4 Tips When You're Moving for a New Job

Moving isn’t an easy task. In fact, one study found that 6 in 10 people believe it’s the most stressful life event you can experience. When you’re moving with a family, it becomes even more daunting.

But, perhaps the most overwhelming situation of all is moving unexpectedly for a new job.

The idea of uprooting your family to somewhere new because of work isn’t easy. Your kids may not want to leave their friends or close family members behind, and it’s hard to let go of the things you’re familiar with.

But, if you’ve made the decision to move and know it will ultimately be in your family’s best interest, it’s important to keep looking forward.

With that in mind, let’s look at four tips you can use when you’re relocating for a job. Putting these tips into practice will make the whole experience easier and less stressful for everyone in your family.

1. Keep Things Organized

When you’re moving anywhere, especially in a hurry, organization will be your best friend. That could include everything from working with a moving company to get things packed quickly, to properly labeling boxes for your kids so they know where everything is right away when you arrive at your new home.

Organization can be especially important if you’re moving to a different country. For example, if your job is allowing you to live in a place like Bennington Residences, you’ll want your kids to feel right at home as soon as possible. By keeping things organized, they can start to unpack quickly and decorate their new rooms. Keeping things organized can also help you to avoid some major headaches.

2. Ask for Assistance

If you’re relocating for a job you’re currently at, ask your employer about relocation assistance. Most employers will offer it on their own. But, if yours doesn’t, don’t be afraid to talk about it.

Relocating isn’t easy, and it also isn’t cheap. Relocating assistance can help you with everything from covering the costs of moving to offering valuable information about your new location. Your employer should want you to feel comfortable in your new place, and they should also want you to remain safe while moving.

How your employer responds to your question can be a good indicator of how your relationship might be with them if you move. A good employer will always put your wellbeing first because they will want you to remain dedicated. If they don’t, chances are they may not care about you as much as you think.

3. Do Your Research

If it’s your choice to move to a different location because of a job offer, do as much research on that place as possible before you actually move. Your children will undoubtedly have questions, so be prepared to answer.

Better yet, involve them in your research. Let them learn about your new destination along with you, so you can experience it together virtually before you actually get there. The more comfortable you and your children feel about the place ahead of time, the easier it will be for you to transition into living there.

In addition to learning about the environment, make sure you research the cost of living. It might be different from what you’re used to, which can make your new job opportunity either more appealing or less attractive. After all, getting a raise doesn’t mean much when the cost of living is so much more in a new location than it is where you currently live.

4. Consider What You’re Leaving Behind

If you’ve already decided to move because of a job, you should have confidence in that decision and stop looking back. But, if you’re still on the fence over whether you should move or not, it’s okay to pause and take some time to think about it.

A new job offer can be enticing, especially if it’s promising things you don’t have now. But, before you make a move, consider what you might be leaving behind. How will it really impact your family and your children’s’ mental health? Sometimes, the risks are greater than the rewards, and you might be better off staying where you are.

That isn’t mean to scare you into not taking an opportunity. In most cases, making a move is the right thing if it provides your family with a better life. But, don’t let yourself get distracted by a bigger paycheck or better benefits. Talk to your kids about how they feel, and take their opinions into consideration before you finally decide to make that switch.

Alternatively, if you're looking for a moving job or a career with a moving company, look no further than MovingWork.com, a job board specifically designed for moving related job opportunities.