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7 Relocation Questions to Ask an Employer

Posted in Planning the Move on January 6, 2023

Even though you may be eager to relocate for a job, it’s important to think carefully before making this significant decision. That is why we’ve prepared a list of the most important relocation questions to ask an employer. The answers you get will help you figure out if you’re prepared to relocate to start a new position far away from your current home, but also determine if the company you’re considering is a good choice for you – so read on.

Why Should You Even Consider Relocation Questions to Ask an Employer?

Asking your potential future employer these questions can help you achieve a lot of relocation benefits after the move, but also determine if the job is the right fit for you. Here is why creating a list of well-thought-out questions should be a part of your preparations before moving across the country:

You'll be certain you're making the right decision

The more information you have about the potential position you are being offered as well as the company that is providing it, the better you’ll be able to envision your future life and how it would look like. This also means that it will be simpler for you to decide if getting a job in a new city is the best course of action for you.

You'll be able to compare your current and potential job

These inquiries will not only help you learn more about your potential future employer but will also enable you to compare your current job with the position you’re applying for. If the new position offers something more than what you presently have, the change may be worthwhile.

Your expectations will be clear

You won’t make a major decision out of the blue since you will be more than familiar with all the things you should expect once you move to a new state – if you decide that relocating for a job is the right choice for you.

#1 What Kind of Relocation Package Does the Company Offer?

Different companies have different policies when it comes to relocating employees, so understanding what your employer covers when it comes to expenses related to relocating to a new city is key. Will they offer assistance in hiring long-distance movers, travel expenses, or storage fees? Knowing this information ahead of time will give you insight into whether you will need to save money to move – and how much. I will also help you create a proper relocation budget and plan your move accordingly.

A woman counting money
Knowing about a potential relocation package will help you plan your budget

Will the Costs Be Covered for Your Family Members as Well?

If you’re not relocating to a new city alone, make sure you ask if the costs associated with relocating your family members will be covered as well. This includes any travel expenses related to getting everyone to their new home, as well as any costs associated with finding accommodations for them once they get there. If you’re relocating with kids and your partner, it is important that you take into account all of these costs before accepting a relocation package.

Does the Company Provide Housing Assistance?

Housing assistance implies the help that an employer provides to its employees who are relocating. This could be in the form of a reimbursement plan for certain expenses related to housing, such as the cost of accommodations until you’re settled enough to find a new home or rent an apartment.

However, it could also mean helping employees find housing in their new city or providing them with housing-hunting tips (such as information about local real estate agents and other resources that can help them find housing quickly and easily). Therefore, if a new job is one of your reasons to move, make sure you know if housing assistance is included in the deal.

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#2 When Are You Expected to Start?

In order to organize your move properly, you need to inquire about the start date your new employer has in mind. Of course, this date may not suit your needs – you may need to work through your old job notice period, or, for example, if you don’t wish for your kids to move during the school year. If your employer needs someone to start working before you can realistically relocate, you can ask to work remotely temporarily.

#3 Where Is the Office Located?

If you’re against long commuting, it’s imperative to find a place near your future office – but you need to know where it is located first. Keep in mind that you can save time and money by cutting down on your commute, not to mention that you won’t unnecessarily lengthen your workday. On the other hand, if your employer is a local and knows the area well, they might recommend certain areas to look into for potential accommodation.

What Are Living Expenses and Quality of Life in the Area?

One of the major considerations when planning a move to another city is understanding how much money you will need each month to live comfortably. This includes rent or mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, transportation costs, taxes, and other necessities like health insurance. Researching these costs ahead of time can help you plan ahead financially and make sure that you have enough savings for any unforeseen expenses. The good news is that your employer may shorten your research by providing the necessary information.

However, the cost of living isn’t the only factor when assessing the quality of life. There are also less tangible elements that can play a major role in how happy you are after relocating to a new home, such as community engagement opportunities and cultural amenities. Ask your employer if the new city can offer activities that interest you, such as outdoor recreation spots, museums, concerts, galleries, or farmer’s markets, which you’ll be able to visit during your off-time.

