You’ve made the big decision to relocate to another city. This significant life change is usually accompanied by considerable stress and anxiety as you pack up your family’s life and start over in a new place. Everything from schools, doctors, houses, utilities, insurance and banking will need to be changed. It’s an intimidating to-do list for anyone. Using a relocation agency can take the worry and hassle away.
If you choose the right agency, a low-stress and almost seamless transition to your new city is an achievable goal. Here are a few things that you should ask them before you hand over the reins.
What do they handle?
The agency can handle everything related to your move. Generally, a relocation agency will assist with things like helping you find a new home, scouting local schools or daycare for kids, providing information on local shops and medical facilities, establishing banking and insurance, and helping you navigate the new city.
They will arrange removalists and have utilities in your old home discontinued and the ones in your new home connected, and may assist with selling your old home, too. Some services offer more or less. You need to ask precisely what is included and be very specific about your needs to ensure they are met.
What are the costs?
All those services they perform will cost you. The more you need the relocation agency to do, the more it will cost. Be transparent about what you get for the price and ensure all costs are negotiated and finalized before the move.
Ask if the support provided post-move comes at an additional charge. Be sure how the pricing structure works, too! Is it a flat price package deal, by the hour, or per phone call?
How much after-move support can I expect?
You will probably need additional support in the first few weeks following the move. And you certainly don’t want to be relocated and then left high and dry in a new place. Find out what services are offered post-move.
Some companies provide networking opportunities by hosting small events for clients who have recently moved into the same area. This may be a valuable service if you don’t know anyone in the new city. Also, find out how your relocation acency of choice would rectify things that don’t go to plan or do not meet your expectations once you’ve seen them/relocated.
References
You will share much of your life with this agency and your consultant. They will touch almost every aspect with their service. So, you must ensure they are the right company and agent for you. Ask for references, how many moves they have handled, and what certifications and training they have.
Think of anything you can ask that gives you the confidence that the relocation agency and consultant know what they are doing. This will help you feel better about having someone else in control of something so significant.
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