1 of 5

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 5

If at all possible take at least one family trip to the new location during the two months prior to the move. You should have one trip for house hunting paid for by the company but they may not pay for the entire family, just you and your spouse. If possible take an additional trip to get to know the area. Visit schools, do some additional house hunting, visit the area malls, and any other things of local interest.

If you have not already negotiated your relocation package let me provide you a couple of quick tips that will make life easier.

1. Ask for a pre-paid credit card with a set amount that you can spend as you see fit for your move. This approach allows you to budget your move and not account for your spending. It is the best approach to relocation.

2. Do your homework! Even though corporations believe they have negotiated "best rates" this is not always the case. Frequently you can negotiate better rates on your own simply by doing comparison shopping. Certainly you should always start with the corporate preferred vendors for moving, but if you don't believe they are giving you a fair estimate tell them and get other estimates before you select a vendor.

Now to some tips on the move itself and dealing with moving companies, always a challenge.

1. Only use bonded movers. Do not trust your property to cut rate movers who no one has ever heard of. Trying to save too much money risking you will not receive your property on the other end or at the very least you will not receive it in the same condition.

2. Before having the movers come to your house for inspection and proposal know what you want! This is an important step in the process. There are many different ways to arrange the pack and move. They can do the entire pack, move, and unpack. They can do only some of the pack, move, and unpack, or any other combination that you determine best fits your schedule and style. You knowing what you want before they get there will make the process easier and ensure that the bids you receive are consistent. My usual approach is to have the movers do all packing except those items that I am going to carry with me, it is a bit more expensive but worth the stress reduction. I also have them do all the furniture breakdown and set-up on the other end if I am moving directly into a new home. I do not have them do unpacking, it is generally not worth it as they don't do put away as well as I do, although you can pay for this service.

3. One thing to consider in the mover

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about How to prepare to relocate to a new job?
We want to hear your view. Write now!