A stress-free guide to relocating for an accountancy job

November 10th 2023 | Posted by phil scott

Many accountants end up moving for a new job to enhance their career. Whether you are moving to Canary Wharf, abroad, or just a few towns over, being organised is essential.

Moving for a new role is not the same as ‘just’ moving – you need to do it much more quickly.

Here’s our easy guide to making your job relocation process as quick and painless as possible.

1. Find out if you can be reimbursed for moving

It may seem too pushy to ask a new employer about being reimbursed for relocating – but, at the end of the day, you won’t know if you don’t ask. And realistically, what’s the worst that could happen? The HR department would say no, and that’s it.

Depending on the company’s budget, you may get a specific amount to cover your costs. There’s no harm in asking.

2. Start budgeting

Even if you don’t usually keep a budget, this is one situation where it’s very important. The costs of relocating will quickly mount up. You need a clear idea of where you will end up monetarily.

A budget enables you to decide what is affordable to and what will have to wait. Non-essential items like purely decorative items can wait.

Include EVERYTHING you can think of from boxes and removal company costs to the Internet and petrol.

Work out your shopping expenses for the first month and consider living for a while if it’s high. Don’t forget about all the little things like light bulbs and batteries.

3. Create lists

You may not enjoy making lists but there are too many things to consider here ignore this task.

It doesn’t just mean putting pen to paper – spreadsheets can be a really handy way of keeping track everything.

Keep track of all your outgoings and providers you will no longer be using so you don’t forget, such as gas, electricity, Internet etc.

You should also make a note of everything you’ll need in the first week everything from your toothbrush, all the clothes you’ll need for work. Pack everything you need right away.

3. Build your network

It can be isolating moving to a new area for a new accountancy role, especially if you are moving on your own.

So, what people will tell you who have successfully made the transition is to build your network as soon as you.

Know a friend of a friend who lives in the area who you haven’t spoken to for years. Great. Contact them – they may become your new best friend.

And, if you have any hobbies or interests, consider a meetup group online based around that.

Having a strong professional community is also a huge bonus even when you are happy in your current role.

In order to build a network in a new city, you need to make a habit of saying yes. Make an effort to be social at work.

Go out of your way to accept invitations because you’ll be glad you did later.

4. Get to know the area

To ensure nothing goes wrong in your first week, there are two you’ll need to do.

– Find the best route to work.
– Figure out where the essential shops are

This way you won’t be. You’ll also be able to stock up on essentials before your first day at the office.

5. Make all of your important appointments ASAP

Whether you need new furniture or second set of keys from your landlord, there are probably a lot of moving-related tasks that’ll require you to be away from your desk in the first few weeks of your new job.

If you can arrange them all at once, you can notify your manager of the ties you’ll be away immediately.

If that isn’t possible, foster a relationship where you can have an open dialogue with your new boss. That way, you can let him or her know that you’ll do your utmost to keep them informed but sometimes it might a shorter notice period than either of you would like.

The more notice you give, the less stressed you will feel.

6. Final advice for relocation for a new accountancy job

Lots of different tasks need to be completed once during a job relocation, which means you need to be as organised as possible throughout. The process.

Give yourself a couple of days to get used to the location before actually starting the job. Also, get further advice from others that have been in the same position.