Making the decision to relocate for a job is never easy. That decision may often turn out to be the least stressful part of the move. Uprooting your family and your life to live in a new place can be extremely overwhelming. With a little bit of planning, however, you can ease some of the mental and emotional strain that comes with relocation. Here are four tips to help you manage that stress:
1. Take Advantage of Relocation Services
Many organizations offer relocation services to their employees. This typically involves working with a concierge who can help you with everything from locating a new home, to scheduling your moving van, to connecting you with local utilities. If your new company does not offer such a service, ask the HR department to connect you with a local, private relocation company. Having a single point of contact to manage the details of your move can help minimize stress.
2. Stay Organized
Keep a calendar and detailed to-do lists for your move. Those lists should involve not only tasks, but also deadlines and important contact numbers. Keep a hard copy of each to do list as well as a digital copy in order to prevent loss. Lists will not only help you stay organized, but will allow you to break down large tasks into smaller, easy-to-handle steps.
3. Schedule a Visit to Your New City
If you’ve never visited your new city, schedule a trip for you and your family before moving day. While you certainly can take time to sightsee, the trip should be more about getting acclimated to your new surroundings. Show your family your new home or apartment. Figure out where the closest grocery store is, where the closest department stores and home improvement stores are, etc. If you have children, schedule a visit to their new school so that they can actually go inside the building, meet their teachers and see where they will attend class. This can ease some of the anxiety that you and your family are sure to feel in the first few days and weeks of relocation.
4. Create a Social Safety Net
Moving means leaving behind your social support network. Before you relocate, look for clubs and organizations that are similar to those you currently belong to. If you use a site like Meetup, you can even connect with new people that share your interests before you move. The sooner you and your family can create social connections, the sooner you’ll feel at home in your new town.
Relocating for a new job can be overwhelming, but it can also be exciting. If you take steps to plan your move properly, it can ease some of the stress and keep you focused on doing well in your new position.
If you are an IT professional seeking new opportunities for professional growth, contact The Prevalent Group today. Our team of experienced recruiters can help you locate ideal information technology jobs in northern Illinois that align with your skills and your long-term career goals.