Relocating for work: a checklist

Ask about relocation support

Some employers offer relocation help, such as a payment, temporary housing or removal costs. Ask before you accept the offer. Get the details in writing.

Timeline

• 4 to 8 weeks before: start your home search, decide what to take, and get removal quotes.
• 2 to 4 weeks before: book the company, give notice and arrange utilities.
• The week before: confirm timings, pack essentials and update your address.

If your timing is tight

• Short-term rental or serviced accommodation can bridge the gap.
• Storage can hold furniture while you find a home.
• A man and van can move a smaller load quickly.

Moving a long way

Long distance moves cost more and take longer. Give companies your exact addresses and dates and ask about insurance for the full journey. Check our city guides for local advice.

Do not forget

• Update your bank, doctor, insurers and employer.
• Check school places, parking and commute times.
• Keep receipts. Some moving costs may be tax-deductible if your employer pays, so check with HMRC or an accountant.

Moving soon? Compare removal quotes for your date.

Related guides

• Moving house after buyingWhat happens between offer and keys, and when to book your removal company.
• The full cost of moving house in the UKEvery cost to budget for, from legal fees to the first night's takeaway.
• First-time buyer moving guideEverything to plan for your first move, in the right order.
• Moving out when selling your homeDeclutter, stage and plan your move without losing your mind.
• All guides

Before you accept

A job move is a financial and personal decision as well as a logistical one. Before you commit, work out what the move will really cost and what the employer will cover. Ask whether there is a relocation package, a lump sum or reimbursement of expenses, and ask for the details in writing. In the UK, some relocation payments are tax-free up to a limit and others are taxable, and the rules can change, so check the current position on GOV.UK or with an adviser.

• What does the employer pay for: removals, temporary housing, travel, agent or legal fees?
• Is any of it repayable if you leave within a set period?
• What is the cost of living, rent and travel in the new area?
• What is the commute, and is it realistic?
• What does your partner and your family need: jobs, schools and care?

Plan the timeline

1. Eight to twelve weeks before: decide on the area, and start searching for a home or a rental. Give notice at your current home if you rent.
2. Six to eight weeks before: compare removal quotes and book. If the move is long distance, see long distance removals.
3. Four weeks before: arrange temporary housing if there is a gap, and book storage if needed.
4. Two weeks before: update your address, redirect your post and arrange broadband.
5. Moving week: confirm everything with the company, and plan the first week at the new job.

Temporary housing and storage

When your start date and your housing do not line up, you may need a short-term let, a serviced apartment or a stay with friends, plus storage for your furniture. Ask the removal company to quote for storage and for delivery on a later date. See removals and storage.

For the family

• Apply for school places as early as possible, and check the admission deadlines in the new area.
• Register with a doctor and a dentist.
• Check childcare, and the new local services.
• Think about pets, and the journey.

See moving with pets and children, the moving house checklist and the change of address checklist.

Keep a record for tax

Keep receipts for what you spend and what the employer pays, so that you can check the tax treatment. Ask your employer or an accountant which expenses count. This is general information, not tax advice.

Common questions