So you just landed your dream job, or got offered an amazing new career opportunity – but there’s a catch. You have to move interstate for the job. There’s no need to see this as an obstacle in the way of a promising step up the career ladder, but rather to see it as a fresh start in an exciting new city.
Well you’ve got the job offer, but where do you start when planning to relocate?
The planning and preparation process is a lot less complex if you’re single, but there’s obviously a lot more to consider when you have a family. What will your partner or spouse do for work? Where will your children go to school? Where will you all live?
Here’s a list of do’s and don’ts before relocating for a job.
- Do:
Find somewhere to live, even if it’s only a short-term arrangement. Moving to a new city can be unsettling, especially for a family. Finding somewhere to stay, at least for the first few months will make moving seem more exciting and less stressful.
- Don’t:
Don’t assume everything will work out. Your dream apartment won’t fall into your lap. Your partner might not get a job in your new city. Your kids might not want to move. Be prepared to put in some effort to make the situation work.
- Do:
Ask your new employer if they offer any relocation assistance. Whether this is pitching in to pay for a professional moving
service, or looking for short-term accommodation options.
- Don’t:
Don’t forget to tell your family and friends to come visit. Moving to a new city can be a great adventure, but it can also be painfully lonely if you don’t know anyone. Having a familiar face to come visit that you can show around your new city will help settle any homesickness, while also giving you a chance to explore your new home a bit more.
- Do:
Try visiting the city before you move there to scope out neighbourhoods, potential properties to lease or buy, and even schools for the kids. If you have a partner, this could also provide them with an opportunity to interview for a job.
- Don’t:
Don’t forget home. Just because you’ve moved away, doesn’t mean you can’t return for a visit, especially if you still have friends and family living there.
- Do:
Hire a professional removalist to pack, transport and deliver your furniture for you. You already have enough to organise when relocating, so give yourself a break by leaving this highly stressful, time-consuming task off your to-do list.