Date Posted: 14th August 2013

You sailed through the interview with flying colours, secured the job and are already dreaming of your life in pastures new. But landing an exciting new role overseas – or elsewhere in the UK – is just the first step of many in the relocation process.

Without careful preparation and research, the upheaval that comes with relocation can ultimately seem overwhelming. However, if handled correctly, any experienced difficulties are usually far outweighed by the improved quality of life and professional advancement associated with the big move.

At Pafena we have years of experience in helping company employees find and settle into new homes and are fully aware of the numerous considerations that are all too often overlooked until after the move.

Here are some important things to consider before you relocate:

Getting your bearings

Do you have knowledge of your new work location and surrounding area? Where would be the most suitable place for you to live?

Do your sums

How much are you prepared to pay to rent or purchase your property and is this a realistic figure for the area you’d like to live in?

Rooms with a view

Whether you’re renting or buying, viewing your potential new home before you move is obviously recommended. But where will you stay while you do this? Have you contacted estate / letting agents to make appointments? Do you need to arrange transport between viewings? Do you have enough time outside your current work schedule to arrange all of this?

What about your other half?

If you’re single, then clearly only your opinion matters when making property decisions. But if your wife, husband or partner is at home while you carry out the viewings, are you prepared to decide on a property without their consent?

Getting the best deal

Dare you try to negotiate the asking price of your chosen property down and risk being outbid? Or perhaps you can negotiate other extras to sweeten the deal – such as appliances like dishwashers being thrown in, or having the property professionally cleaned before you move in.

Reading between the lines

Once committed to a property, it is vital that you fully understand the contract you’ve signed and what your responsibilities towards the property are, especially if you’re renting.

Moving in

If you’re keen to bring your own furniture, which removals or shipping company should

you use? Will they pack and unpack your furniture and possessions or will you do it yourself? How long will it all take? Will it all coordinate with the job start date, the possession of the property date and the children starting at school? These are all important questions that need to be answered.

The school run

One of the most important decisions for parents on the move is where their children will go to school. Find out which the best schools in the local area and whether they have spaces to accommodate your children. Can they go to a state controlled school?  Will your new home be within their catchment area? Will your company pay towards private schooling?

Check before you sign

Once the move in date arrives, if you’re renting a property the agent will usually hand you an inventory to sign. This is an important document which is linked to your deposit. Make sure you’ve checked everything on there is in the property before you sign it. The deposit is held to cover any damages, losses, or defects which may occur while you are responsible for the property, so make sure nothing is missing or damaged when you first move in.

Other things to think about

Some other often-overlooked aspects of relocation include:

– Utilities – who is your supplier and what do you need to get hooked up?

– TV, internet and telecoms – how do you ensure you are connected up smoothly and quickly and with the best deal available?

– Important locations – where is the nearest medical centre, hospital, dentist and bank and how do you register

– Getting around – what public transport is available and how frequently does it operate?

– Learning the language – are there language schools nearby?

But, there is an easier way…

As you can see there are numerous things to think about when relocating – and that doesn’t even take work visas, taxation and national insurance into account, or getting to grips with your new role.

However, there is one easy solution: Call Pafena and we can co-ordinate everything for you, providing complete continuity with client and family support throughout.