Your job might open more doors than just at work, with many career paths offering relocation opportunities. Negotiating your relocation package can be hectic and confusing, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Knowing what you want, budgeting it, developing mutually beneficial solutions, and using available assistant resources are all vital steps for your relocation.
There are many factors to consider, especially the logistics of uprooting your whole life. The possibilities all depend on your ingenuity and knowledge of what services are available. For those willing but not ready, here are seven tips for negotiating your relocation package.
1. Know what you want
You know you want to relocate, and that relocating could provide many improvements to your life and career. That means you have to assemble a thorough accounting of what it will take to get you up and running in your new home.
For example, if you have children, you’ll have to think about school districts. Is there adequate child care available in the area? What kind of demographics are local, such as political associations and religions? Does the area have food and entertainment that you’ll enjoy? Is there a choice for utilities and other resources, like cable and internet?
A relocation might not be worth it if you’ll be miserable in the target city. Do your research and find out if there are outlets for your hobbies and interests.
2. Study up on common relocation assistance packages
Before you know whether you’re getting a good deal from your company, you need to understand the most common packages offered and what they entail.
Transportation
Even a local move can be expensive, but moving to a new state or another country leaves you with a bill in the thousands of dollars. Having an expense package that assists with transportation fees can make moving costs much more feasible. Typically, they include travel costs as well as moving fees. You could hire popular pod moving companies, professional moving fellowships, or even auto transport services to smooth out the transportation process.
Home costs
If you need to sell your home fast, your employer may offer a package to help cover any costs you incur, such as real estate fees. Similarly, if you’re breaking a lease as a renter, your company should be willing to cover any penalties.
Storage
Moving is seldom straightforward, and you may need a place to store your belongings while you look for a new place to live, or even for the entire extent of your relocation if it’s temporary. It’s therefore common for employers to offer financial help with storage costs.
Help with a new residence
Buyers and renters often want to see a home in person before they commit any money, and thus it’s hard to show up in your new city with a place to live already lined up. Instead, your employer should provide some sort of temporary accommodation for you, such as a hotel or temporary apartment, while you look for a new residence.
Expatriation
Moving to another country is a commitment your employer should not take lightly. Your moving fees will be much more expensive, but you’ll also need to consider work visas for your household. If you have a spouse, your employer should offer help getting them a work visa for your new country and assist you in getting your children enrolled in school.
3. Understand available assistance
You should always know what your company is willing to offer in the way of assistance for your big move. Make sure you check with your new employer’s HR department if the firm provides a standard benefits package or has a policy for relocation.
If possible, you should also reach out to employees that have relocated before you. You can use their experience and negotiation process as a guide for what to expect.
Companies tend to vary on what assistance they offer employees moving for work, and the larger the company, the more standardized their policy. Compensation can also differ by city position and industry.
Usually, the following expenses are covered: temporary lodging costs, travel costs back home if you relocate before your family moves, moving costs, assistance in selling your house, job search assistance for your spouse (such as reimbursements, referrals, recruiters, or positions inside the company itself). Do your research to ensure you’re getting the fairest deal possible.
4. Propose mutually beneficial ideas
Despite having standardized policies, many companies are willing to negotiate for an employee’s distinct needs. Your employer will be more likely to agree to any requests if you can show a benefit to the company and yourself.
You might find that once you and the company agree on mutually beneficial ideas, it makes negotiating your relocation package far less stressful. You’ll likely be negotiating a contract, so be sure to get everything in writing. Even if a formal agreement isn’t necessary, a signed letter of intent can help.
5. Don’t stress ‒ prepare to impress
Connections, creativity, and a bit of research will go a long way in negotiating your relocation package. You want this new start to be a dream come true rather than a nightmare, so take care to advocate for yourself.
