Moving Cross Country? Read This Before You Relocate
Relocating to a new state is a big deal. After all, you have a home, family, and friends where you already are. But growth only comes with change, and you’ve made the decision to go. You know that you have opportunities ahead, and Fine Properties of Sarasota is here to help you get through it.
Your First Task: Find A Place To Live
First things first, your relocation to Sarasota requires that you have a place to live. And regardless of whether you’re a self-employed professional or employed at a company, most likely you’ll be looking to buy a house. You can use common websites to narrow down your search by price, living space, location, and even the number of bathrooms. Ideally, however, you want to work with a dedicated real estate agent who is highly knowledgeable about the area. If you don’t live close enough to visit in person, ask your agent for listings with 3D tours. Don’t forget to scout out neighborhoods, the schools, and access to public transportation or highways to get you to and from work quickly and easily.
Next: Negotiate
Great. You’ve made your decision, and you’re ready to move. But, wait. Should you foot the entire bill on your own? The answer to that question is an emphatic no. Before you accept your job, negotiate a relocation package. According to global corporate housing agency AltoVita, many major corporations, including LinkedIn, BP, and Google, offer relocation packages. This is because they want to attract top talent, and your future employer may be more than happy to listen to your request.
Now: Budget
Even if you negotiate a great relocation compensation package, you will still be out of pocket for some expenses. If you buy a house, you have to come up with a down payment, closing costs, and potentially new furniture. One expense that many people overlook, particularly during a cross-country move, is the cost of a new wardrobe. This will be especially important if you’re moving from somewhere cold, like the Northeast or a Midwest state like Wisconsin or Minnesota. Failure to budget now will be hugely inconvenient, especially if you are moving from a more affordable location.
Before You Come: Network
Networking is a great way to help yourself settle in both personally and professionally. If you’re not sure where to begin, you can browse online meetups for the Sarasota area. At the very least, this will give you an idea of the beautiful diversity of the city, and it might even help you discover restaurants, gyms, yoga studios, and other hidden gems you’ll want to know. Similarly, don’t be shy about joining a parent’s group online before you pack your bags. These groups are great for helping you get a feel for the climate of your new city and having your questions answered about the quality of the schools, childcare, and restaurant scene. You can also get unbiased opinions on everything from pediatricians to grocery stores by asking your new friends.
Moving is a big endeavor, and moving because of a job can post challenges you hadn’t considered. But, as we mentioned earlier, growth requires change. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. While Sarasota will never be your hometown, you may find that you feel right at home when you arrive with less stress.