How to Negotiate Moving for a Job With Your New Employer

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So you’ve been through the arduous application process and nerve-racking interviews, and have finally landed your dream job. The only catch is, it’s in an entirely different city.

The move will of course mean a lot of hassle and expense, so you’ll want to negotiate with your new employer on how they can support you. Remember that they must really like you if they’ve chosen you above all their local candidates, so don’t be shy about asking for help. Here’s our top tips for negotiating your big move!

Find out what sort of assistance is normally offered

Do your research before getting into the negotiations. You may want to ask HR if they have a written relocation policy or ask friends from similar companies on their experiences with relocations. Typically, companies will be happy to cover the following expenses:

  • The cost of movers Auckland
  • Professional packing and unpacking services
  • Cost of driving or flying to the new location
  • Temporary accommodation
  • Storage fees
  • Job search assistance for your partner
  • Assistance with selling your house

Come up with mutually beneficial ideas

The best way to ensure your negotiation is successful is to make sure it meets the needs of both parties. Make sure to offer up some advantages to your new employer when you discuss your move. For example, focus on how you’ll be ready to hit the ground running if your employer assists you with settling in.

Think of your family and pets

If you’re not a yo pro and instead need to factor in the needs of your whole family (including any furry family members), make sure that this is all discussed during negotiations as well. How will your pets be transported? Will you need help finding the right school for your children? Again, employers will be happy to assist with these things if you can demonstrate how this will allow you to settle in better, have less to worry about and therefore bring immediate value to the workplace.

Research the cost of living

One thing many people may overlook when moving to a new city is whether the salary you’re being offered is in line with the cost of living for that area. $50,000 might go a long way in your hometown, but will it be enough in the big smoke? If it looks like the salary you’re being offered might not be enough, make sure to raise your concerns with your new employer.

Consider a recruiting trip

If time allows, ask to go on a recruiting trip before making the move. Your company will have to agree on paying for the flight, hotel and maybe even spending cash, letting you check out the neighbourhood and find rental options. The main benefit of this to pitch to your employer is that this will save you time and money when you arrive, letting you get started at your new role with minimal hassle.

Ask for a cash stipend

Moving cities or even countries is fraught with unexpected expenses, and this can quickly take a toll on you if you are not prepared. Many companies are happy to provide several thousand dollars to assist with any miscellaneous expenses – you can make the most of this money by planning meticulously for your move to limit any surprise expenses, leaving more of the money to put towards a new home, covering the cost of breaking your lease or anything else.

Get it in writing

When uprooting your entire life, you want to make sure that anything you’ve agreed upon is actually locked in and confirmed in writing. A signed letter will suffice, as long as it details the assistance that will be provided and at what time. You want to make sure that you don’t end up in sticky situations just because certain details were miscommunicated or misunderstood.


As the top movers in Auckland and beyond, World Moving can help you relocate for a job without breaking a sweat. Just contact us on 0800 4 WORLD (toll free) or +64 9 820 6060 (overseas) to speak to our Wellington movers, Christchurch movers, Auckland movers.

Written by Hania Syed of Digital Squad , award winning digital marketing agency with branches in Singapore, Auckland and Melbourne.

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