Friends at a dinner after long-distance moving
The better quality of life the city provides, the happier you'll be after the move

#4 What Do You Need to Know About Company Culture?

To ensure that your move is the best fit for both you and the business, you need to learn about the corporate culture before you get packing services and move. The corporate culture of a company is made up of its values, goals, and practices – it’s how people work together as a team in order to achieve success.

Companies often list their core values or provide details about office policies on their websites or job postings – but you can learn much more when asking your employer. But how to know if the company nurtures a good culture? Consider the following:

  • Employees feel respected and valued by management,
  • The company provides training programs,
  • There is collaborative teamwork among colleagues,
  • Employees are given opportunities for growth and development within the organization,
  • There are open lines of communication between departments

These are all great indicators that you’ll have a positive experience working with this particular organization. If you wish to know more about the importance of positive company culture, take a look at the video below:

#5 What Does an Average Workday Look Like?

The first step in understanding what an average workday looks like implies getting familiar with your job duties. Once you understand exactly what it is that you need to do each day, it will become easier to envision yourself in the company. Therefore, make sure to ask your future employer about the typical workday for the person in your work position.

This will allow you to see whether it’s something you’d be comfortable performing. Knowing more about the list of duties and coworkers you’ll interact with most regularly can assist you in determining whether the job offers sufficient variety and teamwork to keep you interested.

People on a job after moving cross-country
Make sure to know how your days will usually go by once you get a new position

#6 Can You Speak With Your Future Colleagues Before the Move?

You may determine whether you would get along with your teammates and learn more about what it would be like to work for the corporation by speaking with a team member. After all, you must confirm all the information you got from the employer (or manager), such as whether all they’ve told you is true. You might enquire about everyday duties, interactions with superiors, occasions, and company culture while talking with a current employee.

Once you’ve made initial contact with your new colleagues, be sure to stay connected with them throughout your onboarding process. This will not only help you get to know your new workplace but will also set up a strong foundation for collaboration going forward – and may even help you make friends early on!

People working together after cross-country moving
Make sure you'll have someone who will go through the basics with you and help you adjust after the move

#7 Will There Be Opportunities to Advance Once You Move?

Before getting cross-country moving services, one of the most important things to consider when relocating to a new state for a job is whether or not there are opportunities to advance within the company.

When you know what advancement opportunities exist at a particular company, it’s easier for you to set career goals and plan out how you want to progress within the organization. Having an understanding of how far along the ladder of success one could go gives employees something tangible to strive towards, which is essential when it comes to employee motivation and satisfaction.

Knowing that there are opportunities for growth within a company can be highly motivating and give you the incentive to work hard and develop your skills further. Without this knowledge, you may feel stagnant in your work and lose interest in what you do. Therefore, when considering any job offer, find out if there are chances for promotion or other opportunities to advance your career. Ask your employer questions such as:

  • What kind of training programs do they have?
  • Are there any special projects or activities that I could get involved with?
  • What kind of recognition or rewards are given out?

Knowing these kinds of things can help shape your decision when deciding whether or not to accept a job offer and change your whole life by moving cross-country.

Once You’re Certain About the Decision, You Next Step Should Be Hiring Cross-Country Movers

Planning a move is no easy task, especially when it comes to long-distance moving, but it can become much easier if you decide to hire professional movers who are reliable. With so many things to think about and organize after accepting a job, the last thing you need to worry about is whether or not your household inventory is going to arrive at your new home safe and sound.

Hiring experts will give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on other important aspects of your big move. Therefore, if you wish to move efficiently and secure a completely stress-free relocation experience, all you have to do is research the companies nearby – and choose the best one.

Milly Andrews

Born and raised in Portland, Milly has had a lot of experience moving and writing about the relocation process.

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