Since 2010, the Tampa Bay area has seen a job creation boom from companies such as Johnson & Johnson and JPMorgan Chase. This explosion of jobs isn’t just good news for the companies but also for the local economy. With new jobs, the state sees an increase in tax revenues and the real estate market experiences a boon of Buyers and Renters. Many of those Buyers and Renters are employees relocating to the area. Relocating for a job can be an unnerving and stressful experience but it can also be one full of excitement and opportunity. We have a list of must do’s when you relocate to help make your transition an easy one.

Research

If you’re relocating as part of your job find out if your employer is offering any assistance. Some firms will help their employees with selling their property at the original location and find and help fund housing in the new location. If you have the opportunity, take a few days to visit your new location to explore different neighborhoods, visit schools, and get a read on traffic patterns. You’ll also want to decide on how you’ll move yourself; will you hire professionals or do it yourself? Either way, you need to make the appropriate reservations as soon as you make your decision.

Prepare

Whether you’re moving yourself or hiring professionals to do all the lifting, you need to prepare your current home for a move. If you’re selling or renting to tenants, you’ll need to contact a Realtor to list the house for sale or lease. If you’re a tenant, you’ll need to give your landlord the proper notice. It’s best to go through your belongings before you ever pack a box and decide what you want to keep and want you don’t. It’s good to employ the “keep, donate, toss” method of sorting through your belongings. If you’ll be moving into a new home immediately upon your arrival in your new location, you’ll need to make sure you have a fully signed lease or have completed closing prior to arriving.

(Photo courtesy of Guy Kilroy via Flickr.)

Tie Up Loose Ends

Your footprint extends past the walls of your home. When you move, you’ll need to close out any open accounts and memberships that can’t be transferred to your new location. You’ll also need to let your doctors and dentist know you’re moving and ask for copies of your records. You may want to ask if they have any recommendations for doctors in your new area. If you have children, you’ll need to arrange for their withdrawal from their current school and enrollment at their need school. It’s also good to hand carry a copy of their school records as well.

Stay Organized

There’s a lot of paperwork involved in a move. Keep all of the important paperwork together will make it easy to locate whatever you need at a moment’s notice. A binder with plastic sleeves and tabs is a good way to manage the task. If you’re using professional movers you’ll need to sign an inventory at pack-out and drop-off. Make sure you can read everything that’s on the inventory and the number of boxes listed matches what’s been written down. Some moving expenses may be tax deductible as well so keep all of your toll and gas receipts and keep track of your mileage.

Network

Being in a new place can be very lonely but it doesn’t need to be. Social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn has allowed us to stay connected with friends from all stages of our lives. Reach out to those that may be near by and connect. Use your hobbies and favorite activities as another jumping off point for meeting new people. Join a gym or take a class that interests you. Chances are the reason you moved for your job is because you enjoy it so don’t be afraid to socialize with your coworkers.

No move is ever without some hiccups along the way. Keep your cool and embrace the experience you’re undertaking with a relocation. Read more about relocating Tampa Bay.