Smart and Simple Steps for Making the Job Relocation Decision

Smart and Simple Steps for Making the Job Relocation Decision Relocating to a new city is always stressful. What makes the experience even more stressful is when the move is prompted by a career change. There is no denying that moving your family across the country is never easy, even when a major job promotion is involved. So what do you do? First, you need to buckle down and do a lot of research upfront. There are a number of factors to consider before you make a final commitment. Below are our top 5 tips on making the best job relocation decision for you and your family. Evaluate the Offer Job relocation starts with an offer. And deciding whether to move starts with evaluating the ins and outs of that specific offer. The best way to do this is to start by asking yourself a number of questions upfront. Is the job stable? Will relocation be required again in the future? Will you and your family like to live in the new city? Does the move come with a substantial raise or put you on the path to your dream job? Will the move negatively affect your relationships? Will you be happy with the move? The answers to these questions will affect everyone differently. Everything depends on your own personal needs, preferences, and priorities. It always pays off to spend as much time as you need to work through such a complicated decision. Negotiate, Negotiate, Negotiate The majority of companies are more than happy to help with employee relocation. So make sure you have what you need to move before you do so. Negotiate with your company on your relocation package until it includes exactly what you require. The main factor in a relocation package is usually financial assistance with the move. There are four main ways your employer can help you with this. Lump Sum Youre given a set amount of money to help with your move. You must make all your own moving arrangements. Reimbursement You pay for your moving costs yourself. Your company reimburses you for them at a later date. Direct Bill Set up direct billing so your company receives the bills for your moving costs themselves. 3rd Party Your company hires a 3rd party service to take care of your relocation needs. Once again, the option you choose should be based on your own individual needs and preferences. Look at Homes Finding a new home is never easy. And its even more difficult when youre looking for a new home in a city across the country, quite possibly a city youve never visited. Thats why its important to start your search for a new home as soon as youve accepted your job relocation offer. See this site here for more information on finding a new home. Dont skimp on the research. Dig into the details of each neighborhood to find the perfect fit. Pay particular attention to demographics, nearby attractions, crime rates, schools, cost per square foot, and walking score. Familiarize yourself with the major neighborhoods in town so you know what to expect when you get there. Pack Up and Move Out Packing and moving is perhaps the most difficult part of job relocation. So get started as soon as you can. Depending on your situation, and especially if you are moving a long distance, you will want to find out more about hiring a professional moving service to help Though a lot goes into the moving process, there are a few key tips to remember. These include: Pack valuables in a secure location. Be sure to bring important documents and paperwork. Take time to weed out items you dont need (especially clothes). Consider selling old furnishings and buying new ones for your new home. Perform an initial walkthrough to ensure you havent missed anything important. Settle In Job relocation isnt all about a career change. Its also about a change of lifestyle. So why not explore your new city and really see everything that it has to offer? Take some time to get out of the house and go out on town. Take in the citys most popular and well-known attractions. Try a new restaurant or go see some local entertainment. Getting a solid feel for the city will help validate your move. Job relocation isnt easy. In addition to the stress of starting a new job at a new office, the process of moving is strenuous in itself. Yet when you step back, take a deep breath, and follow our five job relocation tips above, the entire process gets a lot easier. Its important to remember that your move is for the best and that everything will work out one way or another. Isabel Parkes works in executive recruitment and always likes to take the opportunity to share her ideas and tips on making the most of your career path with an online audience. She is a regular writer for a number of business and lifestyle websites.