36% of workers did not receive any compensation for relocation costs when moving for work, according to a survey performed by Allied.com.
Are you moving because of research opportunities? You’ll need to know what to consider to ensure your move is seamless and doesn’t leave you footing the bill.
Keep reading for the top considerations when moving for research opportunities – including checking out the local area, finding a new home, and negotiating your relocation package.
Checking Out The Local Area
Before you sign the dotted line and commit to your move, you need to know a little about the area you’re moving to.
Checking out the local area lets you know how safe you’ll be living there, whether the location suits your lifestyle, and what you can do on the weekends.
Here are the best things to check out to gauge whether this is the right relocation area for you:
- Crime rate – if you feel unsafe in your new area, you’ll likely regret your decision to move. So, check out the local crime rate in the area you’re planning to relocate to. If the crime rate is significantly above the national average, you may need to consider a longer commute to the research facility and look for housing in a safer area. Alternatively, make sure that you opt for a rental or home that comes with tight security, such as security cameras at apartment complexes and a concierge.
- Cost of living – you need to be able to comfortably afford groceries, rent, and the cost of living in your new area. If your new salary does not match the cost of living, this might be an opportunity to renegotiate your salary with the research facility.
- Amenities – you need to know where you can get groceries, whether the area facilitates your diet, and whether you’ll easily be able to access the stores you frequent regularly.
- Activities – you’re not going to be performing research all the time. This means you’ll need to look for hikes, parks, gyms, cafés, and restaurants in the area to enjoy your days off.
Your Relocation Package
A relocation package is designed to make relocation easier for employees. Instead of taking on all the burdens associated with relocation alone, you get help from your new employer.
Relocation packages differ between companies. However, some key things to look for (and ask for) in a relocation package include:
- A relocation fee – a company covers all the costs of relocating in a single lump sum, allowing the employee to relocate within this budget and cover transportation costs, moving service costs, house-hunting costs, and more.
- Reimbursement – rather than paying you upfront, the company may prefer it if you send them invoices for costs incurred by relocation.
- Help to sell – your company may take part in helping you to sell your current home. Helping you sell your existing home is in their best interest, as it ensures you can join the team sooner.
- House hunting – your new employer might help you to search for houses in your new area, which will speed up the relocation process.
- Temporary accommodation – if the company needs you right away, they may be able to set up temporary housing for you until you find a new place to live.
Establishing A New Network
Moving can be incredibly daunting if you’re moving alone and won’t have your family with you for support.
It’s a good idea to reach out to your new employer and inquire about any company events they are hosting where you can gather a new network of friends in the area. You could also ask them to introduce you to new people when you arrive in the area and provide support in integrating you into the team.
Finding A New Home
You’ll need to look at what’s on the market to find a new home in your new area. You’ll also need an understanding of the best neighborhoods close to your new place of work.
Some of the best things to look for when choosing a new home include:
- Schooling – if your family is moving with you, you’ll need to live in a neighborhood with good schooling options. So, visit a school ranking website and determine which are the best and safest schools in the area to decide which locations are most desirable.
- Transport links – if you plan to drive to work, you’ll need an accessible route. Or, you’ll need access to transport links like buses and trains to get to the research facility daily.
- Cost – you need to know that you can afford a home in the areas where you’re thinking of living. So, check that there are homes within your budget in the locations you’re considering.
Summary
Relocating for research opportunities can be stressful, but there are some steps you can take to make the process smoother. Consider the tips in this article, start creating your relocation strategy, and assess whether the area is suitable for relocation. You deserve a solid relocation package and support from the research facility during your move.
