Relocating for work is undoubtedly stressful. Between being thrust into a new environment and learning the ins and outs of your new role, it can be enough to make you start pulling out your hair. Add a seemingly endless moving to-do list on top of that? Well, let’s just say you might find yourself bald.
The truth is that moving always has the potential to be a stressful experience, but there is no need to panic. Relocating for work can be a huge step in your career and moving doesn’t have to put a damper on your success. Here are a few of our top relocation tips to save your sanity—and your hair
Make A Checklist
A lot can slip your mind during the chaos of a move—especially if you’re on a condensed timeline—so making a moving checklist is truly invaluable. It helps ensure that you don’t forget anything as you go and if you break the checklist up into weekly and daily to-do’s, it will help keep your move on track.
To make a highly effective checklist, write down all tasks that need to be done before, during, or after the move—no matter how menial they seem. Your list should include tasks that need to be done ASAP, such as listing your home for sale and finding a real estate agent in your new city, as well as last-minute tasks, like defrosting the freezer and disposing of any flammables or chemicals that can’t be moved.
Negotiate A Relocation Package
It is no secret that moving is expensive. With the average cost to move a 2-3 bedroom home being $4,890 (1000 miles), I think it’s safe to say that any financial assistance is much welcome.
Lucky for you, many companies offer relocation packages where they cover a portion or all of your moving costs. This may include reimbursement for mileage, rentals, meals, hiring professional movers, or any combination of the above. How do you know if your company offers relocation assistance? Ideally, this should be something that you negotiate in your initial contract, but if you forgot to do that in the excitement of getting the job, it’s not too late. Simply ask if your company offers any financial assistance. You may be pleasantly surprised!
Take a Preview Trip
Whether you are moving a few towns over or embarking on a long-distance move, if you are unfamiliar with your new town, a preview trip is highly recommended. This is a great time to not only check out potential places to live but also get a feel for your new town in general.
Have kids? Take them with you! Getting a taste of their new hometown can help put their mind at ease since a lot of moving anxiety stems from fear of the unknown. Plus, on top of finding a little peace of mind, they may also discover a few things around their new town get excited about.
Hold Off Buying
Consider holding off buying a home if you are unfamiliar with where you are moving and ideally opt for a short-term rental. We know, we know, renting can feel like throwing your money down the drain, but hear us out.
A short-term rental will allow you to get a better feel for your new environment before making a more permanent commitment. What if the neighborhood isn’t as safe as you thought? Or what if the new job doesn’t work out? It is much easier to leave a rental than sell a house. We aren’t saying that you have to rent forever, but consider it for a few months while you learn to navigate your new hometown.
Get Professional Movers
Between packing, moving, unpacking, and all the tasks in between, your moving to-do list can be a major stressor. An easy solution? Leave it to the professionals. Professional movers have the expertise and manpower that you need to have your move go off without a hitch. Just make sure that you find a reputable company.
Any professional movers you hire should have:
- Proof of insurance
- A state and national Department of Transportation license number
- A high rating and good reviews on bbb.com
Start Booking ASAP
Speaking of movers, if you are going that route, book them as soon as you know your move date. Other things that you should line up as soon as you know your move schedule include:
Hotels: If a long-distance move requires an overnight stay, book a hotel sooner than later.
Flights or Car Rentals: Waiting until the last minute could mean that the date you want to leave is no longer available.
Pet Accommodations: This may include getting someone to watch your cats while the movers are in and out or making sure your flight will accommodate your dog.
Enjoy the Journey
It is safe to say that the majority of people dislike moving, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t find some joy during the process.
Have kids? Make the car ride into a road trip of sorts. Plan a few games, listen to an audiobook, and bring lots of car snacks. Or maybe you’re changing careers for your dream job? Don’t forget to take the time to celebrate!
While moving may never be considered “easy,” the right planning and know-how can make it a lot more manageable. Just remember, the stress of moving is temporary and it will be over before you know it!