Last Updated on November 12, 2018 by Kari-Ann Ryan
Moving for work can either be exciting or a chore, depending on how much you love (or are going to love) your job. But in either situation, making the decision to relocation is a big one. Some say that the move itself may be one of life’s stressful changes, that even if you are excited for change, the moving process is still complicated.
While it is true that it’s complicated, you’re never alone. Moving professionals like Mid-West Moving & Storage handle as many as 2,500 moves every year. We can be as hands-on (or hands-off) as you’d like, whether you opt-in for full move management or just need help moving boxes and furniture.
Benefits of Relocating for Work
When companies move long distance, many offer relocation packages for valued employees. So of course you’ll want to take advantage of as many benefits and costs it covers. Just make sure to plan ahead as much as possible and that when things get stressful, to remember that your move is for a positive and exciting change.
What Makes Moving Complicated
So if some, the majority, or even all moving costs are covered, what makes moving so complicated? It’s these factors:
- Finding a new home
- Finding a new school for kids
- Selling your old home
- Becoming familiar with your new location
- Coordinating the move with your spouse
- Finding new friends
It will take some time to figure out these aspects, but in the end, it will be the result of your life-changing, exciting decision.
Challenges When Relocating
On the down side, the current real estate market makes selling homes very complicated. Sometimes homeowners are forced to pay two mortgages, and this may not be feasible for some. So it must be considered to hold off on securing the new home until the old one is sold.
Another challenge commonly faced by relocating families is the other spouse having to find employment. This is not to mention that if kids are involved, they will also need to adjust to the new environment.
Even after you move, you might find that it’s difficult to focus on your job while still figuring out the logistics of the move. It’s important make a good first impression, but as everything is new and you’re still adjusting, you will have to be flexible to make everything work.
Here are some tips on what to expect when moving for work:
1. Stay Organized
A lot of the stress related to moving perspires from the logistics, such as leaving your old home, finding a new one, and packing. But staying organized can keep things smooth. Remember to create to-do lists for both before and after the move so you know exactly what is done and what you have left to do.
2. Take Advantage of Opportunities
Many businesses that are moving long distance work with moving companies to offer employees relocation assistance. It’s important to know what is available to you, such as car transportation, assistance with buying or selling your old and new home, renting out a property, house hunting trips, and even help settling into your new home. Some will even pay for services to help your spouse find employment in your new city.
3. Ask for Relocation Assistance if it’s not Offered
It’s ok to negotiate for relocation assistance if it’s not offered already. Doing research to support your reasoning will definitely help your case. Find out your moving costs and break it down by each service, such as truck rentals, transportation expenses, quotes from moving companies, temporary housing, storage, and any other service you will need.
If relocation assistance still isn’t offered, you can ask for reimbursement to pay for the moving costs. While you may not be able to keep anything leftover after the move, you won’t have to worry about breaking the bank to relocate.
4. Become Familiar with Your New Location
If you have time to explore the new location before the move, do it. This way you can get a feel for the neighborhoods you like and can best see yourself living in when the time comes to move.
But if you’re not able to visit the new location, talk to people who live there currently or have lived there to get an outside perspective. The more you know beforehand, the more prepared you will be in the long run.
Lastly, don’t forget to read their local news or blog articles to see what’s popular or specific events going on after you move in.
5. Know the Cost of Living in the New City
Each city in the U.S. will vary significantly in their cost of living. While you will be compensated for the differences in your salary, it’s still important to research and plan accordingly.
6. Don’t Make Any Long-Term Commitments
Many employees who relocate for work opt in for renting instead of buying a house. This is the best way to settle in and get to know the city better before realizing you don’t like the neighborhood you’re in.
One of the most common mistakes people make today is buying a home or committing to a long-term lease in order to save money in the beginning. But they realize after a few months that they don’t like the neighborhood after all but they’re stuck with it.
Some corporations offer temporary housing, where employees can stay in apartments or condos for a fixed period of time to allow employees to familiarize themselves with their new location before buying a home.
7. Build a Support Network
Similar to networking, ask your friends to introduce you to their friends or use an online service like MeetUp to meet new people nearby who share the same hobbies and interests. Some companies may also have clubs and interest groups to allow you to meet new people.
The faster you can meet others and make new friends, the more comfortable you will feel with your new location. Studies have also shown that these people are more productive at work.
Find a Reliable Moving Company
You’d be surprised at how busy you’ll find yourself before, during, and after moving. Simply finding a new home before moving will take a lot of time researching, negotiating, and planning. So when it comes to the moving process, finding a moving company that can handle the job for you is crucial. It’s also important to ensure that they are licensed, trained, and experienced to prevent any damage or theft to your belongings.
If you are moving to or from the Chicago area, our professionals at Mid-West Moving & Storage completely understand each aspect involved in the moving process. Each of our movers is background-checked, licensed, trained, and experienced to carefully handle your belongings during the relocation process. We have also worked with a number of individuals who have needed to move last minute, especially for work. Our established processes have allowed us to minimize downtime while moving each item to the new location.
When it comes to moving, our team handles everything from planning and packing to assembling your furniture at your new home. We can also provide local, long distance, and even international moving services.
Free Estimate
For more information about our moving services, relocation packages for companies, or a free estimate on your next move, contact Mid-West Moving & Storage at 847.593.7201.
