How to Make Your Job Relocation Less Stressful

Whether you are relocating for your job in the next town, the next state, or even another country, without the proper planning it can be one of the most stressful times in your life. Not only are you changing jobs, but you are uprooting from your home, friends, family, and all that you are familiar with. But it can be a positive experience as well! By observing some of the following ideas, you can relieve some of the anxiety of the move and enjoy the benefits.

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE CHOOSING TO RELOCATE

The following things should be taken into account before making the final decision to relocate for your job.

Financial

There are no two ways about it – moving is expensive. If your present employer is relocating the business, there should be a relocation package available to you. If not, you will need to put your negotiation skills to the test. If you are considering a position with a new company, consult management to see if there is financial assistance available. Do not accept an offer until the relocation package is understood.

If your current situation requires a double income, you may also need to determine if your partner can find suitable employment in the new area. Research the cost of living in your prospective new hometown. Take into consideration your current hobbies, routines, and luxury items and compare the costs. If you have children, you will need to think of schooling costs and entertainment costs for them as well.

This is a good time to think ahead, too. Is the new position going to offer room for advancement and salary increases? Are these potential benefits worth the cost of the move? To answer these questions, make a new budget to include the expenses of your new home city.

Housing

Research the housing market in the new area. With some areas experiencing housing shortages, you don’t want to be caught off-guard. Ideally, the new company will assist you with short-term relocation accommodation, but if not you should avoid signing any long-term rental agreement or purchasing a house until you know something about the area. Hopefully, your potential colleagues can shed some light on good and bad areas.

Look at internet sites for short-term housing (sometimes referred to as corporate housing). Look for something close to your work to avoid the stress of commuting. The more you learn about the area, the sooner you will feel like you’re ‘home’.

Impact on family

If you are single, you know your adaptation limits. However, if you have a family there are more considerations.

The stress of moving is ranked high on the stress chart. Everyone is leaving the life they know. Some people focus on the challenge of getting a fresh start while others feel a deep sadness or loss. Changing schools can be hard on some kids, while others look forward to the benefits it brings.

By researching the area, and having positive information to share, you can minimise stress and have everyone looking forward to a new chapter.

Planning ahead for trips back to visit friends and family creates a positive as well. Once you know your holiday allotment, it gives you and your family something to look forward to and makes leaving friends and family a little easier.

The logistics of moving

Once you’ve decided on the area you will move to, and the type of housing you need, it’s time to make a plan for the move.

This is where a calendar and a ‘to-do’ list will help immensely. Obviously, narrowing down the date is the first step. Everything else pertaining to the move depends on this. If the company is not organising the move, you will need to research moving companies for cost and availability. Do you need to pack or does the company do that? Moving companies cannot always promise you the date(s) you need and you might have to rent a storage unit for a short term.

Don’t forget to give yourself time to relocate before the start date of your new position. If you are undertaking a long-distance drive, you might need more time to recuperate from the trip than if you fly.

Find new favourite places

The more you learn about the area, the sooner you will feel like you’re ‘home’. By researching the area, and having positive information to share, you can minimise stress and have everyone looking forward to a fresh start.

Start with tourism sites for your new town. Look for familiar chains of stores, restaurants, and coffee shops. Or better yet, support the locals! Look for places where you are likely to meet like-minded people and use your networking skills to meet potential new friends.

Keep in mind, that it’s unlikely that you will feel like a local right away. Relationships take time, and this includes you and your family’s relationship with your new home.

Plan Ahead

Utility companies need to be notified ahead of your move, or you are likely to find yourself literally in the dark. Internet providers might have to visit the premises to install your service and, depending on the area you move to, it could take weeks.

As soon as you have an address and a date, make appointments for your services to be connected, your furnishings to be delivered, and your paperwork for your home to be signed. This will ensure your home is livable as soon as possible after arriving.

CHECKLIST

We have addressed several considerations when relocating for your job, but everyone’s priorities and needs are different. Make a checklist that is geared towards keeping you and your family organised. Here are some generic items, but you will be adding some of your own to include goals and timeframes.

• Set a budget that is realistic to your situation
• Arrange to sell your current home
• Research the new area – schools, church, medical, dental, housing
• Make travel arrangements (don’t forget to include your pets!)
• Make transport arrangements
• Schedule utility appointments
• Obtain prescriptions and medical records
• Notify banks and other service providers and complete the change of address form at the post office

As you can see, relocating for your employment can be stressful, or it can herald a fresh start – it’s up to you! With careful planning, it can be a true adventure.