Have you earned a promotion or received a new position within your company? Taking on a new role within your organization can be an exciting time, but what if your new position comes with a change in location? Employee moves can sometimes be one of the most stressful types of moves. Employee relocations can be time sensitive, making it harder to find a new home, plan your move, and get settled in your new city before you head back to work. Below you will find 5 tips on how to make your employee relocation a little easier.
- Discuss your Moving Options: Once you receive the news that you will be moving to a new city, discuss all your moving options with your manager or someone in Human Resources. Many companies reimburse employees for their job-related moves, and you may be required to get several estimates from different moving companies. If this is the case, start scheduling in-home move estimates, as soon as possible. However, some companies have a relocation contract with a designated moving company. In this case, you should follow your company’s protocol for setting up your move with the movers. It is important to get your move booked as soon as possible to ensure your household goods are delivered before you begin your new position.
- House Hunt: Finding a place to live is probably the hardest part of the entire move process. It can be difficult to house hunt while living in a completely different city. Establish your budget and do some online research on the area you’re moving to. United Van Lines has a helpful tool that allows you to view neighborhood statistics and details that help you find out which neighborhoods work best for your budget, commute, and offer the most amenities. If you are having a difficult time finding a place to live online, check to see if your company allows time off for a house hunting trip. You also might be able to take advantage of temporary housing provided by your company. This will allow you to find the perfect place at your own pace.
- Downsize: Long distance moves can be costly, so your company will most likely put a spending cap on your move budget. Since the cost of cross country moves are generally dependent upon shipment weight, you can easily save money by donating, selling, or getting rid of unnecessary items. If your move is only temporary, consider putting the bulk of your household items in storage.
- Plan Ahead: Employee relocations tend to operate on a strict timeline. Make sure you have a set load date and that your delivery spread fits within your schedule. Never travel on the same day as your move; since you, or someone at least 18 years old, will need to be physically present during loading. Also, make sure you have somewhere to stay when you arrive in your new city.
- Social Support: Unless you have others moving with you, it can be difficult for someone to start over in a completely new city. Moving can be scary! It doesn’t matter if you’re moving down the block or across the country, it can take time to adjust to a new environment. Be sure to let loved ones know you are relocating and keep in touch with them daily. Thanks to technology, we can keep in constant contact with our friends and family with just the touch of a button. A new workplace can also be a great place to meet new people and establish a new group of friends.
No two employee moves are the same; but with proper preparation and knowledge of the move process, you will be prepared for the move process. If you are in the process of trying to find a moving company to assist you with your next relocation, contact your friends at Fry-Wagner. For over 100 years, we have assisted St. Louis, MO; Kansas City, KS; and Springfield, MO employees relocate to new cities all over the country. Call today to set up your free no-obligation in home estimate!
