Relocating is a common part of working life for a lot of people, whether it is in pursuit of a dream job or moving to take the first step in a career. Regardless of how often you do it, it very rarely gets any easier.

However, the more prepared you are, the less stressful the situation can be and you can ensure you have a smooth transition into your new role. You can start to see it as the next step in your journey, and one which offers the chance to grow both professionally and as a person.

Get your finances in order

A lot of the stress around relocating can originate from money, after all it is incredibly expensive to move and it can drain you mentally if you leave it hanging over you, which is no great way to start a new job.

One of the most important things to do before you get ready to move is to get your finances in order, makes sure you have budgeted for a deposit on your living space or admin costs associated with rent, and do not forget to cater for any other expenses, such as furniture.

Pre-planning can save you from a lot of headaches and make sure you avoid any unnecessary surprises.

Start building relationships

The earlier you can start building contacts and relationships in your new location, the quicker you will find yourself settling in. Get in touch with whoever you are liaising with at your new company and see if they can help – you never know, another member of staff may have just made a similar move.

One of the most significant benefits of using social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter is that you can connect with people you never would have been able to before. Use it to your advantage and start building relationships, invite them for a coffee and see if they can help you.

Finding a new home

The hardest part about your relocation may be finding yourself a new home, especially if you are not that familiar with the area or it is particularly far away. However, it is important to get it right as this is the place you are going to be spending most of your time.

If you know people in the area, start making calls and see if they can provide you with information, or even a place for a couple of nights whilst you visit a few places. Visit the area in advance of the move too, as you can start to get to grips with the region and work out where suits you best.

Renting is the most likely option when moving to a new location, but it pays to do your research. While some locations might be cheaper, there is probably a reason why that is the case and you won’t want that to affect your work life

If you are a graduate looking to kick-start your career, have a chat with Discovery Graduates and see how they can help get you started