My Career Magazine - Moving for that New Job

Moving for that New Job

By Sara Parent

When that perfect job isn’t where you already live, it can often mean a decision to relocate.
There are many things to prepare for, depending on your specific situation. As a starting point, here are some tips to keep in mind when you’re planning your big move. You’ll have enough on your mind with starting a new job and meeting new people that these hints can help you focus on what’s really important – getting to your new home and starting your new career!

In the months preceding your move

Buy new clothes for your new job. If you’re lucky enough to have had a tour of the new company you’ll be working at, try to remember how your future coworkers dressed. This will give you an idea of what to buy. Remember to stay on budget to reduce stress on your finances.
Research choices of utilities you’ll need at your new place. (Power, phone, Internet, cell phone, cable etc.) What do you realistically need to get set up comfortably?
Get the lay of the land. Find out how public transit works – is it more cost effective, faster, or less stressful than driving? If you will be driving, figure out the fastest routes to get to your job. An added bonus to thinking about this early in your planning is that it will help you choose a convenient location to live in. Which leads us to…
Choose your accommodations. Remember, when choosing a neighbourhood, consider what’s important to you. If you’re concerned about crime, the local police services website will list crime stats for different neighbourhoods. Is it important for you to have access to bike storage, or be near walking trails? Figure out what you need (remembering your budget) and you’ll avoid the stress of having to move again so soon. As most students and recent grads usually rent, you may need to adjust these tips to your situation if you’re planning on buying a home.

Book your moving truck or moving company. Prices can vary widely based on availability, so start checking early on. Ask friends, colleagues or even your landlord for references and suggestions if you’re hiring a moving company.
In the weeks preceding your move
Confirm with your new landlord which utilities you need to have hooked up.

Arrange installation of these utilities and other services you need. Schedule these far in advance to ensure they are setup for your moving date. Depending on the time of year you move, utility companies can be very busy or be operating with less staff. If you’re booked in, you’ll have one less thing to worry about.
Get a letter from your current utility company that your account is in good standing and that you pay your bills on time. This will help you because often, when you sign up with a new utility company, they charge a deposit. This letter, sometimes called a credit release, will help your new utility company determine if a deposit is really necessary. This can definitely help your cash flow during your move.

Have your mail forwarded to your new address. Canada Post can arrange this easily. Just fill out the form at a postal outlet or do it online at www.canadapost.ca. It’s not very expensive and it’s a valuable service.
Make arrangements to book the service elevator at your old residence and at the new one, if you require it. Also figure out how you will be obtaining keys from your new landlord to make moving-in as smooth as possible.
Schedule the cancellation of the utilities and services at your old location. This saves you from receiving unnecessary bills and can also save you additional costs as many companies require 30 days to cancel.
Figure out what furniture you’ll need. What is the minimum you’ll require at your new place to get you started? Now you know what to buy first and what you can bring from your current home. If you need a lot of new furniture, buy it as soon as you move, as you may still have your moving truck to help you bring that furniture back.
Make sure you have enough people to help you. Remember that some may back out at the last minute and you don’t want to be stuck doing it all yourself. Have a few people ‘on notice’. Ask friends and family.
Prepare your first day box. A box with your cheques, a change of clothes, toiletries, medications and any other items you may need that you don’t want to be looking for in boxes. Pack this one in the truck last. Trust me, I know from experience!
Find out when you start your new job, what time you’re expected to be there, the location, and who you should meet when you get there. You’ll look professional and organized if you know where to be.
Make sure your employer has a dependable phone number where you can be reached in case there are changes to your new work schedule that come up at moving time.
Moving Day

Buy food for helpers. Friends and family don’t expect money for helping you, but takeout or a pizza and some cold refreshments are appreciated.
Create lists of everything that needs to be done. The more you write down, the less you’ll forget. The less you’ll forget, the more relaxed you’ll be.
Get to where you’re going earlier than you need to so you can arrange parking of your moving truck or be able to deal with other situations that might present themselves.

If using movers, cold drinks and snacks go a long way. Remember to have cash on hand for their tip if you’re planning on tipping for their service.

Don’t panic. Your place will be a mess for the first while, but as you get settled, you’ll have plenty of time to get it all sorted out.
You are doing this for your career. The few days of stress you might experience during your move (or adventure!) should be well-worth the exciting career you are embarking on. Keep a positive attitude and focus on your long-term goals.

Good luck!

Sara Parent is the Manager, Customer Care at Canadajobs.com , a website with
job postings, tips and articles for job seekers across Canada