What’s Included in a Job Relocation Package?

So you’ve aced the interview, got the job and negotiated the pay. Congrats! The only problem? The job isn’t in your current city. In fact, accepting this job offer requires you to move far, far away. Fortunately, you may be able to negotiate a job relocation package with the employer before accepting the job. If an employer is unwilling to cover part or all of the moving expenses, then the job may not be worth taking. https://www.themoveme.com

As anyone who’s moved can attest, relocating to a new place isn’t cheap. According to our calculations back in 2019, the average cost of a local move is $1,250, based on a two- to three-bedroom move of approximately 7,500 pounds. Given that the average cost of hiring professional movers for an interstate move is $4,890 (based on an average weight of 7,500 pounds and an average distance of 1,000 miles), it’s understandable that you might be a tad concerned about the costs involved. Even the cheapest cross-country moves will cost thousands of dollars. A DIY truck rental can run up to $2,000 while hiring a full-service moving company will set you back $4,000-$9,000.

Of course, this doesn’t include the time, energy and money required to sell your home and rent temporary storage. Those moving with kids will have even more to worry about including the cost of childcare services before, during and after the move.

So, before accepting a job in a new city, decide whether or not it’s truly worth the hassle and cost of moving. To help sway your decision, an employer may offer a relocation package. Here’s what you can expect from a typical job relocation package.

Is the job worth relocating for?

But first, what questions should ask yourself before the move to help you decide whether the job is worth uprooting yourself and your family? Besides the obvious one, what’s included in my job relocation package, research the company (visit the offices if possible) and find out as much as you can about the company’s culture. Ask your new employer about your job responsibilities, whether there’s room for advancement, and what benefits the new job will be offering.

Can the new company help you acclimate to the area? Moving to a new city or town can also be anxiety-producing. Can your potential employer be relied on for guidance about resources about what the city or town is like? If possible, talk to your future co-workers who have also relocated about their experiences and how they adjusted to the company and the new location.

Another important factor for discussion is whether there’s flexibility with the start date, taking into account the packing process, selling your home, finding new schools, locating moversdubai, and saying goodbye to your family and friends. If possible, ask for around two months. That should give you enough time to leave your home, settle in and be ready to start your new job.

What is a job relocation package?

Though it’s not a requirement, many companies offer some sort of job relocation package to employees. A job relocation package typically covers part or all of an employee’s moving expenses when moving for work-related reasons. Oftentimes, these packages can be negotiated. Whether you’re a new employee moving for the job or an existing employee who’s being transferred to a new location, it’s in your best interest to negotiate a job relocation package with your employer.

What can I expect from a job relocation package?

Relocation packages vary from company to company. Even within that company, they may offer different relocation packages to different employees, depending on the employee’s status at the company. Many companies offer to pay a flat dollar amount to help with moving expenses. For example, a company may be willing to pay $5,000 to each employee to help with moving costs. Another common strategy is that the company simply offers to reimburse employees for certain moving expenses, such as the cost of hiring movers, renting a storage unit and living in temporary housing. In this instance, an employee will need to save all receipts related to moving.

What does a job relocation package include?

So what does a job relocation package typically include? While it depends on the company, and how much they’re willing to cover, job relocation packages can be fairly comprehensive. Here are 18 expenses that an employer may be willing to cover:

1. Hiring professional movers

   As noted above, the cost of hiring professional movers for a long-distance relocation can be extremely expensive. Costs are affected by the number of movers required for the relocation, the weight of your belongings and the distance between your old home and new home. For a more in-depth look at the cost of hiring professional movers, check out Moving.com’s guide on what factors and considerations go into determining the cost of your interstate move.

2. Hiring professional packers

   Oftentimes when moving for work, employees have to move quickly and do not have time to pack. Employers may assist with the cost of hiring professional packers to expedite the process. The pros and cons of hiring professional packers include less stress and saving time on one hand and exercising less control over the process on another.

3. Moving boxes and supplies

   From cardboard boxes and packing tape to plastic wrap and moving labels, the cost of boxes and supplies really adds up when moving all of your belongings to a new city. Fortunately, many employers will help cover these costs. If you’re trying to figure out how many boxes you need for the move, check out our free Packing Calculator. https://www.allieddubaimovers.com

4. Auto transportation services

   If relocating far away, you may need assistance with moving your car to the new city. Auto transportation services can be expensive, however. To find a reputable auto transport company and get free quotes, visit our Car Shipping Quote page. All you have to do is submit your auto transport move request to receive various car shipping quotes from our many licensed and insured auto transport partners.

5. Moving container services

   Moving containers offer a convenient way to move yourself to a new city. These units also double as storage before, during or after the move. This may be a good option for those who don’t plan to stay in temporary housing for long. If you plan to move into your new permanent home relatively soon, then consider moving household belongings to a moving container. All you have to do is load up the container, and the company will transport it to their facility for safekeeping. When you’re ready to move into a new home, the moving container company will deliver the container. It’s a flexible and convenient way to move on your timeline.

