3 Tips When Relocating To A New State For Your Career

Moving to a new state to start a new career is exciting, but the prospect of moving all your items and finding a new home may seem overwhelming. If you are planning on moving to a new state for a new job or position, there are many tips you can follow to ensure the process is a smooth as possible. Check out these three tips you should follow when relocating to a new state for your career.

Research the New Area

Once you know where you're headed, get to know the area by visiting (if possible) or researching the area online. Many online websites can give you available home listings with photos, videos and information about the local area, including restaurants, grocery stores, etc. You may also be able to find statistics, such as crime stats, so you can determine if the area is truly a right fit.

If you have children, you'll also want to research the local schools. Schools within the same city may be vastly different in regards to funds, opportunities for students, etc. If you are moving with a partner or anyone else who may also need a job, research other types of jobs in the area to ensure there are plenty of opportunities so you won't struggle after the move.  

Ask About Relocation Services

Many employers offer relocation services for employees, but you should be proactive about asking. There may be no information or guidelines in the employee handbook regarding relocation services, but that doesn't mean they aren't offered, so speak with your HR department. In many cases, you can negotiate, but don't shoot for the moon. For example, if the company doesn't typically offer relocation services, you may be able to get them to pay a small percentage of your moving costs, but getting them to pay 100 percent of the total moving costs is not likely. On the other hand, if they automatically pay 30 percent of moving costs, you may be able to negotiate 50 percent.

Relocation services don't only include moving costs. They may also provide temporary housing or help you find a new home/sell your old home. In some cases, they may even provide a stipend so you can relocate before you start working to get settled. Regardless of whether they offer relocation services or not, however, consider asking about other openings within the company for your spouse or partner.  

Find a Long-Distance Moving Company

In most cases, if you move long distance, you'll want to hire a moving company to ensure everything is relocated at once with ease. However, while a local move with local movers may only cost $300 to $450 for a 900-square foot apartment, a long-distance move from a smaller 600-square foot apartment from one side of the country to the other may cost up to $5,000. The price depends on many factors, such as the weight of the items and whether or not you want extra services, such as packing, unpacking, etc.

If you choose to pack your own items to save money, pack smart to ensure the process is smooth. Start by packing similar items together (bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, etc.), and mark them accordingly so movers know where to place them in the new home, making unpacking easier for you. If you have items the movers can't or won't take, such as hazardous items or perishable foods, set them aside if you plan on moving them yourself or toss them if you don't want them. This will ensure the movers don't accidentally pack prohibited items.

Don't let the stress of a long-distance move ruin the excitement of starting a new career and life in a different state. By following these three tips, you can ensure the move is as simple as possible. For more information about moving, contact a company like Integrity Moving & Storage LLC.

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