5 Helpful Tips For A Stress-Free Relocation For A New Job
It’s well understood that moving is a stressful event in anyone’s life. In fact, relocation is rated as the 28th most impactful stressor you can experience, based on the Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory. Tack on the pressures that come with starting a new job, and thing can start to feel insurmountable. We want to assure you that while it’s normal to feel that way, there are lots of ways to reduce the stress that surrounds relocating for a new job. You may feel the need to relocate for a bunch of reasons – especially in 2020. It’s clear that we’re at the start of an economic downturn, and reducing your cost of living is one sure-fire way to stave off financial stress. Plus, a new town may have more to offer across the board – more room, more green spaces, and more opportunities!
Rather than worry that things may not go your way, take the initiative to make headway in your move by using these helpful tips on a stress-free relocation for a new job.
Check Real Estate Websites Daily
Get yourself excited about the move by checking on new houses for sale daily. While the move may seem daunting, buying a home or renting an apartment that you love will surely ease some of the difficulty. It may be essential to move on time for the new job before it begins, but don’t rush into buying or renting a residence without being completely sure. Luckily, new listings are posted almost every day, so staying vigilant in your search will help in the long run with your relocation efforts.
You should always try to get familiar with the place you’d like to live before making a big commitment like buying a home. Exploring month-to-month leasing options can help you find your favorite part of town and where you’d truly like to settle.
Moving to an area where you don’t know much about the community is ill-advised. You may have your heart set on a certain place, but neglecting to do the proper research to understand the area can leave you with some serious buyer’s remorse. Make sure look into the neighborhoods closely and hop on community social media pages to get a better idea of what you’re getting yourself into. Some key things to think about include the school districts, the crime rate, the area’s walkability score, and the city or town’s community engagement efforts.
Keep Remote Work In Mind
Today more than ever, many companies are realizing the value that remote work can bring to their workforce. If your new job allows you to work remotely, you may not even have to deal with the hassle of relocation at all! But if you’re looking for a change and moving has always been your plan, there’s much more flexibility as an employee to be located where you want to live without compromising for your new job. With strong WiFi, no place is off-limits! You can either search solely for remote jobs, or communicate your thoughts with your current company to see what options might be available to you. Then, make the best decision for yourself or for your family.
Remote work allows you to move just about anywhere you can imagine, maximizing your ability to find your dream digs in your price range.
Make a Plan
Moving is a major ordeal. There’s a lot to coordinate, especially if you’re moving more than just yourself. Determine when you’d like to move by, then build a timeline to figure out what steps you’ll need to take to achieve it. And be specific! Figure out if you’ll be able to cram all your earthly possessions into the back of a U-Haul by yourself, or if you should consider getting professionals involved.
The packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking of everything you own is one of the major stressors associated with moving. First of all, it’s a lot of work. And it always takes longer than you think it will. Hiring professional movers to load & unload your belongings may be a worthy investment if the task seems too daunting to take on alone.
Know Your Options
Relocating comes with a lot of stipulations. Should you rent or should you buy? What type of community would you like to live in — city or suburb? How are you going to pay for everything? Questions abound leading up to and during a big move.
After better examining an area with research, you should have some clarity as to how everything will line up. However, knowing your options when it comes to home buying or renting can save you a lot of cash. If you’re interested in renting, look at housing hubs like Facebook or Craigslist for up-to-date information on what’s currently being offered in terms of apartments. If you’re looking to buy a house, get in touch with a mortgage lender to see which loans would work best for you and your unique financial situation. By comparing these two options, you can prevent plenty of headaches for your future self.
Consider A Hometown Job Hunt
You may have your heart set on a certain location, but it’s important to keep a level head and understand that now might not be the right time. Especially with the current state of the economy, it may not be in your best interest to move across the state or even the country.
For the time being, consider a hometown job hunt instead of relocation. When the economy is in a downturn and the state of employment looks bleak, trying to find something close to home may reduce stress and provide opportunities for you to get ready for a big move down the road, rather than jumping in before you’re truly ready. While this may be the last thing you want to hear, conditions could drastically change in the next year or so.
So you’re looking to make a big move, set yourself up for as smooth a transition as possible. Moving is never easy – but you can work to mitigate some of the negative effects moving stress can have on your health, finances, or job performance by taking these tips to heart.
