The Job Seeker's Guide to Planning a Long-Distance Move

Apr 22, 2008

Is there a long-distance move in your future? Whether you’re ready to return to your hometown, looking for a change in scenery, ready to take a chance on big-city living, or just want to give in to your wanderlust, you’re not alone. Moving industry statistics say that nearly 50 million North Americans relocate every year, and experts estimate that as many as half of those moves are job-related.

If you’re ready to make a move, you’re in luck. The hospitality industry is booming these days, with employers from coast to coast constantly on the lookout for qualified employees. No matter where you’d like to end up, it’s likely that you’ll be able to connect with an employer that will warmly welcome you. But before you start scouting for cardboard boxes, take some time to sketch out a moving plan.

Early Planning Pays Off

The prospect of making a major move can be very exciting, but the reality is that long-distance relocation can be a time-consuming, complicated process. The earlier you can begin to plan out the logistical details of your move, the better. That way, you’ll have more time and mental energy to attend to the wrinkles and snafus that will inevitably arise as the big day draws closer.

Even if you’re still in the midst of a job search and aren’t yet certain where you’ll end up, you can – and should – start to plan your long-distance move. Begin with a broad overview of the entire process, just to get the ball rolling. Then, as the details of your move become clearer, you can fill in the blanks and get down to brass tacks. Here are the basic components of a comprehensive relocation plan.

Budget.
If you’ve never planned a long-distance move before, you might be a bit surprised at how fast moving costs can stack up. That’s why establishing a moving budget is one of the first stages of relocation planning. Luckily, the Internet is a great resource for helping movers get detailed quotes and information well in advance. Also, don’t forget to ask potential employers about their relocation assistance policy. Even if they can only pick up part of the cost, every little bit helps.
De-clutter.
When it comes to long-distance moving, less is more. This is a great time to take a long, hard look at all of your possessions and decide what you can bear to part with as you enter this exciting new phase of your life. If you’re using a moving service that charges by weight, your complete library of Shakespeare or decorative cookie jar collection could end costing an arm and a leg to ship cross-country. Even if you’re in the earliest stages of planning for a move, it’s always a great time to pare down your belongings a bit.
Research.
In the digital age, it’s a piece of cake to begin exploring your new community long before your moving truck pulls into town. Before you’ve decided on a destination, you can use the Internet to compare cities and scope out housing options. After you’ve narrowed down your selection, you can begin the process of researching new service providers – bankers, physicians, dentists, insurance agents, even hairstylists – in your new community. By doing some of the groundwork before you actually move, you’ll eliminate a lot of undue stress down the road.
Attend to paperwork.
If your planned move pans out, you’ll be transplanting your entire life to a new community in the near future. Establish a paperwork file and use it to store school records, medical and dental data, insurance information, birth certificates, and any other important documents you can think of. That way, you can avoid last-minute scrambling and digging through your unpacked boxes when you finally arrive.
Make reservations.
As soon as you know more details about your move, begin making firm plans. When it comes to rental cars, flights, moving trucks, and hotels, it’s better to be safe than sorry. These resources can sell out fast, especially if you’re moving during the busy summer season. Plus, early birds often score advance discounts when it comes to move planning.

A long-distance move can be both exhilarating and exhausting. By laying out a basic moving plan well in advance, you’ll be better prepared to sail through the inevitable challenges with ease. Bon voyage!