Top Relocation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Relocating can be an overwhelming yet exhilarating experience. Most likely, there will be a handful of people assisting you with your relocation. Every question may seem to already have an answer. However, there are some things that you personally need to consider when deciding if a job transfer is right for you and if you have a family, right for them. Those questions aren’t so basic.

There are many factors that are overlooked when relocating. Below are ones that need to be thought about well in advance to ensure you have a smooth transition.

1. Not knowing what personally interests you. When on the search for a rental, you may think location isn’t that important when it comes to being near shops, restaurants or attractions. After all, you want to find a home quick and get settled as soon as possible. However, after you’re moved in and you have acclimated to your new work environment, what are you going to do with your free time? Consider putting together a list of activities you can’t do without and then looking for a home where those things are easily accessible.
2. Not taking into consideration the commute to and from work. Often, being in a big city is an appeal when it comes to finding a home. But if your commute to and from work is over an hour long each way, you may end up dreading the daily drive. You might have to compromise giving up a specific zip code so that you don’t drive yourself crazy on the hour ride home.
3. Overestimating your raise. A raise is a wonderful thing and you should be proud of your accomplishments. However, if you’re moving from a smaller town to a bigger city such as Los Angeles, you’re going to have to accept a higher cost of living. What your raise could potentially get you in your original city may no longer be enough for the same level of expectation in your new location. Look into a cost of living calculator to get a general sense of the differences.
4. Overlooking location factors. While relocating can be a wonderful opportunity, you might want to consider the reality of where you will now be living. If you like adventure and plenty of activities on the weekends, transferring to a city in the middle of nowhere may not be the right fit for you. Being unhappy isn’t going to get you anywhere, so make sure you understand where you’re going and what that means.
5. Not doing enough research. Make sure to do a basic search on just how much you will need to spend on rent. Nothing is worse than thinking you can get away with spending a significantly less amount every month when really you will need to raise your budget. Not knowing this ahead of time, or at least not having a general understanding, may lead to a frustrating search for a home and more stress than you need. Spend some time on a website like Zillow to get a general idea of what to expect to spend on rent per month.
6. Not taking advantage of a rental assistance company. It may feel like you can do all of this on your own. There is a chance that you can, but if you have the opportunity to, consider hiring a rental assistance company. They will be able to guide you through the process and think of things you wouldn’t have. Especially if you’re a first time renter, this is going to be the best thing for you and your precious time.