Written by: Madeline Blake
Date:

You just landed a new job, and it is better than the one you used to have. Naturally, you are happy about it. More money, a new environment, and opportunities – what’s not to like? But, what happens if the job of your dreams is out of your town? And you have to relocate for it? Corporate relocations are common practice. And you shouldn’t worry about them. But, you should definitely consider negotiating a relocation package before you start looking for a moving company. Verified Movers can help you find the right moving company, and also give you advice on how to negotiate a relocation package.

Why do you need to negotiate a relocation package?

Moving isn’t simple. However, if you are moving for a job – things tend to get even more complicated. You are not only changing your environment and switching houses. Your whole life is about to change. In that case, you should know how to start negotiating a corporate relocation package. This big of a change brings a large amount of anxiety into your everyday life. And as time passes by, things tend to get harder and harder.

A man looking at laptop before negotiating a relocation package
Negotiating a relocation package is a must when you are being transferred from your job

This is not the case only when you are about to move for work. If you are moving for other reasons too, you can get a relocation package that will make the whole process easier. You shouldn’t lose sleep over it, especially when you can read our guide to negotiating a relocation package, and learn more about your options. Make things easier on yourself and enjoy your new beginning. We want that for you. Because you deserve it!

How do you know if you are eligible for a relocation package?

If you got transferred to another position in your company and have to relocate for the job, that means right away that you are eligible for a relocation package. You have your rights, and when the time comes you should use them to your advantage! Don’t hesitate to use all the perks you can get. Changing a job and moving are complex processes even when you don’t have to do them at the same time. Moving for a job, having to get used to the new working environment while navigating all the moving-related tasks is not easy. Even when you have a great moving checklist that will make your moving preparations much easier, you should opt for a relocation package, because that way you will have a completely stress-free transition.

What exactly is a relocation package?

One of the crucial roles that a relocation package has is financial help during the relocation for a job. It should cover all the transportation costs, for starters, but all the other moving-related expenses should also be included. Additionally, depending on the type of relocation package you can choose, it can include other kinds of assistance, such as helping you find a permanent or temporary place for living (and covering a part of or full costs), and making all the other arrangments that otherwise you would have to do yourself.

People in an office shaking hands
There are many ways for your employers to help you when you are relocating for work

The types of relocation packages

There are different types of packages, and some of them are based on the items they cover, such as help in finding housing, transportation, etc. The other division is based completely on the financial aspect, and depending on the type, you get different sums of money to navigate your expenses. In this case, as a part of the relocation package, you can get:

Reimbursement

In this case, the company is not responsible for the costs, and they don’t organize a relocation, either. Before the process of transfer starts, they give notice to their employees about the sum they can and are ready to reimburse. As an employee, your task is to keep all the receipts and show them to your employer after the whole process is over. If you surpassed the sum you initially agreed upon, don’t expect your employer to pay more. The good news is that if you are moving to one of the most affordable states in the US, that sum of money will probably be enough, especially if you find an affordable moving company as well. So, in the majority of cases, negotiating a relocation package of this kind is a good deal.

Dollar bills on a table next to an open laptop and a calculator
There are different types of relocation packages when it comes to the financial aspect

On the other hand, in the case when you have a limited budget for your relocation and you should find movers on your own, you need to be extra careful while doing so. You need to learn how to avoid being scammed, since there are many fraudulent companies on the market. You don’t want to end up in a situation where you will be left without money and the possibility to relocate.

What are your options when it comes to moving services you can use

There are many moving companies on the market. And they all offer different services. But, there are some things you can expect to get out of your relocation package.

  • Packing/unpacking services – they will take the stress out of the equation. Packing takes a lot of time and energy, and hiring professionals to take care of it is really the best thing you can do.
  • Storage solutions – if you aren’t planning on moving your whole household with you a storage solution can come in handy.
  • Long distance or cross country relocation – it doesn’t matter if you are moving cross country to Iowa or some other state, you will need some help. And a professional moving company hired by your employer should be able to help you make a long distance move stress and hassle-free.

