Moving for a great job offer is a fantastic way to advance your career. Often, the opportunities in your hometown aren't as good as in other places. That said, if you're getting ready to move for a job, you have a lot on your to-do list. From finding a home to scoping out school districts for the kids, there's a lot to consider. At Right Key Mortgage, we understand that this can be both an exhilarating and exhausting time. Here, we put together a practical guide that covers all the must-do items you should address for a stress-free, affordable, and fast move.
Pick a neighborhood that meets your household's needs
Before you start house-hunting, narrow down your options by figuring out what neighborhood you want to live in. Factors to consider range from proximity to amenities to neighborhood safety to school districts. If you have a dog or kids, available green space is another consideration. You can scope out neighborhoods using online resources like AreaVibes.
Find the perfect house
Once you've narrowed down the location, you can find the perfect house or apartment. If you're planning to buy, connect with a local realtor. They’ll be able to confirm your neighborhood choices, and they can point you toward listings that might not be online.
If your relocation package comes with the option to cover closing costs, this is a great reason to buy if you’ve been renting up to now.
It’s also helpful to get pre-approved for your mortgage. Connect with Right Key Mortgage to help find the best rates and loan options for your situation, and then apply for pre-approval to make your home purchase smoother.
Prepare in advance for packing and moving
Advanced preparation will help make your move less stressful, and you’ll want to prioritize the largest tasks first. Start planning your move at least eight weeks in advance. This week-by-week moving guide covers the various steps, from research moving companies to setting up utilities in your new home. There is also packing to do. Before packing, declutter to get rid of items you no longer need. You'll then have less stuff to lug to the new location, saving time and money.
Identify goods and services providers in your new hometown
One of the biggest hassles of switching locations is finding new goods and services providers. Do your research beforehand, finding doctors, pediatricians, veterinarians, babysitters, and other professionals in your new hometown. The internet is a great place to look for experts. For example, you can use an online directory to search for a “bonded locksmith near me” to connect with a top-rated business to help change out your locks. Online directories offer customer testimonials as well as a range of options in your zip code.
Create a toolkit to deal with the emotional challenges of moving
While moving is exciting, it can also be tough. You might miss your old home, friends, and family. Prepare yourself emotionally for these hurdles. Keep in touch with loved ones back home by setting up regular video calls or group chats, for example. It's also important to make an effort to get involved in your new surroundings. The sooner you feel like you've established a life of your own in your hometown, the more “normal" your everyday life will feel.
Be proactive about joining your new community
Getting involved in your community will help you and your family adapt to your new life. Start small, by introducing yourselves to your next-door neighbors. You might even throw a house-warming party once you're more settled in your home. There are many other ways to connect locally, like volunteering, shopping at local businesses, joining area groups or classes, and cheering on your local sports teams.
Moving can be an arduous process, so a mindful approach makes a difference. Carefully choose a neighborhood and house that meet your needs and budget. Pack mindfully for your move, and be prepared to reach out to local service providers for repairs and maintenance needs. By pacing yourself emotionally, and making a point to connect with your community right away, you’ll be in a better position to settle in more easily.