Guide to Corporate Relocation

How to plan a relocation for work, ensuring a smooth transition to the new location.

By Jessica Ek

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Moving for work, be it for a new company or a different office of an existing employer, can be a difficult transition period, requiring careful planning and understanding. This is never an easy decision and not one that can be made lightly. Relocation for a job does not just affect one worker, but their family, the office they’re leaving, and the office where they’re arriving. However, if you’ve made the decision to move, there are a number of things you can do to make the transition go more smoothly. Here are some important considerations for relocation:

Timing – The timing of any move is critical. When does the new company need you to start?
Financial Concerns – What are the terms of the move? What support is the company offering? If they offer relocation insurance, can you pack your own boxes or is the insurance void unless packed by the hired moving company?
New Life – How do you get adjusted in a new place? Who do you ask to find your way around? How do your replace your social support system?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Set Up a Timeline

If possible, sit down with both offices and discuss a timeline. Try to find a period when business is slower and a transition would be less stressful for all involved. If the relocation is for a new company, look for upcoming company events to get a chance to meet new colleagues in a more casual atmosphere.

I recommend: Surprisingly, Bankrate.com has some very useful information about working out a corporate relocation timeline.

Discuss Finances

Clearly discuss what in the moving process you will be financially responsible for and what the company will cover. Assume that moving will cost more than you estimate.

I recommend: About.com’s Moving page has some great information about setting up a budget for moving and what expenses to consider that you may not have thought about.

Consider Housing and Moving Schedule

If other family members are to be relocated, sit down to go over schedules. If there are work or school obligations, or if a new home is not yet found, you can move before loved ones join you. There are a number of extended stay options that can make this short transition time affordable and comfortable. If you are having a house worked on before moving in or are still looking for a new home, a hotel can be a good option and surprisingly affordable.

I recommend: Extended Stay Hotels has good lodging in many areas across the country and BizStay has information about temporary housing.

Look Into Moving Options and Costs

Save money wherever you can on what the company will not be covering. Moving quotes online can help you figure out which company to use. Consider when you will be able to move into a new home. If it looks like the move will only be temporary, consider looking for a pre-furnished apartment or extended stay hotel during the time you’ll be relocated.

I recommend: MyMovingQuote can help get you information and Moving.com has moving company reviews. Moving companies such as Vanlines and Flat Rate Moving (NY based) can be good options.

Create Goals

Set up a list of prioritized goals for settling into your new location. What date do you want to be unpacking boxes? When do you want to have a new driver’s license by? Then, slowly go through the list. This can also be useful for getting accustomed to the new office.

I recommend: UPack.com has some good tips for settling into a new place after a move.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

While going through this transition, keep up with a hobby. With all these changes, having one thing that you enjoy, outside of work and the move, can help keep a sense of normalcy.
Ask new colleagues for recommendations of places to eat around town. It will give you a source of food before the kitchen utensils are unpacked.
Don't rush into anything just because you want to keep to your timetable. Find the perfect house or apartment for you and don't worry about staying elsewhere temporarily. You want to be happy in your new home.

The official source of Corporate Relocation is
the Relocation Management Outsourcing page at Business.com

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