Are you ready for a lifestyle change? Maybe you just desire fresh scenery, a new job, or a break from the past, for whatever reason. Luckily, relocating can solve multiple challenges at once. But, like every other major life change, there are costs and personal adjustments involved. For homeowners, step one is finding a realtor and explaining precisely what you aim to do.
Then, make sure you have the funds to explore new cities, hunt for jobs, and cover the high cost of shipping your car to another location and all your belongings to the new place. Depending on what you do for a living, expect to plan far ahead for a job switch. Most use detailed checklists to make certain they don’t miss any essential steps. Finally, don’t give in to the temptation to burn personal and professional bridges. You can relocate and still maintain ties to current friends, coworkers, and others in your network. Consider the following suggestions for making your move a smooth one.
Find an Experienced Realtor
Homeowners have their work cut out for them when it comes to relocating. The trick for avoiding most of the headaches and hassles is to find an experienced realtor as soon as you decide to make the big move. Try to work with someone who has done many long-distance deals and has contacts in your destination city. Getting your house ready to show and on the market quickly can save you months of waiting for a qualified buyer to show up. Likewise, a talented real estate pro can connect you with properties in your new city so you don’t have to do all the leg work of hunting for new homes in on unfamiliar terrain.
Pay Expenses in Advance
Don’t assume that moving is an inexpensive affair. It’s not. Costs begin to accumulate quickly. Some of the most common ones include truck rental, job hunting expenses, trips to check out cities on your shortlist, and more. Most working people who choose to move outside their current city take out personal loans to cover everything in advance. If you plan far enough ahead and apply for a personal loan as early in the process as possible, you can snag major discounts on moving vans, air tickets, and hotel accommodations in the cities you visit.
The Art of the Smooth Job Switch
Job switching can be a delicate matter, particularly if you’re worked in your present position for several years. Consult with an employment agency that specializes in long-distance moves. Fortunately, telephone and online interviews can make the transition as smooth as possible and allow you to search for new positions in your spare time. If possible, let your current supervisor know more than two weeks in advance that you intend to leave. Most companies appreciate the honesty and take the chance to have you train your replacement.
Don’t Burn Bridges
Maintain all your social and professional contacts after you establish yourself in the new location. That way, if you decide to return, you’ll still have your old network in place. Plus, you don’t want to cut yourself off from friends and former coworkers. Relocating is about starting a new chapter in your life, not deleting all the old ones.