Moving for a job seems like a dream to many. There are many advantages to relocating to a new work area. However, there can be many uphill struggles when relocating for a position, and you’ll want to be well informed and prepared if that’s your end goal. There are many things to consider when relocating for a job, so we’ve come up with a brief guide on what you should expect in long-distance moving for whatever vocation you have.
What to Consider Before Relocating for a Job
At first, the idea of relocating for a career sounds fantastic. You get to start a new life in a new area with all kinds of opportunities at your disposal. Aside from saying bye to friends and getting all of your moving essentials in order, there isn’t much to worry about, right? We hate to break it to you, but there are a lot of things you ought to consider before relocating for a position, and it can feel pretty overwhelming at times. Here are just a few things to think about before your big career move:
- Creating a checklist for transferring to another state, including a budget
- What is the cost of living in your area, and can your position’s salary cover it
- Can you get reimbursement for your relocation
- How will your family handle your relocation
- You’ll need to contact a reputable long-distance moving company
There are more things to consider, and you’ll have to have a solid plan. Once you are able to iron out all of the details, you shouldn’t have any issues, and if you do, you’ll be able to handle them easily.
General Advice for Traveling Job Seekers
If your heart is set on a career requiring you to travel, you should familiarize yourself with some basic knowledge of relocating to an area so you aren’t hit with any surprises. Here are some essential tips to help you before you move for a position:
- Take time to get to know the area you are going to. This means you should get familiar with where you live with regards to where you work, the cost of living, and nearby amenities.
- Set yourself a relocating budget with enough saved until your next paycheck.
- Take the time to talk to neighbors and introduce yourself to people. You are new to this area, and focusing on work won’t help much with any residual anxiety about moving out.
- Shop around for moving services and the cheapest way to move out of state.
- Sign-up for different networking events and groups in your career field that you like.
Should I Move for a Job
Choosing whether or not to move for a job isn’t always an easy decision, and it depends on your life situation and what you want. For example, if you’ve just graduated from school and you are wondering how to find a job after college, the quicker option is to look in your immediate area since you’ll be able to stay with family until you find a position. However, if you’ve managed to land a position in a faraway state with a decent salary, you should most definitely relocate. Just make sure you are prepared and know how to relocate for a position.
Will This New Company Reimburse Your Relocation Expenses
Before 2018, people were able to claim relocation for a job in their tax deductibles. Companies could even use the relocation as a tax write-off, and they were able to save on their bottom line. That’s no longer the case today as you are only able to claim travel expenses if you are in the armed forces. However, it shouldn’t discourage you to ask if you’ll be covered for your move.
Check With Employers to Find out About Travel Reimbursement
Before you move for a position, always ask your employer if they’ll reimburse you for your move. The worst thing that can happen is they’ll tell you that they aren’t able to. The best case is they’ll either pay a part of your travel expenses or all of it, depending on the position you’ve been hired for.
Will This Job Cover the Cost of Living
A considerable aspect of moving to a new state for a position is the cost of living. This should be a significant determining factor in whether or not you should move. Say you land an entry-level job in your respective field that pays you 50,000 per year, but the location is in Manhattan, NYC.
The Big Apple is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and if you are working in the most costly borough living on 50k a year, you won’t be able to live anywhere near your office. Take the time to understand what the living costs are in your city, to avoid any issues in the future.
Research the New Area
One of the most important things to do when moving to a new state is to do as much research about the area you are relocating to as possible. The last thing you want to do is move somewhere where you have no clue where you are or what is around you. It will also look bad if you don’t know how to get to the office from home.
You’ll Need to Plan Your Moving Expenses
We mentioned earlier that it’s essential to make a budget for your move, even if you’ve gotten hired at a company. You’ll have to wait to receive your first paycheck, and you can only afford to live for so long on your savings. Creating a budget is also an integral part of relocating, and a solid expense plan is excellent for stress-free moving.
Budget the Available Resources You Have Access to
Let’s assume that you’re relocating to get closer to a dream position of yours, and you are relocating in hopes of landing the position or something comparable. Before you move, you’ll have to pull every resource available to you. You’ll have to save you money, look for cheap or free packing materials, learn how to have a successful garage sale, ask friends and family for help, or anything to help you lower the cost of travel and save you as much money as possible. This is especially important if a major company has hired you and you are moving from a small town to a big city.
Moving for a Work Transfer
If you’re already employed, but you’ve been allowed to transfer to another city, you have a lot to consider. It can be a very tough adjustment in life for you and your family, but certain perks come along with it. If your company is requesting that you transfer, you’re more than likely to receive some type of travel reimbursement or relocation assistance.
Other Helpful Steps to Take When Relocating for a Job
Getting transferred to another location for a position can be challenging. You have many things you need to take care of before you move. Here are some steps you should consider taking before you proceed:
- Start learning all you can about your new role
- Reach out to other employees that are in your location
- Start your relocating preparations early.
Contact a Reliable Moving Company
All that’s left to do for your career move is to find a reputable long-distance moving company to help you get relocated. You can find many great movers that offer excellent services at fair prices. Assuming you’re being transferred or relocating somewhere where you’ll need a car, you can opt for an auto transport service to have your vehicle shipped to you. If you’re having issues with packing, you can choose a packing service. It’s expected that people need to have a storage unit whenever they move somewhere across state lines, so you can always opt for a reliable storage service.
Enjoy Your Position in Your New City
Now that you’ve gotten a good idea of what it takes to move for work, you can make a much more informed decision. Relocating to another city and state for a job isn’t easy at all, but you’ll be well prepared to do so. All that’s left to do is decide what you feel is the best option for your life.
