How to Negotiate a Job Related Move

Some estimates indicate that more than 40 million Americans move each year, and surveys show that work-related reasons are the number one moving prompt. Negotiating a job-related move effectively can make a big difference in the cost of a move. Many employers offer relocation packages, but those packages can vary, depending on your negotiations.

Instructions

1. Research relocation packages and policies. It's important to know what is standard relocation packages in the industry in which you are working and the geographical area to which you will be moving. You can gather this information from your Realtor or from friends and colleagues who work in the same industry or area.

2. Ask about relocation expenses before accepting the new position. You shouldn't bring up this topic before the interview process begins, but it is certainly appropriate to discuss relocation packages during a second or third interview. And it's best to find out the details from the company's human resources department before accepting a final job offer.

3. Discuss specific expenses that you would like to have covered by your new employer. Those expenses can include packing and moving costs, travel costs related to finding a home in your new city, lodging costs and sometimes even real estate expenses such as agents' fees.

4. Understand the relocation plans that could be offered to you. Some companies will offer a to pay all expenses up to certain amount. Other employers will pay all costs provided that you use their moving service providers. A more common approach by smaller companies will be to offer a lump-sum amount to be used at your discretion.

5. Insist on getting the relocation package agreement in writing so there are no questions when the bills start arriving as to who is responsible for what.

Tips & Warnings

• You can always negotiate additional benefits such as assistance in helping your spouse find a job, payment for utility deposits, a move-in house-cleaning or extra time-off for the move.