to help with the transition. That could mean training your replacement or documenting your process.
Once you have tackled this first step of relocation planning, you can move on to other logistics.
Finding Housing in Your New City
With your new job secure, the next most important part of what to do when relocating is finding housing in your new city or town. The right home can set the tone for your experience and help you settle in quickly.
Start by researching neighborhoods close to your workplace or convenient transit options. Some of the things you’ll want to consider as you house hunt include:
- Commute times: How long will it take you to get to and from work each day? Will you drive or use public transit?
- Cost of living: Are you okay with paying higher rent to live closer to the office, or to live in an area with better schools?
- Local amenities: Speaking of groceries, do you mind driving to the store? What about local parks?
- Lifestyle preferences: Do you want a laidback, suburban lifestyle or prefer something more fast-paced?
Depending on your timeline, you should visit as many potential neighborhoods as possible in person. There’s no substitute for seeing a neighborhood firsthand.
If you’re on a tight timeline, temporary housing can be a lifesaver. Renting a short-term apartment gives you the flexibility to make a more informed long-term decision, especially if you’re trying to buy a house.
Online resources and local real estate agents are invaluable for finding housing options that meet your needs. Finally, don’t forget to ask your new employer about relocation assistance. Some companies provide resources or even cover moving costs for new employees.
Finding the perfect home takes effort, but it’s definitely worth it.
Relocation Planning: The Actual Move
Step 1: Setting a Schedule for Your Move
A well-organized schedule is the basis for a smooth job relocation. Set clear timelines and plan key milestones to avoid last-minute stress.
Use your job start date to dictate the rest of your moving timeline. Work backward to establish deadlines, like your moving date, lease start/end dates, and when to give notice at your current residence.
Book your moving services as early as possible. Long-distance moving companies, moving truck rentals, and even temporary storage can fill up quickly, especially during the peak season. Research your options and secure your slot as soon as you confirm the timeline.
Finally, remember to account for personal factors. Things like packing, contacting utilities, and tying up loose ends take time, too. Create a moving checklist to stay on track and prioritize tasks.
Step 2: Transferring Your Belongings
Relocating your belongings is one of the biggest logistical challenges when moving for a job. Whether you’re handling it yourself, involving friends and family, or hiring professional moving services, careful planning for the following steps helps reduce stress:
- Packing: Start packing early and organize systematically. Declutter your home beforehand to lighten the load, and pack by room, labeling each box clearly. Use packing supplies like sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape to protect fragile items.
- Booking movers: Research companies, compare quotes, and check reviews to find a reliable option that meets your needs. Book as soon as possible to reduce your moving expenses, especially if you’re moving on a budget. A moving broker can often help facilitate this step as they compare prices from vetted, reputable services and give you the best option(s).
- Transporting your stuff: Coordinate a moving day timeline and decide whether you’ll travel with or ahead of your belongings. If you’re driving to your new city, plan your route and accommodations ahead of time.
By staying organized and tackling your move methodically, you can make your move as stress-free as possible.
Step 3: Updating Accounts, Addresses, and Notifications
In addition to moving yourself and your belongings, you must update your personal information with key organizations and contacts. This administrative work takes time, but it really ensures a smooth transition and avoids disruptions.
Start by updating your address with the U.S. Postal Service to forward your mail. This can help critical documents get to you as you manually handle many of the most important tasks, like notifying your bank, credit card provider, insurance companies, and subscription services of your new address.
Inform utility companies about move-out and move-in dates to ensure seamless service. Coordinate these details with your landlord or property manager to settle accounts if renting.
Keep a checklist of what you have and have not yet updated. These updates let you focus on enjoying your new job and settle into your new home.
Additional Considerations When Moving for Work
Remember, you’re not alone when it comes to moving for work. Lean on family members for help with the moving process. If that’s not an option, explore your employer’s relocation assistance programs. They may be able to help you learn about your city’s schools, healthcare providers, and more.
Embracing Your New City
After handling the logistics for your move, take time to familiarize yourself with your new city. This is an exciting time! Relocating to a new city for a job can be an opportunity to uncover new interests and hobbies and meet new friends. While it may be tempting to lay low and relax after getting moved in, taking the time to get to know your new neighborhood is an important part of settling into your new surroundings.
Simplify Relocation Planning
Relocating for work isn’t overwhelming if you approach it methodically. From giving notice at your job to finding housing, transferring belongings, and updating your personal information, a well-planned move ensures a smooth transition. And it all starts with setting a clear schedule to stay organized and on track.
To simplify your move, work with a moving broker to find reliable long-distance moving services tailored to your needs. This saves time, reduces stress, and allows you to focus on the exciting opportunity ahead. With the right plan and resources, your relocation can be a seamless start to a brand new chapter.
Our commitment to service helps you find licensed cross-country movers within our carrier network at fair, competitive prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a reasonable amount of time to relocate for a job?
A reasonable relocation timeframe depends on factors like the distance of the move and your job’s start date. Typically, employers expect you to complete your move within four to eight weeks. Open communication with employers can help set realistic expectations for your situation.
How much should my company pay me to relocate?
Relocation packages vary, but companies are often willing to cover expenses like moving services, temporary housing, and travel. On average, relocation packages range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the job level and distance. Discuss details with your employer to ensure your relocation needs are adequately addressed.
How often do people relocate for work?
Relocating for work used to be more common. In 2024, 2.4% of job seekers relocated for new positions. That is significantly lower than in 2018, where the annual average was 9.6% of job seekers.
