Your Comprehensive Guide to Moving for a New Job

Congratulations – you’ve finally been offered the perfect job. Your new gig pays a high salary, provides benefits that seem a bit too good to be true, and offers numerous advancement opportunities. There is just one catch; your new job is in another city, state, or country. Relocating for a new job can be a stressful experience, especially if you’ve never actually lived in the place that will soon become your new home. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your stress and make your move somewhat tolerable. Here are some tips to help you make the move for your new job while maintaining your sanity.

Estimate Your Costs

Before accepting the job offer, you will want to ask about relocation costs. If the overall cost of the move outweighs the financial benefits of the job, you may want to consider a job closer to home. When considering the cost of the move, be sure to ask yourself the following questions:

• Will the company cover your relocation costs?
• Do you need to sell your home first?
• How much will the actual move cost?
• Will you need a hotel room while you search for a new place to live?

Everyone knows moving can be expensive, so your employer shouldn’t have any problems discussing relocation costs with you. If your prospective employer really wants to fill the vacant position, they may be willing to cover all relocation costs or reimburse you.

If a company doesn’t offer relocation assistance funds, you may be able to negotiate them into your salary. Just be sure the topic is addressed before you make a commitment.

Make a Moving Checklist

Once you have a realistic perspective of your budget and moving costs, you can start making a list of what you will need for your move. Are you taking your furniture? Often, when people relocate to other states or countries, they find it easier to simply purchase new furniture instead of having their current belongings shipped across the country or the world. What services do you need to disconnect prior to leaving? Do you need to open a new bank account in your new hometown? These are serious questions, and by making a list of your needs, you can prevent any potential confusion later on down the line.

Map Important Locations

Driving around a new city searching for locations like grocery stores, pharmacies, and hospitals can be a hassle. Even though you will have plenty of time to explore your new hometown, you can simplify your move by mapping out the stores and major sites in your city. This can also prevent you from getting lost.

Start Working on Your New Social Life

Living and working in a new city alone can be a drag, and it is normal to feel homesick and alone at times. However, you don’t want homesickness to ruin what could be a professional opportunity of a lifetime, so you should take the time to establish a social network before you go. Research clubs, groups, and professional networks in your new hometown prior to moving, Social groups can help you find new friends and build professional connections at the same time.

If your friends or family members know someone who lives in your new city, have them set up a meeting. Most people understand living in a new city can be lonely, and more than likely, they will be willing to show you the ropes and introduce you to new people. You can also consider reaching out to old coworkers, roommates, and even classmates if you know any who reside in your new town.

Address Your Medical Needs

If you have medical concerns, you may want to reach out to doctors and pharmacists in advance. Make any necessary appointments prior to leaving, especially if you know a physician is likely to be booked up. It can also be helpful to transfer your prescriptions to a new pharmacy while you are at it.

Relocating Doesn’t Have to be Scary

Moving for a new job can be a somewhat frightening prospect, but it doesn’t have to be scary. By planning and keeping your own needs in mind, you can ensure your move goes smoothly and you get settled into your new life easily.

Adam Richards

About Adam Richards

Adam Richards is a semi-retired business professional originally from Bangor, Maine. He spent the majority of his career in sales and marketing where he rose to the marketing lead of a Fortune 1000 company. He then moved on to helping people as a career counselor that specifically helped bring families to self-sufficiency through finding them rewarding careers. He has now returned to Bangor for his retirement and spends his free time writing. This blog will be about everything he learned throughout his career. He'll write on career, workplace, education and technology issues as well as on trends, changes, and advice for the Maine job market and its employers.