Relocation or Bust

Taking a step past the landing your next job phase I'd like to take a step forward and take a look at what should happen during the relocation phase. If you happen to be a transplant or soon to be transplant this is for you...

Perhaps you have worked with a relocation company such as SIRVA or maybe not but there are some things that you need to think about. I hope for your sake that you aren't stuck with SIRVA.

So you got the job. Congratulations!!! The relo package is on the way and your adventure is about to begin. the adventure begins with the receipt of your package that has no doubt been fully explained to you over the phone by either an HR rep or someone from a relo company. Ask them to explain your benefits through email when they are going through them with you. This is the time to negotiate you relo benefits. Documentation is your friend.

Upon receipt of you relo package read through the document and even ask the relo rep to run through it with you. It is a great idea to have your email with the original description with you while you are going through this. Many times company's HR department won't know what is being offered through their relo company. Compare and let your HR know when something is wrong. They are there to supposedly help so make them earn their pay check. When a difference occurs as it most certainly will point it out. They made an offer in their email and should be held to it.

Lets jump forward to after the move. By this point you have had a mover treat you poorly, relo or HR rep forget to call you back and treat you as if they are doing you a favor by doing their job(did someone mention SIRVA?), something will break and something will be missing. But the fun is just beginning.

Make sure that you clearly fill out any reimbursement forms. Most of the time the forms have areas for notes. If your receipts are higher than an allowable amount then you need to explain that as clearly as possible. I'm sure that sounds a little basic it is important to not hold any one to high standards in a situation such as this. Even after you have stated clearly on your forms what your expenses were and what you expected to be reimbursed for a mistake on the relo or HR reps part could happen. They also might ask you to repay them weeks after you thought you were done working with a company like SIRVA. Are you ever really done though?

Its not over until the phone stops ringing, the email stops coming and you can enjoy knowing that the relo people are locked away in their little cages annoying someone else.

Remember you are the customer.

Here is a short check list:

• HR or relocation rep explain relo benefits on phone.
• Negotiate (Yes, this is negotiable most of the time)
• HR or relocation rep emails you relo benefits that match what you were told on the phone.
• Receive print copy of relo benefits and check to make sure that they match your email.
• Arrange moving through company.
• Fill out reimbursement forms with notes.
• Receive your reimbursement and wave bye to the relo company.
• Hope that you are done with them.