How to Relocate for a Job

Have you ever thought about moving for a job opportunity? If so, you aren’t alone. But it’s much easier said than done. Whether you’re looking for work in a different city, or even a new state, here’s everything you need to know to feel prepared before relocating for work.

Should I Move for a Job?

Moving is a huge commitment, so you should weigh your options carefully. And when it comes to moving for a job, your timeline becomes much shorter and more demanding. Wondering if it’s the best option for you? Well, let’s start with some simple pros and cons.

Pros of Relocating for a Job

• Career Advancement: Many people switch jobs in order to grow in their career and earn higher salaries. Keep in mind, if you notice that the wages are higher in certain areas, that probably means that the cost of living there may be higher, too.
• Explore New Areas: Haven’t we all sat back and imagined what life would be like somewhere else? Finding a job in another state is a good excuse to get out and explore! Even just one state over, you can find so much culture, heritage, and history to experience.
• Expanding Your Network: When you stay in one place your entire life, you’ll be running in a lot of the same social and professional circles. By getting out there and moving somewhere new, you’re opening yourself up to meeting many diverse people and making friends all over the country.

Cons of Relocating for a Job

It's Hard to Relocate with a Family: Many young professionals find it easier to move for jobs because they don’t have to worry about bringing a family along. If you have a spouse or children, you should take time to consider how this move could impact them. Your partner may need help landing a job in your new location, while your children some help adjusting to their life in a new place.

Less Stability: When you take the leap and relocate for a job, you are leaving behind the roots you made back home. You may not have family readily available, and your finances may be a little more up in the air. 

Added Financial Burden: Even with potential relocation assistance from an employer, moving can still be costly. And if you’re attempting to sell your property, that adds on a whole new layer of stress.

How to Find a Job in Another State

1. Utilize Your Connections: You’ll have a harder time landing a job if you’re an out of state applicant. In instances like this, try and find old coworkers or peers that reside in the state you’d like to move to. That way, you have someone that can help get your foot in the door and hopefully help you land some interviews.
2. Be Patient: Finding a job can take you anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. So, don’t get discouraged if you don’t land the perfect opportunity immediately.
3. Don’t Move Before Landing a Job: Moving before you have a job is an easy way to drain your savings. While you occasionally hear about the person who moved across the country with five dollars and a dream, it’s better to have a job lined up before taking the leap.
4. Be Prepared: Don’t slack on the small details, make sure you’re moving with a plan! Need help making a list? Check out our official moving checklist!

Are There Jobs That Relocate You?

It really depends on the company, your work history, and any specific agreements you come to. Relocation packages come in different sizes and can even be negotiated once you get hired. Be transparent with your recruiter and see what your options are when it comes to getting a relocation package.

Will Jobs Relocate You With No Experience?

It depends! If you are a person who is at a higher standing in their career, companies may be more willing to help relocate you for the position. But there are very few job opportunities that will relocate you with little to no experience.

What is Included in a Relocation Package?

More often than not, companies will usually provide you with a certain amount of money in order to facilitate your move. Some companies will prefer to reimburse you after the move, so make sure you are tallying up how much you’re spending on moving, storage, and transportation. Companies may even partner with third-party moving services that can help with your relocation.

6 Tips to Relocate Successfully

1. Research Your New City

Make sure you’re walking into your new city prepared! Do your research and discover what the cost of living looks like. That way, you’ll have a better understanding of your housing options. You can even learn more about the local culture and lifestyle of your new city.

2. Build a Budget

Moving can be a total money pit if you aren’t strategic about it. Once you decide it’s time to move, take a look at your finances and see what you’re working with (don’t forget to factor in any relocation assistance).

3. Declutter and Organize

Time isn’t on your side when you have to relocate for a job, so be decisive about what you choose to bring with you on your move. Use moving as an opportunity to go through all your belongings and purge all the things that aren’t worth bringing along to your new home. Want to learn more about how to declutter your home? Check out our official guide here!

4. Rent before Buying Property

You may feel some pressure to buy a home in your new location right away it’s better to rent for a little while instead. This way, you can get a better lay of the land and commit to a home once you’re ready. That’ll reduce the chances of buyer’s remorse later, especially since buying a home is a major commitment!

5. Don’t Procrastinate

If there’s one thing you should take away from this article: it’s that time is NOT on your side when it comes to relocating for a job. You have to get things moving as soon as possible. That means you should be booking movers, trucks, or portable storage containers weeks or months before your scheduled moving date. If you put it off, it only makes the total cost higher.

6. Hire the Right Help

When you have to get the job done quickly, you’re going to need to enlist the help of people you trust. If you want to hire some movers, take the extra care to vet them and make sure they’re a good fit for you. Moving can be expensive, even with relocation assistance, so don’t waste time and money on moving services that will only serve to set you back.

With U-Box by U-Haul, you take the hassle out of moving. We can deliver containers straight to your door and ship them wherever you need them to go. All you have to do is pack it all up! Even better, each U-Box container rental comes with one month of free storage. This means you have a safe place for all your belongings even when you’re between homes. When it comes to quality, accessibility, and affordability, it doesn’t get much better than U-Box!

 Wondering how to get started? Learn more here.