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blog//Tips for a Hassle-free Relocation

By the Kendall & Davis Primary Care Team

The decision to relocate for a new position is a difficult one. Moving can offer a host of new opportunities, but can also pose many challenges. This is particularly true if you are moving cross-country or have a family. With over 30 years in the recruiting industry, Kendall & Davis consultants know the ins and outs of the relocation process. With these handy tips, you will be able to make your move as hassle-free and successful as possible.

When selecting your new home, there are several important factors. While it is difficult to assess the quality of a location you have never visited, there are many useful tools and tips to help. Here are some resources for assessing a few of your biggest relocation concerns.

Your Dedicated Recruiter

Your Kendall & Davis consultant is a great resource for information on all aspects of your new position, including the community. Your recruiter can provide details about the area and help you research options for your relocation.

Population, Housing, and Cost of Living

The population density, housing market, and overall cost of living are some of the easiest measures to judge for a particular location. Many online tools are available to assist you in determining if a city is agreeable to your lifestyle needs. Homefair.com* is a powerful relocation portal providing information and resources for moving, packing and storage, mortgage quotes, address changes, real estate, utilities, insurance, and more. You can also use Homefair’s salary calculator to determine the cost of living and how it will affect your current lifestyle.

Community and Local “Flavor”

Possibly the most difficult aspect to judge, the community style of a new location has a huge potential impact on your success – both personally and professionally. Knowing the types of communities that suit you is key when relocating. Do you enjoy a busy nightlife in a metropolitan area or do you prefer the quiet comfort of suburbia? Do you have clubs, professional organizations, or religious communities that you actively participate in? Do you prefer an ethnically diverse area where you can enjoy the food, music, and lifestyle of other cultures?

Yahoo! Real Estate Neighborhood Profiles* offers detailed city and neighborhood information. You can use this tool to judge many aspects of a city or neighborhood, including cost of living, real estate, weather, crime index, and quality of life. You can also use CitySearch.com* to explore the flavor of the city – nightlife, events, attractions, popular activities, and more.

Schools

Relocating a family is a difficult decision and there are steps you can take to ensure that the quality of education your children receive in their new home is top-notch. GreatSchools.net*, a nonprofit organization, is an objective source of information on elementary, middle, and high schools. GreatSchools.net provides information, reviews, and ratings for public, private, and charter schools in all 50 states, including detailed school profiles for several key states and high-demand areas.

You can explore reviews, ratings, and statistics for your child’s current school and compare them to the schools in the area. Your children may also want to continue in extra-curricular activities they are currently involved in such as sports, newspaper or yearbook committees, honors societies, and other after-school clubs. Take some time to discuss with your children what is most important to them to ensure that they are able to excel in their new surroundings.

The Relocation Process

After you have accepted a new position in a new city, the process of relocation can be a time-intensive and a costly one. Here are some tips to keep in mind when planning your move:

1. Transporting cars, furniture, and other belongings over long distances can be costly. You can visit websites such as Moving.com* to get quotes from multiple moving companies, packing tips, and cost-saving suggestions. Many moving companies will have printable coupons available on their websites.
2. Your new employer may offer employer-assisted relocation benefits. Programs such as these are very common and generally include reimbursement of moving expenses ranging anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000.
3. The timing of your move can affect the cost substantially. Employers are generally very flexible when working with doctors who must relocate for their new position. They understand your family concerns, contractual obligations, as well as any licensing and credentialing issues that need to be resolved. You may also want your children to finish the school year and move during the summer break. Naturally, summer is the most expensive time for a cross-country move and different timing can save you money.
4. You may be eligible to write off your relocation expenses on your taxes! To qualify, you must work full time at your new job for at least 39 weeks during your first year and your new job must be at least 50 miles further away from your current home than your current job. If you receive this tax break, you can deduct the cost of packing and transporting belongings, shipping cars and/or pets, and the cost of lodging during your move. For a full explanation of benefits and requirements, visit the IRS website*.

Starting a new position in a different city can be an exciting adventure; Kendall & Davis can help you find a job in a location that is right for you. Contact us today at 1-866-675-3755 to begin your job search process.

* Kendall & Davis is not directly affiliated with any of the websites discussed in this article and can not be held liable for any information received from these third-party sources.

September 17, 2007