Relocation Preparation!

Moving, under any circumstances is stressful. But when the move involves relocating to another city for a new job, well, the pressure can be overwhelming! Add to the mix your family and pets and your stress level is apt to cause outright anxiety!

In our previous blog, we discussed the challenges of and solutions to relocating for a job. As a follow-up, we wanted to examine the things you need to have in place to make your move as seamless as possible. With proper preparation, adjusting to a new location, and new situations becomes more manageable for you and your family.

GOOD CREDIT

Did you know that your credit score can impact your ability to make this move? If your credit rating is “not-so-great,” you may not have access to the necessary financial services to support your relocation. You may have issues renting a home, a vehicle, setting up your utilities, among other things. For this reason, you should always be prepared and ensure that your credit rating is high enough to support your needs when making the big move.

To mitigate any potential issues that may arise, we recommend you have liquid funds available for costs such as first and last month’s rent and a security deposit. Think ahead to avoid possible difficulties.

GET 100% BUY-IN FROM YOUR FAMILY

Moving and uprooting your family is a huge decision, and you never know how it’s going to turn out. However, you must be empathetic and supportive when discussing the concerns and fears your spouse and children may have about leaving what they know and moving to the “unknown.” Consider the social and financial impact the move may have on their lives and ensure that you have a 100% buy-in from your spouse before starting the process. Your family is your “team,” and it needs all the players to function together effectively to make your relocation successful.

RESEARCH SCHOOLS AND RELIGIOUS FACILITIES

To make the transition to your new environment as smooth as possible, we suggest you conduct an Internet search of schools and places of worship ahead of time. Once you have narrowed down your list, you should get in touch with people you may know there to get their opinions and recommendations. Real estate agents are also a good source of information if you have no contacts in the area. Registering your children at a reputable school is crucial. If possible, arrange a Zoom meeting with the school’s principal and possibly some teachers.

Actual registration should take place once you have arrived in the city and your children are comfortable with the school environment. However, preparing them ahead of time is essential. The same applies to a place of worship you wish to join.

GATHER THREE MOVING QUOTES

When deciding which mover to use, you need to do your homework. Imagine if once you have moved, you realize that you had used the most expensive mover in town? As such, you should get no less than three quotes from different moving companies.

Ask for a home visit to make sure that they have a full understanding of what items you are moving, and it won’t hurt to ask if they can offer you any discounts or promotions. Be sure to get a timeline from them so that you can fit the physical move into your already busy schedule.

STATE LICENSING

Licensed professionals who need new documentation and/or licensing, sometimes move to a new city and are unable to work for some time as individual states can be extremely slow at processing paperwork. If you are a licensed professional and are moving to a new state, it is advisable to investigate their licensing requirements and start the process way ahead of your move. Avoid any unwanted “surprises!”

At ALIGN, we understand that every relocation is different and unique. We are committed to helping our candidates navigate these sometimes-unchartered waters. Together we can make the relocation process as simple and enjoyable as possible.

Keep an eye out for our next blog where we will discuss how to negotiate a relocation package with your employer.