Moving, Children and Changing Jobs

Moving house and changing jobs are probably the two of the most stressful things you can do.

Between 2012 and 2013, 19.4 million Americans moved location for job-related reasons, according to a study by the U.S. Census Bureau.

There are varying reason why people move. 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 simply 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.

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.

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.

And when you have children involved in the move it is vitally important to keep your stress down, easier said than done when moving however that stress could affect your children’s health so be careful. So suggested is to look for all the ways to combine all the helpful hints out there from making proper lists to follow and preparing for emergency’s and so on to help make it as stress free as possible move.

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.

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.

You may find it comfortable to live on your salary now, but how will your finances stack up in another location? Even if you get a raise, it may not cover the costs of living in a more expensive place. So, it's important to think about the difference.

When you calculate the cost of living, include all your potential outgoings. For instance, consider housing. Whether you buy or rent a home, the monthly repayment will depend on your location.

Other housing-related expenses could be high. Utility costs vary widely, especially if the location has extreme seasons and you need extra heating or air conditioning. Or, you might have to buy more expensive insurance. In certain areas, you will need special cover for natural disasters, such as floods, hurricanes or tornadoes.

If you're moving to a different state, consider your potential tax liability. Seven U.S. states have no income tax. However, the majority do. You may even move to one with state and local income or sales taxes.

You'll also need to think about everyday expenses, such as transport. How far will you be from your office? How will you get there? If you'll commute by car, consider the cost of gas. If you'll take public transport, factor in the daily fare. Other costs you should take into account include groceries, leisure activities and childcare.

Another consideration is whether you could afford to move back, or to go elsewhere, if things don't work out. It's sensible to have several months' savings in the bank, just in case you have to return home unexpectedly, or if you have an emergency you hadn't planned for.

To get a better idea of your potential outgoings, use an online cost of living calculator. If you know someone who lives in the area, you can also pick her brain about expenses and the local economy.