You’ve been offered a new job, but it means you’ll have to leave your current home. We understand, moving for work can be equally exciting and overwhelming. Here are eight steps to help you make moving as easy as possible.

Stay Organized

Much stress that surrounds relocation comes from arranging all of the changing logistics, like leaving your current residence, and finding a new one that suits your family’s needs. We suggest you keep multiple to-do lists for both your departure and arrival locations so that you can stay on top of it all.

Check out our blog HOW TO PACK FOR A CORPORATE RELOCATION IN 7 STEPS to make moving as simple as possible.

Learn What’s Available

Make sure you take the time to learn what’s available to you in term of relocation services and how to effectively use it. For example, some companies pay for benefits like additional trips to the new location to look for housing, transportation of your goods, and assistance in selling or buying your home. Your company might also be able to help your spouse find a job or locate the best schools in the area for your children.

Ask for What Your Company Doesn’t Offer

In this case, the old saying “if you don’t ask, the answer will always be ‘no'” definitely rings true. If your employer doesn’t typically offer relocation assistance, try asking for it. Begin by researching any costs associated with moving so that you can present your employer with a detailed estimate of how much your relocation is expected to cost you. Supplying supportive information is crucial to the success of your request. Then, ask if your company has any preferred providers when it comes to relocation companies and/or real estate agents. Reimbursement for your relocation may be conditional on you using your employer’s designated professionals.

Get to Know Your New Environment

If you have the luxury of taking some time to explore your new area before arriving, do so. You’ll be able to identify where you feel most comfortable and where you’d like to look for housing.

If you can’t visit the new city before you move, make sure you take some time to talk to people that currently live there or used to live there and gain as much “insider knowledge” as possible. Try reading the city’s local news and/or any blogs that understand the city’s vibe and current events.

Calculate the Cost of Living

There are significant differences in cost of living between different US cities and states. For example, for one person, the average cost of living in San Francisco is $3,500/month compared to $1,700/month in Columbus, Ohio. Do your research and make sure your pay reflects any increase in your cost of living.

Don’t make any long-term commitments.

Rent first, buy later. Even if you see yourself staying in this new city long-term, it’s smart to start by renting. A simple mistake that employees make when relocating for a job is that they buy a home and/or commit to a long-term lease. Unfortunately, you may find out later that you don’t like the neighborhood or the job.

Find Out If Any Of Your Moving Expenses Are Tax-Deductible

Even if your new employer doesn’t offer any financial assistance for your relocation, you may be qualified for partial reimbursement come tax time, which can definitely ease some of your financial stress,

Build A Social Support Network

Use your friends, social media and chat rooms to network and make new friends before you move. Online services, like MeetUp, can help you find others in the area that have similar interests or hobbies. Ask your new company if they offer any clubs and interest groups. The quicker you build a support network, the more at home you will feel and the happier you will be with your decision to relocate.