Are you moving soon? You’re not alone. According to statistics cited by Shyft, 9.8% of Americans move each year. Whether moving to a neighboring city or across the country, relocating for work can be arduous. The Scislow Group wants you to check some major tasks off of your list with these ideas.
1. Securing Employment and Updating Your Resume
If you’re moving because you already have a job, that’s fantastic. You won’t need to worry about finding employment. However, moving for work can be complex. Hopefully, a relocation package was part of the deal, but if not, negotiate for moving services, transportation expenses, job assistance for your spouse, and house-hunting travel.
If you haven’t found a job yet, or you’re moving for your spouse’s job, sign up for online job alerts in the area. Tap into any connections — family, friends, colleagues — in the region to help you search.
Every job hunt begins with a polished resume. You can make an outstanding and professional resume with a free online template. Using a resume creator and free templates allows you to create a stellar and professional-looking resume by choosing from a library of professionally designed resume templates, then adding your own copy, graphics, and colors. You may also want to add a few new skills to your resume by getting additional training. Learn things like legal marketing, tech, or project management to make your resume stand out amongst the crowd.
2. Finding a Home
Securing a home is perhaps the most important thing you’ll do. It’s everyone’s hub in the new city — a place to get comfortable and be together.
First, Agility Van Lines suggests determining your budget so that you don’t overspend. Then do as much online research as you can for:
- Living costs
- Transportation options
- Commute times
- School ratings
- Crime rate
- Moving expenses
Second, find a real estate agent in the area. It’s tough to find a home long-distance — seek help from a local expert.
Look for homes with great potential. You may want something turnkey, but that doesn’t mean that every detail will be exactly what you wanted. If you enjoy home improvement projects or have very specific desires for your new home, consider purchasing a home as-is. These houses will require a lot more work, but they give buyers the opportunity to get into a house for less money and customize the redesigns. But be sure to work with a lawyer experienced in real estate who can write up a contract with the ability to back out if bigger issues arise.
3. Packing and Moving
As tempting as it may be to get your kids to do the packing, a professional can help you save precious time. Consider hiring a packing and moving company to help. Your belongings may be safer on the ride to your new home. Also, the moving company probably won’t be liable for items you packed yourself.
Regardless of who packs, be sure you have an “essentials” box with screwdrivers and other tools, toiletries, snacks, drinks, and a change of clothes. You won’t want to dig for these items when you arrive.
4. Settling In and Contact Repair Pros
In order to get settled in as quickly as possible, take a few steps to ensure you can start work right away. For example, if there are any repairs that weren’t taken care of before you moved in, call in an appliance repair specialist. Search for a pro by using an online service directory, and read up on customer ratings and reviews. This will give you an idea of what a contractor is capable of doing, plus you’ll get a heads up on their level of customer service and reliability.
It’s also a good idea to take a walk or drive around your neighborhood to get a feel for what’s nearby, and introduce yourself to your new neighbors. This will help you get acquainted with your surroundings more quickly.
5. Caring for Yourself
There’s no way around it — moving is stressful. Accept that you will have moments (or days) of frazzled nerves, especially if you are also juggling a full caseload. It’s critical to care for yourself to handle the moving process as well as possible.
Although you may be cleaning out the fridge as you prepare to move, be sure you eat a balanced diet. It helps your body perform at its peak as you make decisions and lift heavy items.
Keep a journal if it helps you think clearly. A journal can function as a place to jot down thoughts and ideas, make moving and job-hunting lists, and vent your frustrations. And don’t be afraid to outsource some aspects of the move. You can also delegate some less pivotal tasks at work to others during the more stressful times in the moving process.
It can be tough to stay cool during a relocation, but you and your family can do it. You reap the rewards when you embark on your adventure together as a family. Remember to follow the above tips – including updating your resume as you secure employment, contacting repair pros to settle in quickly, and practicing self-care – and you’ll soon be relocated and ready to start your next phase!
Jeff Scislow and The Scislow Group of RE/MAX Results is focused on dedication, exceptional skill, personalized service, communication and results! Connect with us today by calling (612) 747-9900!
Photo credit: Ketut Subiyanto via Pexe