How to Prepare for a Career-Related Relocation

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Choose a fitting location

When scoping out your new town, there are a few key characteristics to consider when narrowing down the neighborhoods you might move to. First, if you’ll be going to an office regularly, you likely want a spot that allows for an easy commute. If you plan to take public transportation, look for places that are close to a stop. Second, if you have children, school districts are worth looking at. If you have a dog, you might want to be near parks or other green spaces. Finally, consider proximity to amenities like grocery stores and pharmacies. 

Find the perfect place to live

Once you have the location narrowed down, you can start looking for your dream home. Scope out the average prices using online tools to see what you can expect to pay in your chosen area. It’s best to get preapproved for a mortgage before you start shopping around, as this will allow you to go quickly and make an offer fast once you find a place you like. If you close a deal rapidly, you may end up buying a new home before selling your old one. In this case, Redfin recommends requesting an extended closing to buy yourself more time.

Pack and prepare for movers

Once you have your new house, you can start packing up your life at your old place. Before you start, declutter to get rid of items you no longer need, saving you the hassle of moving extra objects. You can then find a moving company to transport your goods. When looking for a mover, ensure they are registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation and request an estimate. Further, ask what insurance they offer to protect your belongings.

Take care of the administrative aspects of moving

Before you start settling into your new house, there are a few pesky administrative items to check off your to-do list. For example, you’ll need to get water, electricity, and other utilities set up in your new home. If you have a vehicle and have moved to a new state, you’ll need to update the registration. You may also want to provide the U.S. postal service with a forwarding address, ensuring all your mail is properly rerouted to your new home.

Get your new place move-in ready

Your new house likely won’t be 100% move-in ready upon arrival. Before you unpack, give the place a deep clean, removing dust and grime to protect your belongings. Life Storage Blog also recommends changing the locks after you move in, swapping out air filters in the HVAC systems, and installing basic safety tools as soon as possible. For example, place a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and install smoke detectors throughout the home.

Connect with your new community

A big part of a successful move is integrating into your community, ensuring you feel at home in your new surroundings. Making efforts to connect with your neighbors can help adults and kids alike adapt. When you first arrive, make a point of saying hi to your neighbors. You can also host a housewarming party. Another option is to use apps like Nextdoor or MyCoop to find out what’s going on in your area.

Moving with a family in tow can be tough—especially when you’re also getting ready to start a new job. Careful planning will help enhance efficiency and minimize stress. The above guide provides the information you need to get your move done.

Adam Evans (author) has worked in a variety of educational roles, from substitution to full-time teaching to administration positions. Currently a full-time private tutor, he likes to spend his free time exploring museums and natural wonders of the West Coast with his wife and their sons.