Things to think about when relocating with a new job
We understand that if you’re relocating for work, it’s not just selling your home and finding a new property that you’ve got to think about. Uprooting yourself and your family is a major decision. So here are some things to think about before you decide to go for it.
Is it the right job for you?
Whether it’s a new opportunity or a promotion, the first thing you really need to ask yourself is whether it’s the right job for you. Does it suit your lifestyle? Your career goals? Can you see yourself settling into the new position and area?
Obviously, it’s really important you consider all the options and speak to your loved ones before deciding to make the move – after all, it may not just be you who is affected.
What’s the new area like?
Before committing to a new location, it’s worth spending some time in the area to see if you really want to live there. Visit local high streets, get a coffee, enjoy a walk in a park, and consider staying in a local Airbnb. After all, downtime is important. So take the time to see whether you enjoy being in the area which could become your new neighbourhood. At the same time, familiarise yourself with local transport routes and commute times so you can widen your property search area if you need to.
Relocating with kids
If you’ve got a family to consider, one of the first things you’ll need to think about is schools or childcare. The Ofsted website is a great resource for checking out local schools. Always contact your first choice to see what their application criteria are. In some cases, you can apply directly to the school; otherwise, you may have to do this via the local authority.
What’s more, if you’re moving during term-time, it may take a lot longer to process applications. Remember, you’ll need proof of your address to apply for a new school and if you haven’t moved yet, that could be tricky. Check with the local authority to find out what documents you’ll need.
Are you entitled to a relocation allowance?
It’s not mandatory, but many employers do offer prospective new staff members a relocation allowance to help with the costs of moving to a new area. In fact, this can be worth up to £8,000 tax-free.
How much they offer exactly is an individual choice for each employer. But it’s always worth asking if this is something your new employer can help with.
Is doing a trial run an option?
It’s understandable that a big move can feel pretty overwhelming, especially if you have a partner and/or children in the equation.
So it may be worth exploring the idea of a trial run. For example, you could stay in temporary accommodation before making a permanent move, or perhaps live away during the week and return home at weekends. This could definitely buy you some valuable time. It’s worth talking to your employer about this before you sign a new contract so they’re aware of your situation and any potential difficulties, and can perhaps provide any assistance you may need.
Get social!
If, however, a move is definitely on the cards, it may well be worth starting to develop a network in the area you’ll soon be calling home. Facebook is one good source of local online groups, especially if you’re moving with a spouse or partner or children and also want to help them make new friends.
Equally, get in touch with your new colleagues. If you have good contacts at work, this can make life a lot easier – and if they live locally, they can offer some good advice to help you feel more settled more quickly.
Ready to relocate? Steps to take before selling your home
Before you put your home on the market because of a new job, make sure of the following:
- You have a confirmed offer of a new job IN WRITING
- You and your employer are both clear on start dates
- You and your employers have discussed any potential relocation allowance
If all these things are in the bag, it’s time to get moving on your move
While we believe we’re the best agents to sell your home, we want you to be sure of everything, too. So, here are some tips to make the sale of your home a bit easier before you relocate:
Legalities
Make sure you have the right people in place to deal with the sale of your property. Start looking for a recommended conveyancer (we can help with this) before you put your property on the market, so you can move as fast as possible with any legal paperwork.
Budget
There are lots of costs associated with selling a property. While agency fees and lawyers can be paid once a sale has completed, you may need to budget for some extra costs. These might include: removal companies, storage fees, home clearance, repairs (to the property prior to sale), and travel.
It’s important to keep these costs in mind and prepare for them beforehand, so they don’t cause you financial worries when you actually come to move.
Prepare your property
Before putting your home on the market, you may need to spend a bit of money getting it ready. Properties that don’t have any immediately obvious problems (such as cupboard doors coming off their hinges, drawers that won’t shut, wobbly and broken paving stones) are more likely to catch a buyer’s eye.
The better your home looks before sale, the more interest you’re likely to get when it’s on the market. Clear away clutter (kids’ toys, heaving bookshelves and the like) and keep décor neutral. That way, buyers can really get a feel for your property, and start to visualise how they would make the place their own.
Time pressure
If you’re just a few weeks away from starting your new job and your property still hasn’t sold, keep calm, we’ll get there. Unfortunately, there’s never any such thing as a guaranteed quick sale. So, you may need a Plan B. Can you afford to move into temporary accommodation before you commit to buying another property? Perhaps your employer can help with covering this cost?
Explore all your options
Sometimes, a job relocation doesn’t necessarily mean you have to sell your current property. Have you explored all your other options? Perhaps you can afford to rent a property in your new location and let your home out. This saves you hassle and generates another income.
Renting out your property is a great option if you’re not 100% sure about the new job and want a Plan B. And if your new job is abroad, renting out your home instead of selling it can save a lot of money in case things don’t work out. Remember, if you want to return home and have a tenant in place, you may need to wait until their lease term is up.
Your moving checklist
Below is an 11-point checklist to help you prepare for your property sale:
- When you’ve decided it’s time to put your property on the market, contact at least three estate agents for valuations. Check if the prices they provide seem realistic by doing some research online yourself.
- Don’t just choose the agent with the highest valuation or cheapest fee. This often turns out to be a false economy.
- Instruct a conveyancing solicitor just before you go on the market so they’re all ready to handle the legalities of your sale.
- Start getting rid of the furniture and anything else you don’t want to take with you. Charity shops, home clearance, and auction houses can help with your clear-out.
- Get a head start on packing. Even though you may not have a moving date yet, it’s worth boxing up items you don’t use much, ready for the move to your new property.
- When you’ve accepted an offer and agreed a completion date, get quotes from three different removal companies. Look for ones that come recommended and which are fully insured.
- Start finishing the food in your freezer ahead of moving day.
- Let your bank, utility companies and insurance providers know of your change of address and arrange to have mail redirected.
- Get quotes for insurance on your new property starting from the date you complete on the property purchase.
- The day before the move, create an essentials box with any items you might need quickly. Kettles, cups, and tea and coffee always come in handy.
- On the day of the move, keep important items or documents with you, including things like medicines, passport, your wallet or purse, keys and glasses.
Got any questions at all about this checklist, or anything mentioned in this guide? Give us a call or drop us an email:
Bexhill Branch
12 Sackville Road
Bexhill-on-Sea
East Sussex
TN39 3JL
01424 224700
bexhill@oakfieldproperty.co.uk
Eastbourne Branch
35 Cornfield Road
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN21 4QG
01323 723500
eastbourne@oakfieldproperty.co.uk
Hastings Branch
60 – 61 Robertson Street
Hastings
East Sussex
TN34 1HY
01424 722122
hastings@oakfieldproperty.co.uk