What to Know Before Relocating for a Job

Moving for work may seem intimidating, especially when you haven’t done it before. Therefore, you need to take the time to figure out if relocation is the right step for you. Whether you’re undergoing a major life change, if you’ve recently earned a great promotion, or if you’re a recent grad pursuing your dream job, consider these five factors before making a move.

Find out relocation costs.

Relocating is not uncommon, so don’t be discouraged from asking for financial assistance from your employer. You might qualify for reimbursement based on how far you are moving. Approaching your human resources department with the request is perfectly reasonable. Some companies even offer signing bonuses to foot the bill for the relocating costs, while others may give you a supplemental offer, depending on their budget.

However, if a relocation package isn’t offered, thoroughly research affordable moving assistance. Home selling and buying alone must be kept in mind. Look at closing costs, interest rates, and real estate commissions to gather an idea of homeownership in your possibly new area. 

Consider the weather.

When moving to a new area, people frequently overlook the weather. This factor should be highly considered due to the potentially drastic climate change you may experience. Are you not used to shoveling snow from your driveway? Have you ever experienced temperatures over 100 degrees? Find out the general temperature of your new area and consider whether you’re willing to deal with the different conditions. Investing in clothing and gear might be necessary to brave your new environment.

Additionally, if you’re in the process of moving during bad weather, create a checklist. Relocation is stressful, so don’t take on more than you can handle by picking a fight with a windstorm or a rain shower. Be organized and specific about your packing – you don’t want to be running around at the last minute.

Determine the cost of living.

Your daily coffee might be a dollar cheaper or even more expensive in your new location. Small necessities can add up, so keep in mind the cost of living in the new city. Research prices and taxes then compare your current lifestyle to your new expenses.

Locations like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles are all urban areas that have high living expenses, requiring a competitive salary. Are you a millennial renter or a Generation Z homeowner? Figure out ahead of time which group you belong to and what community your expenses parallel the best.

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Think about social life changes.

Saying goodbye to your friends and loved ones can be the most challenging part of moving. Keeping your previous social life intact is possible; however, make sure you’re ready for this change. Be willing to form new relationships to make the transition easier. Emotional health can be ignored when you’re excited to take on a new phase in your career – don’t get so caught up in climbing the corporate ladder that you forget special birthdays and other important events.

Do your best to keep up with your past social life and embrace the evolving social changes you’re about to acquire. Building a new network in a new city is daunting, but if you align yourself with like-minded people in your industry, it should come naturally.

How much do you value this job?

Most people might rely on the excitement of a raise or a fresh start to jump at the idea of relocating for a new job. Before you let impulse and a pay raise overcome you, ask yourself how much you value this opportunity. Verify that this job will be fulfilling, professionally and emotionally. The last thing you want to do is uproot your life to be moderately satisfied and find yourself job-hopping. 

Committing to relocate is a big deal. Make sure that you’re willing to tackle the challenges that arise with the new position and the additional costs that may come your way. Starting over will come with challenges of its own, but approaching the situation with confidence and a lot of planning will set you up for success in your new career.

Author Bio: Anais Jun writes articles for businesses that want to explore different marketing strategies. Currently, she is a contributor for 365 Business Tips and a digital marketing expert for brands such as FTD. Her educational background in Sociology helps her tackle topics regarding demographic trends, messaging, and branding. Feel free to connect with her via LinkedIn.