Cross country car transport is one of many things to consider when relocating for a job

April 21st, 2020

8 minutes

Summary

There are plenty of things to factor in when relocating for a job. This article is going to cover all the bases. It’ll help you decide whether relocating for a job is the right thing to do and how to plan it in the best possible way. A certain amount of research is a fundamental part of the decision, and let’s not forget you’ve got to organize the move. Finally, there are a few tips to help with the transition. Let’s face it, moving to a new location is going to require a period of adjustment.

Decide whether it’s the right thing to do

The perfect job isn’t always going to be on your doorstep, at the end of the street, or even in the same city. Sometimes, you might have to move hundreds of miles, perhaps even an ocean away. How do you decide whether relocating is worth it? Is there anyone who can help with the decision?

There are lots of things to consider, and the decision becomes even more complicated if you’ve got a partner and kids. Not only do you have to consider what it means for you. You’ve also got to take into account what it means for you all as a family. Let’s share some ideas to help you think the decision through and decide what’s best for you.

Consider the overall picture

There’s an obvious temptation to simply make a list of the pros and cons, but relocating for a job is more of an identity choice. A new job in a new location could change for your lifestyle for the better, but equally it could be a change for the worse. Consider the lifestyle changes the new location is going to afford or lack. You also need to think beyond the immediate move, and consider what is best for you and your family in the long term.

Talk to your partner and kids

The decision is not something you can make in isolation, especially if you’ve got a partner and kids to consider. Will your partner be able to find meaningful work in the new location, or could it create a huge setback? How do they feel about losing their support network? When it comes to your kids, certain ages find a move more difficult than others. The prospect of moving house is much less daunting if your kids are under eight years of age, for example. If your kids are in their teens, you may have a battle on your hands.

Ask advice

As well as talking to your family, take any opportunities that arise to talk with other people. Ideally, they should have no vested interest in your choice, for example, trusted peers or colleagues.

Request a try out

If you’re still uncertain, ask if there’s the option of a try-out. Relocations can be a costly business for everyone concerned, however, a failed relocation is even worse. An increasing number of companies are willing to allow employees to do a short-term relocation or secondment, as this maximizes the chance of success. There’s no harm in asking if is your organization is willing to offer the chance to “try before you buy”, so to speak.

Try not to overthink the situation

One last tip is to try not to overthink your situation. You’ve probably got space in your life for an adventure, and if it doesn’t work out as planned, there’s no harm in having a plan in place and being able to figure out what to do next. There’s bound to be another opportunity waiting for you down the road.

Consider the overall picture
Talk to your partner and kids
Ask advice
Request a try out
Try not to overthink it

Do your research

Cross country car shipping

To help in making the decision, a certain amount of research is required. There’s little point in accepting a job in a totally new location if you don’t know what to expect. As well as moving all your belongings, for example, you’re also going to need to think about how to ship a car across country. Let’s look at some of the things you need to research.

How much will it cost to move?

How much it’s going to cost to relocate can be a deciding factor. If you’re lucky, the company you’re going to work for might be willing to offer financial relocation assistance. When financial assistance isn’t on the table, you’re going to need to contact movers and cross country auto transport companies to find the best deal. By all means, use our instant online quote calculator, if you want to know the cost of shipping a car across the country.

Research the area

There are lots of things to think about before you relocate. Where are you going to live? What are the schools like? Are there some great places to go out to eat and drink? If you do your research before you get there it’ll be an enormous help.

Use the internet, particularly social media

The internet is a great place for researching. Ask questions in open forums because present and past residents are always happy to help. You never know, you might connect with some new people who will be there to welcome you when you arrive. Let’s not forget the power of social media, as it can complement your internet research perfectly. Check whether there are any channels specific to the area you’re moving to. See if there’s a Facebook or Twitter list.

It’s also important to calculate your quality of life when you accept the job offer. Ideally, you want it to be an improvement on your current situation. If you’re moving to a city, for example, the cost of living is likely to be more expensive. Does your new salary compensate for this added expense?

How much will it cost to move?
Research the area
Use the internet, particularly social media

Top tips for organising the move

Be organized: Start making plans as far in advance as possible. Once you’ve made your decision about accepting the job, start planning how you’ll do it. Make use of a checklist as they’re a great way to keep on top of things you need to do. You’ve got movers to organize and cross country vehicle shipping to arrange.
Don’t make long-term commitments: It’s wise not to make long-term commitments as soon as you arrive. Start out by renting as it’s a great way to settle into a new city. If you commit to buying a home or signing a long-term lease, you’re going to be stuck if you find you don’t like the neighborhood, or even worse, the job.
Build a social support network: Use the friends you’ve already got to network and make new friends, much the same as you would when networking for a job. Services such as MeetUp can be used to find people in the area with similar hobbies or interests.

Making the transition easier

Starting a new job is going to be stressful enough. Add in the fact that you’re moving to a new city, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. There are, however, lots of things you can do to make the relocation easier.

Be a tourist

Start by becoming a tourist in your new city. It’s likely you don’t know a lot about the place you’re moving to, so spend your free time exploring like a tourist. Enjoy walking around, try out the local cafes, and explore just like a tourist would. Find the nearest grocery store, get familiar with your route to and from work. The more you explore, the more comfortable you’ll feel in your new surroundings.

Keep it simple

For the first few months, simplify your life as much as possible. There are going to be lots of things sapping your energy, and you don’t want to burn out. Once you’ve got your bearings you can schedule in social events and extra commitments.

Maintain a familiar routine

Is there an aspect of your usual routine you can take with you to your new location? If you enjoy a session at your local gym twice a week, check whether there are similar facilities in your new location. Keeping a part of your normal routine helps you balance out the other big changes you’re making.

Explore new opportunities

When you move to a new city, it’s the perfect opportunity to reinvent yourself. If you don’t want to do that, at least discover who you are as a person. There may be endless opportunities to try out new things. Say yes, as often as you can, because it’ll help you branch out and discover new things about your new city location.

Build your social and professional network

A new workplace is a great place to build your network. Talk to your new colleagues about the city and what they like to do with their spare time. Are there any social clubs you can join? If you enjoy sports, sign up at a social sports club group as it’s a great way to make new friends.

Don’t forget about downtime

Lastly, remember to stay grounded and schedule in some time for yourself. Spend time doing simple activities, such as cooking dinner, or relaxing on the couch with a book. Tasks like these give your brain and body the space needed to process and adjust to all the changes that have taken place in your life.