Relocating For A Job: 12 Steps You Need To Know Before Moving
Author:
Victoria ArajMay 20, 2024
•6-minute read
Relocating for work can be an exciting opportunity. It’s a fresh start in a new place you may have never considered making your home. To help ensure a smooth transition from your old life to your new one, it’s important to plan, stay organized and understand what the relocation process may have in store for you.
Use this guide to help you prepare for this major life change – from knowing your available resources, to understanding the support a relocation expert can offer, to which steps you should take.
How To Relocate For A Job: 12 Steps To Take
Preparation is a philosophy you can apply in many life situations – relocations included. Planning can offer more than peace of mind. It can also help you streamline your finances, giving you more time to focus on getting settled before resuming work.
Here are some key ways to plan for a smooth transition when relocating for work:
1. Plan Your Timeline
Start planning as soon as you know you’ll need to relocate for work. Note your new start date and work backward from there to create a realistic moving timeline. Make sure to budget in time to unpack and wind down.
Here are a few essential tasks you can add to your moving checklist:
- Schedule utility stop and start dates
- Find new health care providers at your new location
- Forward mail to your new address
- Enroll any children in new schools and transfer transcripts and immunization records
- Update your address with insurance providers
- Cancel or transfer community club or class memberships
2. Reserve A Moving Company
Reserve a moving truck or book an appointment with interstate movers as far in advance as possible. Keep your start date in mind – and don’t forget to budget time for packing and travel.
3. Find A Real Estate Agent
You’ll need to find an experienced real estate agent to sell your current home and help you find a new one. Give yourself enough time to sell your home and buy a new one. An experienced agent in your corner can offer tremendous help throughout the process.
Consider asking friends or family for agent recommendations, or if your company offers relocation assistance, contact the relocation team for an agent referral. When you’re moving for a job, it may make sense to collaborate with an agent or REALTOR® who works in the area you’re moving to.
Most job relocations take 3 – 6 months to tie up loose ends and find a new home. For renters, this means ending your lease. For homeowners, this can mean work