Starting a new job is nerve-wracking on its own, so adding moving to the equation can make it feel overwhelming—to say the least. Luckily, relocating for work doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. All it takes is a bit of planning and foresight to help your long-distance move go off without a hitch. That way, you can put your focus back on your new job and make a great first impression!
Here are 5 key moving tips to reduce the stress of relocating for work:
1. Create A Moving Checklist
There are probably a million and one things swirling around your mind, so crafting a moving checklist is a must. Especially if you’re doing a big move, like from the US to a property in Melbourne, Australia. A good moving checklist will help ensure you aren’t forgetting anything and keep your move on track. This is especially imperative for work relocation moves since they are often done in a condensed timeframe.
Your moving checklist should detail all the tasks that need to be done before, during, and after your move. Even if a task seems menial, be sure to add it—it is often the smaller to-dos that seem to slip our mind. Add tasks that need to be done ASAP like house repairs and finding a real estate agent, as well as last-minute items like collecting your spare keys from friends and family and leaving behind the garage door opener.
2. Ask About Relocation Packages
Footing the bill for a long-distance move could mean that you are shelling out an average of $4,890 to move a 2-3 bedroom home 1000 miles. Of course, this will vary based on how much stuff you have, how far you are moving, and the moving package you select, but either way, wouldn’t you prefer if someone else covered the cost?
The good news is that many companies offer relocation packages to help cover some—or even all—of the costs related to your move. They may cover expenses such as hiring movers, storage, closing costs, meals on the road, lodging, and gas mileage. How do you get one of these packages? Usually, relocation packages are negotiated at the time of your contract. However, if you were too excited about your new gig and forgot, it isn’t too late to ask. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
3. Rent Before You Buy
Ideally, you should take a scouting trip to your new hometown to scope out potential houses and get a feel for the environment in general. However, even a quick trip isn’t enough time to get a full feel for neighborhoods if you are unfamiliar with where you are moving. That’s why you should highly consider finding a short-term lease—and we aren’t just talking about regular renters. Even if you previously owned a home, you should try a short-term rental on for size, as it not only allows you to explore the area more comprehensively but also provides flexibility in case you want to test the waters before committing to a long-term investment or potentially using STR loans (Short-Term Rental Loans) to finance your property purchase, a financing option tailored for first-timer or expert investors in the short-term rental market.
Trying out a new area with a temporary rental can help you avoid long-term commitments until you’re certain it’s the right place for you. This approach lets you sample different neighborhoods, lifestyles, and daily routines. Whether you’re seeking apartments in Vienna or a house somewhere more local, a short-term lease gives you time to get to know your new surroundings without making a permanent commitment. What if your new neighborhood isn’t as great as you initially thought? Or what if you hate your new job? Leaving a short-term rental is much easier than selling a house.
A short-term lease gives you time to get to know your new surrounds without making a permanent commitment. What if your new neighborhood isn’t as great as you initially thought? Or what if you hate your new job? Leaving a short-term rental is much easier than selling a house.
4. Aim for a Short Commute
Speaking of housing, you should also consider how its location factors into your commute time. A long commute not only takes away from time spent with your family and friends, but it can also play heavily into job satisfaction. Research from the University of the West of England found that adding 20 minutes to a commute leads to as much job dissatisfaction as a 19% pay cut.
Do yourself a favor a give yourself the best chance of enjoying your new job by making your commute time as short as possible.
5. Hire Professionals
Hiring professional movers such as Atlanta Home Movers LLC is well worth it – even if your company isn’t covering the cost. Moving companies have the expertise, equipment, and manpower to make your move go as quickly and efficiently as possible. Not to mention, having someone else take on the brunt of the work will do wonders for the length of your to-do list, which can offer a lot of relief. Want to make the process extra easy? Some companies even offer moving apps that allow you to easily handle your pre, during, and post-move needs.
No matter which moving company you go with, though, make sure they have the proper licensing, proof of insurance, as well as good reviews and a high rating on www.bbb.com.
Bonus Tip: Celebrate!
It can be easy to get caught up with the move and forget how you got here—you aced the interview and got the job, which was a big accomplishment on its own! So be sure to take some time to celebrate your success by grabbing a drink with friends or having a night out with your spouse. You undoubtedly deserve it. Plus, it might be just what you need to blow off some steam.
Relocating for work could mean huge things for your career, so don’t let a little moving stress dampen your success. Soon your move will be over with and you’ll be settled into your new home and job before you know it.
