Things To Do And Not To Do When You're Considering Relocating

By R S Ali

Mar 15, 2016 08:28 AM EDT

Moving for a job can be an exciting prospect, but there are things you will want to consider when you're considering that move to another city or state to ensure that you don't make any decisions you will regret.

Here are some things Monster believes you should do and not do:
Do:

Your homework

Research is key. Do not go in there blinded: do your homework on the company just like you would if it was in your own city. Find out if the climate is suitable for you. Is it too cold? Do you like suburban quiet or city hustle and bustle? Can you afford to live in the city you are looking at?

Schedule an investigative pre-trip

Go do some recon first. Meet face-to-face with the people you've only talked with on the phone so far. Feel out the place. Do you like it? You might have missed things that you can only figure out once you are physically there. Do not rely on the Internet too much. This will also help you network: when you are interviewing with several companies in the same area, it will let them know you are serious about considering a relocation.

Convince yourself, then convince your employers

You will need to be sure that you can reasonably move to the place you are considering. Once that is behind you, make sure your employers know that you have thought this through, that this is not impulsive. You're not just going to say that you will move anywhere you will find a job, you have to be specific, and mature, and have more perspective on it.

Don't:

Expect that your company will move you

Unless you're in really, really strong demand, the company will not cover the expenses of your relocation. Make sure that you can afford to make the move, and then some. This includes truck rentals, security deposits, transportation costs, and at least enough cash to last you several months for rent and other living expenses.

Ignore near and dear ones

If your spouse wants to continue their career, make sure you have talked about it. Think about good school districts and child-friendly neighborhoods, too.