Several Tips to help for your Big Move

What are two of the most stressful things you can do?

Moving house and changing jobs are probably high on most people's lists.

Trying to do both at the same time can be even more traumatic! But you might have to switch cities, states or even countries to keep a job or earn a promotion. So, relocating for work is something you may need to deal with.

Why People Relocate for Work

Between 2012 and 2013, 19.4 million Americans moved location for job-related reasons, according to a study by the U.S. Census Bureau. The reasons why people move vary. Your organization may transfer its office to another city, perhaps to do business more cheaply, and you might have to choose whether to move with it. You may have the opportunity to earn a promotion if you change role. Perhaps moving would allow you to take a once-in-a-lifetime position that would increase your salary and push your career forward. Or maybe you've always wanted to live in a different city or country, or you're looking for a change in lifestyle, and now seems the perfect time to make this exciting move! Maybe your reasons for relocating are personal. Perhaps you want to move closer to family members, or maybe you plan to marry someone whose family lives elsewhere. If you have children, you might want them to be closer to their grandparents, or in a different school system.

Things to Consider Before you Relocate

Relocating means taking a leap into the unknown. So, consider the possibility that even your dream job might not work out. You may feel homesick and miss your friends or family back home. Or you might not get along with your new boss or colleagues! If you move to a new location for personal reasons and you're without a job, you may find it difficult to get a new position. And, chances are you won't have a network of people to support you. So take the time to research your options thoroughly when deciding whether to move. Here are just some of the things you should think about before you relocate.

Friends and Family

When you're single, it's easy to pick up your life and move to a new city or country. But when you have a family or a close-knit group of friends, the decision is more complex. If you have a partner, consider his or her job prospects. What is his employment situation now? If he has a good job with excellent benefits and a chance of a promotion, it may not be the right time to go. Also, think about how well you both deal with change, and how the move might affect your relationship. A move could also be disruptive for your children, particularly if they're in education. Investigate the local schools to make sure that they have good reputations. If not, you may need to consider private schooling. You should also check out childcare options. If you currently live near family who take care of your kids for you while you're at work, you'll probably miss this convenience when you move away.

Moving Expenses

Have you considered how much moving might cost? Once you hire movers, ship your belongings, or rent a truck, it might be more than you expect. Many organizations offer relocation packages if they require their people to move to a new office location. Typically, these cover the cost of professional movers to pack and unpack your belongings, and some employers cover the cost of shipping items and storing them, if necessary. Your organization may also pay for you to go on a house-hunting trip. Be sure to take advantage of this, as it will give you a feel for your new location. Check it out at different times of the day and night to make sure it's what you expected. You may be eligible for other benefits from your employer. For instance, it may pay your living expenses until you find a permanent home. Your partner may also benefit, as some organizations offer networking or outplacement services for spouses.

If you're moving abroad, your organization may cover the costs of filing immigration paperwork, or getting you a work visa and employing an attorney. It might also provide cultural training to ease you into your new surroundings.

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Tip:

If your organization doesn't offer relocation benefits, it doesn't hurt to ask whether it would cover some of your moving expenses.

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