What to Do When You Are Facing a Job Relocation

We all wish that the perfect job was right in our backyard, or better yet, that we could all work from home. However, a fact of life is that many times, the perfect job is miles away, and you have little choice but to move to a new city, state, country, or even continent. Sometimes, maybe your current employer asks you to move and fill in a much-needed position in your company’s branch office.

While it may thrill you as I was with the idea of a fresh start, new experiences, and the possibility of adventure, job relocation is not always easy. As they say, your current position, whatever it may be, is still the Devil you know. However, job relocation opens you to an endless list of exciting unknowns. It also affects the non-work-related facets of your life, such as your family and friends.

Therefore, before taking the plunge, here are a few tips to help you before you make your decisions:

1. Determine the Details of a Relocation Package

One of the first things you need to know before you accept to move is to find out the company policy on employee relocation packages. Most companies offer some level of relocation help. In my case, my employer paid for my moving and travel expenses, besides a two weeks hotel stay allowance.

In other instances, the company may only reimburse your moving costs. Then, it will be prudent to ensure that you have all the moving receipts and documents of all your moving expenses for claiming the refund of the moving costs.

If you find that the company does not offer any relocation package, ask for one anyway. However, ask these questions way in advance to allow ample negotiation time for the best possible outcome.

2. Purse The Option Of Tax Deductions On Your Moving Expenses

Maybe your employer will not offer a relocation package. Depending on where you live, you may still claim a partial reimbursement of your moving expenses. In most cases, the requirements to qualify for this tax deduction are that: –

You moved to start a new job.

Your new job and new home are more than 50 miles away,

You worked full-time for over 39 weeks during the year of your move.

Are you self-employed? Then, you will need to provide proof of working full time for over 78 weeks within the first 2-years of your relocation.

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3. Visit Your New Office.

As far as humanly possible, create time to visit the proposed new office, meet with some of your new colleagues and even explore the new city. Such a visit allows you to see the workplace environment and some changes to expect.

When my employer asked me to move, I had a two-week handover process one month before the date of my actual move. I made a specific trip to my new job location. I’m glad I did so, as it allowed me to meet with my new coworkers and get a load of tips and advice on the workplace, how to get around, and absolute must-haves. This information made the relocation a lot easier to adjust.

If you can’t visit the new region beforehand, find out more information from the internet and social media sites. Better yet, your friends who might know the area or live in the new location. These online resources could include the region’s government sites, tourism sites, online forums, blogs, and newspapers.

4. Determine the Cost Of Living

The cost of living varies significantly depending on the state, city, or country. Therefore, it is good to find out the cost of living in the new region and compare it against your salary offer. Knowing the cost of living will make it easier for you to budget accordingly. If the area is more expensive to live in than where you currently stay, ask your employer to adjust your salary accordingly.

Are you moving to a completely different country? Then, try to find out the salary rate for people in your line of work in that country. Remember to factor in financial benefits, incentives, and other region-specific costs, such as Spain health insurance cost.

I’d advise you not to make the same mistake I did. Trying to negotiate a salary increment after you have already moved might prove unsuccessful.

5. Determine the New State’s Tax Laws

Is the job relocation in a new state or country? Countries and some states have law regulations that you have to meet. Therefore, before you move, it is beneficial to you to determine which taxes you need to pay in the new state. This tax information will help you know the range of salary expectations to request and budget accordingly.

6. Think About Your Loved Ones

It is important to remember that your job relocation will affect your loved ones. Why not hold off signing on the dotted line until you consider the opinion of your loved ones? Honest and open communication is essential, as it will go a long way in helping you find solutions.

Let’s take, for instance, you are married and have children. Your working spouse might have to leave their job for a while looking for another job in the new state. Remember, for some time before your spouse gets another job, you’ll solely depend on one income and not two. Your kids have to register for new schools. They lose out on the friends they have formed through the years. Depending on their age, it might make it harder for them to readjust to a new location.

Some companies may provide you with job placement leads that might be helpful to your spouse. Alternatively, the relocation could move you closer to your family and friends.

In hindsight, this is another factor that I failed to consider. I was so excited about the relocation that I did not stop and think about how my moving away would affect my family.

7. Hold Off On Long-Term Commitments.

It is the course of wisdom to hold off on buying a home or taking up a long-term lease in the new state until you are sure that you are comfortable with your new neighborhood or the new job. Maybe, take a month-to-month house rental lease. Take time for yourself and your family to adjust to the new surroundings, workplaces, and schools. In time, when you are sure that you and your family like the new location, then make permanent financial investment decisions.

Check with your employer to determine whether there is a provision for corporate housing for a short time to allow you and your family time to adjust to your new surroundings.

8. Change Your Mailing Address

The list of things to get done as you prepare to relocate is long, and changing your mailing address could be the least of your concerns. However, as you readjust to move, you may receive notices or forms in your mail about your move or your new job that you would not want to lose.

Conclusion

As the decision to move to a new job location is often tough, it might be helpful to jot down all the positives and potential negatives of the relocation. Examine all the factors involved in relocating. Weigh the potential gains against the losses. You will be in a better position to accept the job relocation offer, walk away from an unsuitable deal, or negotiate for a better agreement.

If you decide to go ahead with the job relocation, stay as organized and efficient as possible. Keep a checklist for everything to get done before your relocation. You then can move to ensure a successful transition.

Wallet Squirrel

Wallet Squirrel is a personal finance blog by best friends Andrew & Adam on how money works, building side-hustles, and the benefits of cleverly investing the profits. Featured on MSN Money, AOL Finance, and more!