   Here’s a look at the best moving containers & storage companies to consider when relocating for a job. For more information on portable moving containers, check Moving.com to find moving containers. Simply enter where you’re moving from, the location of your new home, the size of your home in bedrooms, and what date you want to complete your move. We’ll send you the best quote available, and let you compare other shipping container moving companies as well.

6. Temporary or long-term storage rentals

   What should you do with your belongings, before, during or after the move if you’re not using a moving container or bringing your stuff with you? Your options include putting your belongings in a self-storage facility (especially if you are moving to a temporary home that is furnished). Most self-storage units can be rented monthly, making them an especially convenient and low-cost storage option.

   If you’re hiring a full-service moving company, ask the mover whether they offer temporary storage for customers. While not all moving companies offer storage services, many do provide short-term and long-term storage options.

   To find storage in your area, use Moving.com’s Storage Center. Just type in your zip code or city and state of residence, and click the “Find Storage” button. Moving.com will pull quotes from the closest storage unit facilities near your new or old home to compare. https://servicebasketuae.com

7. Closing costs and Realtor fees

   If you need to purchase a home in the new city, your company may be willing to help pay closing costs. In addition to Realtor fees, these might include title search costs, attorney fees, statutory costs, appraisals, inspections and more.

8. Lease break coverage

   Need to break your current lease in order to move for the job? Oftentimes, landlords require tenants to pay a certain amount of money if terminating the lease early. They may also force the tenant to pay the remainder of the rent owed – or at least until they can find a new tenant. Employers may be able to help cover these costs.

9. Airfare

   Traveling by plane to the new city? Whether you’re traveling to scout out the city beforehand or flying there for the official move, your employer may be willing to include the cost of airfare in your job relocation package.

10. Hotel costs

    Haven’t found a permanent place to live yet? If moving for work, an employer should be able to foot the bill for temporary housing. Of course, they may only be willing to cover hotel costs or home rentals for a short amount of time. Be sure to ask how long they are willing to cover these costs before moving to a new city.

    If you’re relocating for work but haven’t yet found a new home, your options include renting, finding a vacation rental through Airbnb or VRBO, staying with friends or family, booking a suite in an extended stay hotel and taking advantage of corporate housing. The latter, if available, might be a great option as large companies rent or own a furnished home, apartment or condo for employees to use when they are traveling or moving for business purposes.

11. Meals

    From meals at the airport to dining on the road, employers often cover the cost of meals and restaurants (within reason) when an employee is moving for a job. If this is the case, be sure to save all receipts. This is something we recommend for all expenses (for details, check out our Job Relocation Checklist).

12. Rental car services

    If you need to rent a car before, during or after the move, this service will likely be covered in your job relocation package. Many employers will cover part or all of this cost for a certain amount of time.

13. Truck rentals

    If planning a DIY move, your employer may be willing to cover the cost of renting a moving truck. Truck rental costs vary by location and time of year. Keep in mind that one-way moves tend to be more expensive. Fortunately, there are plenty of moving truck rental companies to choose from when planning a relocation. For more information and discounts on various rental truck companies, check out Moving.com’s truck rental center.

14. Family relocation assistance

    Moving with kids and need to find a babysitter or daycare to watch your children before, during or after the move? You may be able to negotiate this into your job relocation package. At the very least, an employer may be able to help you find reputable and reasonably priced childcare services in the new city. The job relocation package might also include elderly care assistance and employment assistance for an accompanying spouse or partner.

15. Language classes

    Those moving abroad to a non-English speaking country may need to take language classes before and after the relocation. Be sure to ask your employer whether or not they cover this before planning an international move.

16. Property management

    Homeowners on international or short-term assignments might have a property management company take care of rental and upkeep.

17. Cultural training

    For those moving internationally, a class on what to expect in the new culture could be offered.

18. Misc. expenses

    Out-of-pocket expenses like carpet cleaning, drapery installation, utility hookups, vehicle registration and other incidentals could be reimbursed.

Of course, these are just possible expenses your new employer might cover. Ask your HR department for the job relocation package specifics in your case, look at your housing options and estimate your mortgage using our Mortgage Payment Calculator, get local school ratings, and look up statistics on your new location.

Moving for a job?

From getting packed up to finding a storage unit, there’s an endless number of to-dos when moving for a new job. Fortunately, Moving.com’s moving checklists can help. For a customizable moving checklist, personal tasks list, email reminders and coupons to help you stay organized during a move, check out our Move Checklist. Need help finding a reputable moving company? Fortunately, Moving.com’s extensive network of reliable movers makes it easy to book the best moving company for the job. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands.