Work Move
A career-related relocation or a work move can be both stressful and exciting. You’ll have a thousand and one things to worry over, so to make the transition a little more straightforward, here’s a checklist of what you should consider and prepare for, courtesy of AMT Job Openings.
Research
Before you start putting the wheels into motion for your work move, it’s important to carry out plenty of research and be certain that your new home (and the area it’s situated in) are suitable for work and lifestyle.
- Location: Take some time to think about what you might need from your new neighborhood. Research should include the cost of living, crime rates, local attractions, and public transportation options.
- Housing options: Look into different housing options in your new location, including apartments, houses, and shared accommodation. You should aim to factor in costs (purchasing versus renting), location, and amenities.
- Schools: If you have children, start researching schools in your new location to determine options that will benefit them in the long term.
- Additional considerations: When choosing a property or viewing a house, it’s easy to overlook important features, such as sight lines, number of sockets in each room, noise levels (both inside and outside of the home), and proximity to neighboring properties. These can all affect home value and quality of life.
Work Admin
Whether you’re moving a business or simply switching employers, you’ll find there are plenty of administrative tasks to attend to if you want to ensure a smooth move.
- Update your online presence: In addition to your resume and LinkedIn profile, make sure your online presence is professional and up to date. This includes your personal website and any social media channels.
- Permits and licenses: You may find, if you’re switching states, that you require new permits or licenses to operate your business. Keep your head above water and look into the various regional regulations.
- Business structure: Similarly, if you’re moving to a new state, it may be advantageous to form a Limited Liability Company (LLC). This will help you to reduce personal liability and paperwork and provide you with tax advantages.
Logistics and Personal Admin
Preparing a logistical framework and getting ahead of simple admin tasks is a great way to reduce stress, mistakes, and unforeseen costs as you approach moving day.
- Packing: Rather than doing everything at the last minute, it can help instead to pack incrementally. Start by making a list of everything you’ll need, and consider using packing supplies like boxes, bubble wrap, and tape to protect your belongings.
- Utilities: If you have a good deal with your current utility provider, it could be worth getting in touch to see if you can have your service transferred to a new location.
- Medical: It’s worth requesting copies of your medical records to take with you to your new location. You may also want to transfer your insurance to your new location or shop around for cheaper alternatives.
- Address: Consider how a change of address may affect your basic day-to-day logistics. If you have a checking or savings account, it could be worth updating your address with your bank to ensure that you continue to receive important documents and correspondence, for example. Think as well about insurance companies, IRS, and utility providers.
From researching the area and updating your online presence to transferring your utilities and medical records, there are plenty of important details to address before and during the relocation process. With the right planning, you can enter into your new role and begin your next chapter with confidence.
AMT Job Openings is here to help AMTs advance their careers. If you have any questions, please find us on LinkedIn.