Have you gotten a new job that requires you to move? Congratulations! If you’re buying a new home, you’ll be joining the record number of intending home buyers. As with most new life experiences, moving for a new job can be both exciting and somewhat inconvenient. Typically, it’s also quite expensive.
Between selling or breaking a lease on your current place, buying, or renting a new home, covering moving costs, and so on, a major relocation will demand a significant financial outlay.
You may not have to deal with this on your own, as you can negotiate a relocation package with your employer. Many companies offer these packages to help make transitions smoother and less costly.
For the best chances of success in getting buy-in from your new employer, however, you’ll need to approach this strategically. In this article, we’ll show you how. Let’s dive in!
Can You Ask Your Employer to Help with the Costs of Relocation?
You absolutely can ask your employer to help with the costs of relocation- before, during, and after the move. We strongly recommend it.
In fact, if you’re moving into a newly purchased or older home, you’ll likely need professionals such as a licensed electrician. They can inspect the wiring, upgrade outdated panels, and install fixtures that meet local building codes. These are essential, safety-critical services. Including them in your relocation negotiation can prevent costly surprises down the line.
Many companies expect candidates to negotiate, and as we’ve mentioned, most will offer some form of relocation support, even if they do not actively mention it.
These packages typically range from a basic stipend to a full-service experience covering everything from the costs of hiring movers to paying realtors’ fees.
You can get started by doing some research to find out what relocation support packages other comparative employers typically offer. Sites like Glassdoor or forums like Blind are often a great source of insider info.
You can also use a competitor checker to garner more intel on the benefits applicable to the industry and local market. Once you have this information, it’ll be time to negotiate using the steps we’ll share next.
How to Negotiate a Relocation Support Package
Every company may have a different approach to managing employee welfare, but the following tips apply to most contexts.
1. Understand What Real Estate Benefits You Can Ask For
Relocation packages vary widely by industry, company size, and location. Some common benefits tied directly to housing include:
- Home sale/purchase assistance
- Temporary housing or rental support
- Moving expense reimbursement
- Real estate agent referrals
- Storage costs
- Paid house-hunting trips
Typically, employers may offer a lump sum of cash that you can spend as you wish, reimburse you for services you pay for out of your pocket, or arrange and pay for the necessary services directly.
There are pros and cons to both approaches, so understanding your needs upfront will help you decide which to pursue.
2. Beyond Moving Costs, Push for Housing Help
Moving your things may be the costliest part of a relocation in dollar terms, but there are other housing-related costs you must consider.
If you’re buying a home, you could request help with things like closing costs, realtor fees, mortgage rate buydowns, or even short-term housing if you can’t close on a new place early enough.
If you’re renting, there will be other costs to consider, such as first and last month’s rent, lease break penalties if you’re leaving your current place early, and so on. If there are any housing costs associated with your relocation, be sure to bring them up and see what the company might be willing to help with.
3. Factor in Healthcare and Access to Services
Any investment in real estate, whether temporary or long-term, will require that you consider multiple factors. A major concern is the question of how livable your new location will be. That includes social amenities like healthcare access.
If you’re moving to a new city or country, this is especially true, and you should take the time to understand what your healthcare options will look like.
This is where services like online doctors come into play. They offer a lifeline while you’re in transition and still figuring out your local options. Asking your employer if virtual care or telehealth is covered under your new health benefits can make your move significantly less stressful.
4. Consider Cost of Living Differences and Their Impact
A pay raise might look great until you realize your new city is 30% more expensive. Before you say yes, run the numbers. Make sure your new salary supports not just the job, but the lifestyle that comes with the move.
If you’re relocating to a higher-cost area, like some parts of Texas, even a solid relocation package may not be enough. In that case, knowing about backup support like Texas debt relief can be part of your financial planning.
5. Special Considerations for Families or Individuals with Support Needs
Relocation gets more complex if you or a loved one have a disability or other specialized needs. Don’t overlook this during negotiations.
Essential questions to raise:
- Is your new home accessible?
- Are medical or community support services nearby?
- Will the company assist with home modifications or accessibility upgrades?
If you’re relocating to Australia, for instance, connecting with NDIS providers in Sydney is essential. These systems can be confusing at first, so support from your employer during onboarding can make a dramatic difference. A strong package should support your entire household, not just your job.
6. Be Strategic in the Way You Negotiate
When you finally enter negotiations, be sure to approach the conversation with clarity and confidence.
It’s always best to bring it up early. Ideally, you’d want to do this as soon as you’ve received an offer.
Be sure to offer tangible, verifiable numbers, and where possible, support these with quotes from prospective vendors. Speaking with a real estate agent familiar with the area prior to any negotiations will arm you with relevant information to strengthen your bargaining position.
The more you’ve prepared your costs and outlined your needs, the better you’ll be able to convey the urgency of your situation, which is key to securing meaningful support.
7. Get Everything in Writing
Your employers may be honorable, but once the details are agreed upon, it would be wise to make sure they appear in your official offer letter or employment contract.
Don’t rely on verbal agreements or vague statements promising support without specifying how much or in what precise manner the support will be delivered.
Being thorough in this way will help protect you in the event of HR staff or policies changing mid-transition.
Final Thought: Own the Move
Relocating for a job is a big leap that will cost you a lot in time, money, and convenience. It’s not too much to ask that your employer provides support with this, and most will be willing to offer their support. The more you prepare, however, the stronger your case will be, and the more likely you are to land a package that actually works for you.
