In 2011, 73% of companies offered relocation incentives for employees. This increased to 79% of companies in 2018. Based on this, it’s safe to assume more than half of companies believe in making job relocations less stressful for employees. Data also shows that most companies make relocation incentives a part of internal policies. However, few people are aware that they can negotiate for these things. Below are some tips you may find useful.
- Whole-house packing, unpacking, and transport services
If the employing company offers relocation assistance, the contract will specify which parts of it they will cover, whether whole house packing, unpacking, transport, all three, two out of three, etc. However, you can negotiate what would suit your peculiar situation. For instance, if the relocation package specifies that transport is paid for, you can ask for a whole-house pack, in addition to the transport already provided.
This means the movers can have their team help you out with packing to relocate. Sometimes, the service may also include unpacking, but of course, at an extra fee. In some situations, the movers may include whole-house packing as a free service. It is for you to find out and make it known to the new employer. In an arrangement like that, all receipts related to the moving process are directly sent to the employer. This is quite different if the new employer offered a lump sum to take care of everything. That will be discussed in detail in point three.
- Prospects of temporary storage
Admittedly, it can take several weeks or even months to find suitable accommodation when you move for that job. However, you can eliminate the stress by negotiating for temporal storage space. For instance, if you’re moving across states, some relocation companies can offer temporary storage for your belongings until you find a house. This is something you can negotiate with your employer.
Another option will be to inquire about temporary As long as you make requests using laid-down procedures, there’s no harm in asking. Sometimes, it may feel like negotiating is a subtle demand from the employer. But you can learn crucial negotiating skills to ensure the best outcomes.
- Negotiate for a lump sum
Instead of the hiring company arranging for transport and packing on your behalf, negotiating for a lump sum may be better. Indeed, you will not know about this option unless you inquire. As a newly hired employee relocating for the job, there is nothing wrong with this. That is not to encourage quoting any sum that comes to mind. It will interest you to research moving companies and compare their current rates.
Apart from focusing on the fees alone, it would be beneficial to carefully assess their specific services. For instance, while some movers offer free unpacking services, others don’t. Knowing this from the onset helps in the decision-making process. You can inform your new employer when you finally decide on the moving company. Remember to include the invoice and any other relevant document for record-keeping purposes. After the move, it is important to present all necessary receipts to the employer. Keep copies for future purposes.
When you negotiate for a lump sum, you also have the option to organize a self-move. This involves hiring a truck and driving it across states if that’s your preference. Although this may seem stressful, there are some benefits. First, you get to control your hours without needing to beat deadlines movers may set. Secondly, you can solicit help from friends and family to handle the packing. The only downside is that you may have to unpack all by yourself when you arrive at the destination.
Milo Senalle
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