Lump-sum

This case is similar to the previous one since you won’t get extra money if the cost of relocation ends up being higher than expected. However, you do get money in advance, so you can organize everything accordingly. Another advantage of this type of relocation package is the fact that you can really negotiate the price, so it is important to get in touch with a few moving companies beforehand, get free estimates, and research all the potential expenses. There can be some unplanned moving expenses to look out for, so don’t negotiate the sum with your employer before you double-check all the fees.

Third-party relocation package

This is one of the packages that are probably the most convenient for the employees. Namely, if you negotiate this kind of relocation package, there won’t be much left for you to do when it comes to the very process of organizing relocation. Namely, the company finds a third party that will be completely in charge of your move, and they get paid by your company. All the logistics tasks will be up to the third party and you will have a completely stress-free transition to the new job.

Two people shaking hands after negotiating a relocation package
Ask your employer for everything that will make your transition easier

Direct management

Direct management is also one of the relocation packages that can be a great fit for employees who are moving. In most cases, the companies already know how to navigate all the parts, where to look for movers, what are the expenses going to be, etc. The reason is the fact that this approach is usually used by companies who navigate their employees’ relocations often. It is a combination of the lump-sum and reimbursement type. The companies are organizing everything and they are paying a certain sum they have previously determined.

What can relocation packages include, in addition to different types of financial help?

Before you start negotiating a relocation package – you must learn what it covers. You have seen that there are different types of packages when it comes to the financial aspect, but they can also cover different parts of the relocation process. Not every relocation package is the same, but most of them are pretty similar. Here is what you can expect out of them:

Your company can help you find housing

Let’s start with housing. It is an important factor in this whole process. You need a place to live in. Right? Well, your company or its representative can help you find a place to call home. Sometimes people decide to sell their house and buy a new one before they move. No worries – you can negotiate with your company’s representative for some if not all costs to be covered by the company you are employed at. And in most cases – these costs (closing costs, real estate agent’s fees, etc.) are already included in a relocation package. Also, you can ask for temporary housing. That is – until you or your company find a house or apartment to live in after you move.

A room wit a desk, white rug and bookshelves
Relocation packages may include help in finding housing

Job search help

This one may be surprising, but it is not for you. It is for your spouse since you already have a job. However, your partner might need a new one. That is precisely something you should consider negotiating. This is especially the case if you are making a long distance move. It is already hard enough. Finding a new job in a city you aren’t familiar with can be even harder. So, make sure you consider other people’s needs as well as yours. 

Transportation

Negotiating a relocation package means you can make this deal better for yourself. And your family (if you are not relocating all by yourself). How? Well, if you negotiate wisely – you might get the costs of your transportation covered as well. Nice, right? You, as an employee, have many rights. So – make sure you use them. Especially if you are getting transferred, because it means your company values your work, and you as an employee. It means you give a lot, and you should use it to your advantage and get something you need in return.

Moving

Let’s just say that this is one of the most complicated parts of this whole process. You won’t have to buy a house, or find a job for your partner. But, you will most definitely have to move. Relocation package or not. And it is not simple. Or easy. Moving is hard and time-consuming, and once you start doing it, you realize it takes more time than you think. Negotiating a relocation package means one thing – you will have to negotiate your whole relocation. Make sure you get the most out of it.

A man using a tape to seal a box
Many companies offer packing services that can be included in your relocation package

If your company offers to rent a truck for you – ask for more. Best case scenario – you get white glove moving services out of it. Worst case scenario – you get a truck and fuel covered. So, give it your best. That is – if you want to get the most out of this negotiation. It doesn’t matter if you are moving long distance to Tennessee or Alaska, or any other state for that matter – it is always complex to organize such a relocation. Make sure you get all the help you can. It will come in handy.

Negotiating a relocation package can take some of your time

Negotiating a relocation package can take some time. However, it is definitely worth it. Now you know how to do it, what are the types of relocation packages and what are the advantages you might have. Also, organizing the process on your own would take more time in any case. So, don’t hesitate to ask for the best option for yourself and make this complex process much simpler and stress-free.