You received a phone call from a recruiter about a job opportunity in another state. It is enticing because of the full package benefits and high salary expectations. In a hurry to take advantage of an opportunity, you move out of town on short notice. As time passes, the location and quality of the community are not what you expected.
At times job seekers can make an uninformed decision when out-of-work for an extended period later to discover the new location is not what they had in mind.
Although it is time consuming, researching a new city you have not visited, or a location that is unfamiliar is essential.
Scan the Local News
At least six months before deciding on a location, search the news for environmental, political, educational, and the state of the economy. A review of the job market or researching if potential consumers for your business live in this location can prevent relocation mistakes.
A local police department per request can provide the crime rate of a city. If you have a family with children, it is important to evaluate their safety in a new municipality. Your children deserve to attend the best schools in the country in an environment that is free of pollution and children friendly.
We recommend moving to a location that offers tax benefits for having children and festivals in the warm season to attend.
Understand Salary Expectations in Your City
The salary of a nurse in New York City can differ from a professional that works in Florida. There are online salary calculators to add a location and job description to discover the market value for a professional based on their experience.
If you are self-employed, it is a good idea to find out the tax implications in the new city if you are a freelancer or small business in an area of interest.
Calculate the Cost of Moving
A budget for moving can be planned accordingly by receiving quotes from local movers. The last thing you need is to accept a job offer and pay more than expected. A few ways to save on moving costs is below:
- Find your moving boxes
- Pack your items before the move
- Rent a mini truck and pack it with fragile items
- Fill up on gas in areas with low gas prices
Don’t Forget to Re-Direct Mail
It is a good idea to change your address before the statement cycle of your banks, credit cards and vendors you pay bills to prevent personal mail from being received by the new renters in your unit. The United States Postal Service can forward your mail at a price in the event you do not change the address on time.
Transport Pets at the Last Minute
It is normal for people to be preoccupied with the small details of moving and forget arrangements to transport a pet. Here are a few things to remember:
- Pet essentials: As you take a few days to pack, food, toys, clothing, and equipment need to be set to the side.
- Call a veterinarian: A veterinarian can review your pets file to provide tips on medication or how to transport a pet. For example, certain fish can experience shock if not transported properly.
- Ventilation: A cat, bird, rabbit, guinea pig or reptile need proper ventilation during the trip with access to oxygen.
Not Factoring in Moving Peak Season
Did you know most people move between May and September? Another busy time of the month is month end when renters need to leave before the first of the month. According to the United States Census Bureau, about 12 percent of the population in the United States moved between 2015 and 2016.
If you book the move at least four months in advance, it can save you the time and cost of prolonging the move. Also, the four-month period can be used to declutter closets, packing non-essential items, and researching movers in your area.
