Most everyone knows that moving to a new city for a job is a costly thing to do in terms of time and money. The list of things to budget for is extensive. Even the most budget-conscious of people may not think to set aside for some things that could come up in the course of a move to Atlanta. If you are mulling over a new job in another city, here are five expenses you should evaluate as you put together a budget.
1) The cost of moving everything
If your new job is with one of the 41% of companies in the United States that does not provide some type of aid to help compensate for the move you will be making, this is a bill you will have to take on yourself. Whether you employ a company to relocate your household or you elect to do it yourself, it can get costly. Choosing the former may have higher upfront costs, but there will still be sizeable expenses with the latter option, as well.
For instance, you'll have to rent a trailer (and a hitch if you do not already have one installed on your vehicle) or moving truck to transport your possessions. Next, you'll have to account for travel-related expenses once you hit the road to Atlanta.
A do-it-yourself move may not be as expensive as having a professional mover to do it for you, but it will not be cheap. Make arrangements accordingly. Read more about the Pros and Cons of DIY Moving here.
2) The cost of traveling to a new location in Atlanta
Speaking of traveling…
This was mentioned briefly above, but the cost of traveling to a new location must be taken into consideration when thinking about a move. If you are planning on driving, you need to plan for food, gas, lodging, and tolls, if applicable, as well as save some money for vehicle repairs in case there are problems while you are on the road.
Even if you hire a moving company and decide to fly to your destination, there is still the cost of air travel. Either way, you will need to allot some money to get to Atlanta.
3) The cost of temporary housing in Atlanta
If you do not have permanent housing lined up when you arrive in Atlanta, you will at least need to make arrangements for a location to live temporarily while you look for something longterm. It may be a hotel, or a month-to-month lease on an apartment, but it is one thing you should take into consideration. Another matter should be the cost of storing everything you do not need while you search.
4) The cost of living in Atlanta
The compensation you have been presented with may be ten percent higher than what you are currently being paid, but how much will that matter if the cost of living is even higher in the city you will be moving to? Contrast what you'll be shelling out there for things like groceries, transportation, and insurance to what you are paying presently to see what the variance in costs of living could cost you.
5) The cost of leaving your close-knit community and creating a new one
No, this cost is not a financial one, but it is important to think about when you are moving away for a job. Unless you are a recluse, you have a community of people where you are at this moment that probably consists of family, friends, and co-workers. Going to a new city will sever some of those relationships and make others more problematic to preserve. It can take significant amounts of time and effort to build similar ties in a new place, so prepare yourself accordingly.
