What to Know When Relocating for Work

Moving to a new city while starting a new job is stressful, but a few helpful tips can make your transition easier. You can learn to navigate significant life changes like these, even when they happen together. From searching for an apartment to rent in an unknown city to making new friends, here are five tips that will help you have a smoother move.

Tip #1: Put one foot in front of the other

You could be tempted to try and tackle everything you need to accomplish all at once. When you move to a new city, everything is new and everyone is new. Remember: Take it one step at a time. After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither will your life in a new city!

If you try and accomplish everything too quickly, you’ll likely feel overwhelmed. Start by making a comprehensive “to do” list broken out by day, so you can easily see what needs to be tackled and when. Then, ask a friend to look at your list for two reasons: 1) to keep you accountable and 2) to make sure you’ve covered everything.

Tip #2: Prioritize your to do list

Once you’ve got a “to do” list, it’s time to prioritize, and it’s okay to put some things at the bottom of the list! If you’re always reacting, you’re never in control of your day. Don’t worry—you’ll have a chance to get to everything done in due time.

At the top of your list will be major things like finding an apartment to rent, picking up moving boxes, figuring out how you’ll move your pets, getting your utilities set-up, and planning your new route to work. Prioritizing is all about deciphering what’s important, what to abandon, and what to work on now.  

Tip #3: Find creative solutions

If you run into obstacles along the way, get creative! Most people stick with traditional methods for things like finding a roommate, buying affordable furniture, etc. Explore nontraditional options too.

For example, while you may be accustomed to only posting your needs on social media to make connections, try other online resources or give your new apartment manager or a new coworker a call. If you have questions about the area you’re moving to, they’ll likely have answers or can point you in the direction of someone who does. Relying solely on your social media connections may be difficult if you’re relocating to a new state.

Tip #4: Work hard during the transition

While in transition, you’ll be managing a large number of tasks. If you’re starting a new job and settling into your living situation at the same time, hold tight! The transition period will pass, and soon you’ll find a new norm and a new routine.

During the transition—where you’re learning a new job and still unpacking your stuff—you’ll likely be working harder than you have in other seasons of life. That’s okay! Work hard, but balance it out by rewarding yourself with your favorite TV show, a new work outfit, or a night out on the (new) town!

Tip #5: Introduce yourself to new people

When you move into a new apartment building, it’s great to quickly establish connections with people in your area. You don’t have to become fast friends; just introduce yourself to new people. It’s as simple as knocking on your neighbor’s door, becoming familiar with new surroundings and new faces, and leaving yourself open to new experiences. Who knows--you may be able to carpool with one of your neighbors to work and save money on gas!

While none of these five tips is the silver bullet, they’re great ways to make your relocation smoother. Start by putting one foot in front of the other, making a to do list, prioritizing what’s important, working hard, and making friends!

For help moving apartments, switching utilities, and even checking your credit, visit ApartmentSearch.com's Moving Center.