Timing for a Job Relocation

When a new job means relocating

Accepting a promotion or a new position is grounds for celebration, but it can also mean moving to a different city. And if the thought of planning a move ahead of starting work makes you nervous, you’re not alone.

Fortunately, with a proper relocation timeline and a moving service like U-Pack®, you can have a stress-free move and focus on the excitement of a new job.

How long does it take to move for a job?

The timeframe for relocating for work depends on several factors, including the employment start date, the moving service and the distance. 

It’s important to allow time to give notice at a current company, contact a landlord or sell a home. Adjusting to a different city can also take a while, and you might want to settle in before starting at a new company. 

Ideally, it’s best to have at least 6-8 weeks from planning the move until beginning the new job, but sometimes things might need to happen faster. Here are the things to consider when planning your job relocation:

Employment start date

You might have a specific start date, or some businesses are flexible to allow more time to relocate or give notice to a current employer. Make sure you’re clear on the company's hiring policies before accepting an offer.

Housing availability

If you need more time to find a permanent residence, consider temporary housing options or ask your employer about short-term corporate housing.

Lease end dates

If you’re renting, check your agreement end date to see if you can plan your move to avoid lease-break fees. Some larger rental agencies manage properties in multiple states and might allow lease transfers. 

Note: If you must break a lease, include the fees in your moving budget.

School and childcare needs

When moving with kids, the timing might depend on school breaks or finding new childcare. Research the new area to see what makes sense for schools or daycare.

Transit and travel times

Your moving service will give you an estimate of how long it will take to transport your belongings. For example, U-Pack transit times average only 4-6 business days. You’ll also want to allow time for you to travel to the destination. Many people prefer to allow 5-7 days to adjust to a new state before starting a job.

Example job relocation timeframe

Despite sharing some common aspects, every move is different. However, a general timeframe can help when planning to relocate for work.

Our example uses a target of 6 to 8 weeks before the employment start date, but you can shorten or lengthen the outline to fit your needs.

*Timing may depend on industry/rental agreement requirements.

Check out U-Pack’s comprehensive moving checklist for more details.

FAQs about moving for employment

Here are some common questions about moving for work:

How much time will an employer give me to relocate for a job?

Each company will have its own policies, so it’s best to check with the employer. Here are some general guidelines for the least amount of time companies typically allow before starting work.

• Out-of-state positions: 4-6 weeks
• Cross-country offers: 6-8 weeks 
• Employment outside the continental U.S.: 8-12 weeks

I need to move quickly for a job. Can U-Pack help?

At U-Pack, we understand the need for last-minute moves. Call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 as soon as you know you’re moving to speak to a moving consultant. We’ll do our best to help. 

What questions should I ask my potential employer before agreeing to relocate? 

There are many factors to consider before moving for a job. Think about the following questions before accepting an offer:

• Is remote work or training allowed? Completing training online or temporarily working remotely could buy you more time to plan.
• Does the company offer a relocation package with compensation or help with moving expenses?
• Is the start date flexible? This is helpful if you need to tie up loose ends in your current city.

Should I move to find work? 

Moving to find employment can be a leap of faith that can pay off — if you do your research. Look for cities that have shown growth in your field of expertise. Consider the industry’s hiring cycle, which could be based on school calendars or fiscal years. 

Before deciding where to live, weigh the pros and cons of each place, including things like community activities, living costs, housing options and schools.

U-Pack can help with your move for work

Ready to make a living in another state? U-Pack can help with long-distance relocation for employment in all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. We’re a DIY service where you handle the moving labor, and we take care of all the driving. Our transit time averages only 4-6 business days, so you’ll get your things quickly.

Request a free quote online or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant. Let us know in the comments if you have questions about relocating for a job or how U-Pack works.