How to Plan a Rapid Relocation for a New Job

Moving can be really exciting, but sometimes it can be a total nightmare, especially if you were literally not anticipating moving. Say what? Well, for most people, when they move, it’s been planned for a while, at least for several months. But it’s not always like that; sometimes, an emergency situation happens where you have no choice but to flee, while for others, it’s different. It’s due to them having a major transition, and sometimes this transition is flat-out incredible, like a new job.

Yes, sometimes relocating for a job, particularly within your country, may come far sooner than you would have expected.  You apply for a job, hear back immediately, and next thing you know, you’re somehow getting the chance to accept the job, sign the contract, and move as far as you need to move in the name of your career. It’s so exciting, but at the same time, probably too overwhelming because there is so much to take care of in such a tiny period. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you get two weeks tops.

Two weeks isn’t enough for the average person, especially family, to just prepare everything, pack up, find a new home, and so on. Sometimes, during those awkward periods, thanks to the rush, you have to stay in a hotel or Airbnb and have all of your belongings in the best storage units around. So, with that said, without getting too far ahead of yourself, how can you plan a rapid location for your job? How can you make everything go a bit seamlessly? Is it even possible? Well, here’s what you need to know!

Asses Your Timeline

This is dead-on; the first thing you need to do right after accepting a job. Sometimes, you get wiggle room, but sometimes you don’t. Plus, sometimes that wiggle room is probably just two weeks tops or three weeks if you’re really lucky. Businesses still need to carry out things as usual, which is why you need to keep that in mind.

So, how much time will you be able to dedicate to the big move? Determine the start date of your new job and work backward from there to establish a clear schedule for your move. Knowing your deadlines will help you prioritize tasks and stay organized. But on top of that, when can you get movers? When can you be released from your current home?  All of these things need to be taken into account, too.

Take a Look at Your Belongings

How much stuff do you own? Are you able to take everything with you? Should you take everything with you? Do you already know where you’re going to be living? Is there even enough room for your stuff? In general, you probably know that moving quickly requires you to be selective about what you take with you. Start by decluttering and downsizing your possessions. Sell, donate, or discard items you no longer need. For every one that moves, the less stuff you have, the better- especially if you’re still figuring out your living situation.

Can You Secure Temporary Housing?

Sometimes, in order to get that successful career that you’re after, you’ll have to move- no doubt about that.  But not always will your new job help you house with housing. Sometimes, they will help, such as temporarily paying for a hotel or something, but most companies won’t do that. You basically struck gold if you did. So, with that said, if you’re needing temporary housing until you can find something more permanent, do you know what to do or where to look?

Options include extended-stay hotels, Airbnb rentals, or subletting. This allows you to settle in your new location while you search for a more permanent home. These are far from ideal, but sometimes, you just need to make this work out for the time being.

Plan Your Finances Carefully

One thing that so many people get wrong is the fact that there is this idea that companies will pay for all relocation costs. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, they will pay for it in full or partial. Other times, you’ll have to pay first, and within your first or second paycheck, you’ll be reimbursed. Sometimes, companies won’t pay for anything at all, and you’ll need to squeeze it into your negotiations in order to make it happen.

So, with that said, you need to stay cautious, and you’re going to have to make sure your finances are in order. There’s no doubt about it that moving can be costly, so create a budget to cover expenses like transportation, accommodation, and initial living costs. Negotiate if you’re able to because it’s hard to bounce back financially from an expensive move.

Notify Important Parties ASAP

Inform important parties of your move, including your current employer, utility companies, and any relevant government agencies. Handle any necessary paperwork or documentation to ensure a smooth transition. This part is usually not so smooth, especially when trying to register and get a new address for your next home. What about temporary housing? In cases like that, it’s best to register at a friend or family’s house until you’re somewhere more permanent. A lot of organizations won’t register you or help you unless you have a permanent address, which is something you need to think about.

Speaking of which, update your personal information, including your mailing address, with the post office, banks, insurance providers, and any subscription services you use. Don't forget to update your driver's license and voter registration if you're relocating to a new state, region (like in the same state), or country.

Try to Pack Strategically

If you’re going to be reimbursed by the company you’re about to work for, then you should look into professional packers. Sometimes, moving companies will also have these services. But instead of you (and your friends and family) trying to quickly rummage and get everything prepared, instead, you have a whole team of packers who not only have all the right equipment like boxes and dollies, but they also have experience and know exactly how to appropriately pack items too. They even use labeling systems to help get this done, too. Overall, it could be just what you need to take away all of this stress from needing to move in such a short time period.

Network in Advance

Don’t make the mistake of networking once you arrive; it's going to help to get it started a bit in advance, of course, if you have the time and energy to do so. If you’re just way too crunched on time, then definitely don’t worry about it. Join local professional groups, connect with colleagues in the area on LinkedIn, and attend networking events to build a support system. It helps to get your name out there just a bit.

Try to Keep Organized

You’re going to have so much on your plate because you’re doing a rapid relocation; most people don’t have to worry about all of this needing to be done so quickly and last minute. It’s important to keep on top of paperwork and not miss any important emails and calls. The same can be said for knowing about the new location you’re moving to.

Sometimes, it feels impossible to manage all of this, but- for the most part, it can be done, and you just need to stay organized if you can. Just try your hardest to keep on top of everything while you go through this major transition. It’s hard, but it can be done, and in the end, it’s going to be worth it!