You’ve been offered the perfect job, but there’s just one catch – it’s in another city. If you’ve never relocated before you probably have a lot of questions about the moving logistics. The Square Cow Movers team has helped many people relocate over the years and along the way we’ve learned quite a bit about the moving process.
Keep reading for answers to some of the most common questions about job relocations.
Who Pays for Relocation Services?
This all depends. Some companies are willing to foot the entire bill, while most are willing to pay for at least a portion of the costs. However, there may be stipulations involved as far as which companies can be used and which services are included.
What Expenses Are Commonly Covered During a Relocation?
The expenses that are covered vary from one company to the next and can even depend on your position or the city you are moving to. Ask the company’s HR department for a copy of the relocation policy or check your offer letter for details. The policy should outline which costs are included in a relocation package. Common costs that are covered include:
- Professional moving services
- Short-term storage
- Reimbursement for gas and travel
- Temporary housing
Can I Ask for More Compensation?
A relocation can get expensive very quickly. Relocation compensation can be negotiated even if the company isn’t initially offering any sort of assistance. Before attempting to negotiate the costs, take the time to estimate all of the expenses involved. This includes the obvious expenses, like hiring movers, as well as hidden costs, such as having to hire a babysitter to watch your kids while you handle the moving arrangements.
Once you have a better idea of what the relocation will cost, approach the appropriate party about providing assistance. Find ways to position it as a benefit to both yourself and the company. For instance, the easier it is for you to get settled in the sooner you can begin focusing on your new position. The best time to negotiate the relocation costs is before you accept a new position. That way you can approach it as a signing bonus or part of your benefits package.
Are House Hunting Expenses Covered?
Paying for house hunting expenses isn’t as common as covering the cost of hiring movers, but they are a part of the moving process. Things like gas, printing documents, fees for ending a lease early, etc. are all negotiable if they aren’t already covered in the company’s relocation policy.
Do I Cover Things Like Tips for Movers or Should the Company Reimburse Me?
Discretionary costs like tips may be covered up to a certain amount. If you cover any moving costs, always keep a receipt so that it can be verified by the relocation company.
Who Contacts the Moving Service Providers?
Typically the company’s relocation coordinator will reach out to the businesses that are helping you make the move. However, if you handle the moving coordination it’s important to keep HR or the relocation coordinator up-to-date on what is being scheduled and include them in any email correspondence.
What Happens if the Moving Company I Want to Use Isn’t Covered?
Sometimes your company has deals worked out with specific moving companies and those are the only ones that are covered. If this is the case, explain why you prefer to use a different company and ask if it is possible for them to make an exception. Be prepared to cover the difference if your preferred movers cost more than those the company typically uses.
It’s always best to touch base with your relocation coordinator as soon as possible. There may be time limitations on the relocation benefits that are offered, and depending on the season services may need to be booked well in advance.
If you’re relocating to Central Texas or handling relocation services for your employees, give Square Cow Movers a call. We are an award-winning, family-owned moving company with offices located in both the Austin and Houston metro areas.
Original Source: https://squarecowmovers.com/job-relocation-faqs-answered/