It used to be that relocating for a job was a fairly common occurrence. But today, the US Census Bureau reports that fewer Americans are moving around the country than did at certain times in the past.
Perhaps they are hesitating because the moving process can be so complicated and stressful. But, it doesn’t have to be.
Don’t waste an opportunity just because it’s far away. Read on for some great tips that can help things move along as easily as possible.
1. Don’t Overwhelm Yourself
When it comes to moving, the actual practice of moving your stuff from one location to another is stressful enough without you overthinking everything. Try not to overwhelm yourself by thinking about the whole process all at once.
Break down your move into reasonable steps to be taken over a set time frame. There is no reason to try to do everything all at once.
Make sure you make a lot of lists and keep your calendar out so that you can coordinate all of the plans you make. Try to think of this move as a challenge for your organizational skills, not as an impossible task. And remember, take things one day at a time.
2. Allow Enough Time for Relocating for a Job
If you leave all of your packing to the last minute and haven’t made a plan for someone to help you, then you are setting yourself up for a stressful time. Try to allow enough time for your friends to clear their schedules to help you out and for you to be able to get a good rate from a moving company.
Not only will you need to leave enough time for packing and getting everything to your new place, but you should also leave some time on the back end for unpacking.
You don’t want to get to town the day before you are supposed to start your new job. Try to allow yourself at least a week or two to get acclimated to the area, stock up on groceries, and do your laundry.
3. Go to the Right Places to Meet People
When you first get to a new town, you will inevitably need to meet new people. While you will probably make some new friends at your job, you should also make efforts to meet other people who enjoy the same hobbies as you.
You don’t want all of your interactions to be with coworkers. Try to reach out to your new neighbors and other people who are in your community to find out what kind of activities are available.
4. Be Patient and Enjoy Time Alone
When you first move somewhere, you are bound to spend a lot of time alone. Even if you make some friends and have nice coworkers, it will be a long time before you have the kind of regular friend group that you probably had in your home town.
Just be patient and remember everyone goes through that kind of transition when they’re new to town. You’re not alone.
If you’re ever feeling lonely, just get out of the house and go for a walk. Take time to appreciate the nature and weather of the new city you are living in and remember to be thankful for the opportunity you were given, no matter how difficult it may be to meet people at first.
5. Hire Professional Movers and Ask for Help
If you have ever helped a friend move, then that is the first person you should call to help you with your task. But if you don’t have any favors to call in, then perhaps it’s time to hire some movers.
Make sure that you choose a company that in insured. A lot of times things can be damaged or go missing, you need to protect yourself.
6. Insist on a Relocation Bonus
If your company is moving you to another state, then they should provide you with a relocation bonus. While it may have not been part of the package you have already asked for, you should consider asking now anyways.
Even if it’s just a few hundred dollars, a relocation bonus can help offset a lot of the cost of your move and give you the kinds of funds you need to justify hiring movers to help you. Learn more about employee relocations.
7. Let Your Family Have Their Own Timeline
Whether you plan to move in with your significant other for the first time, or if you have a large family that you will be bringing along with you, it’s important to give your loved ones the time they need to make the adjustment.
Don’t expect everyone to show up at the new place in time for your first day of work. Just worry about your own schedule and allow your loved ones to take their time arriving when it makes sense for them.
8. Research the Area Well in Advance
Before you move to a new area, you should spend a lot of time online doing research about what kind of people live in that area, what they like to do, and what kind of housing you will be able to get for your money.
The last thing you want is to move to a new area and have to pack up and move again a year later because you chose the wrong neighborhood.
Discover More
Now that you know all there is to know to make the most of relocating for a job, you’ll be more prepared when you move. This opportunity will be a huge step in your personal development and you should be very excited.
For more great articles to help you during your transition period, check out these posts today.
