Relocation Companies And Their Role In Your Move

The decision to relocate, driven by either career advancement or personal choice, comes with a host of logistical challenges. Fortunately, relocation companies – a specialized subset of the moving industry – offer comprehensive relocation services.

Relocation companies can help make your move a breeze, especially when you understand their role in your move.

What Do Real Estate Relocation Companies Do?

A real estate relocation company, also known as a relocation management company or “relo company,” can help you with the various stages of moving, including finding a new home and even helping to sell your old one. Relo companies are often hired by corporations to assist employees through the entire relocation process.

What Services Can A Relocation Management Company Provide?

Relocation management companies offer a variety of services for both personal and employee relocation. Let’s dig into some specific services often provided by relo companies.

Moving Coordination

A relocation management company can help with every aspect of the moving process, from packing and moving your belongings to your new home to providing resources in your new city for dry cleaning.

Many relocation companies have concierge services to help you adjust to your new surroundings. For international relocation, they may offer to help with visas and other necessary documentation or set up language lessons for you in your new city.

Help Finding A New Home

Depending on the level of service, a relocation company can help you find a new home in the city you’re relocating to. Some relocation companies may cover some or all of the closing costs on your next home.

Prior to accepting a position that requires you to relocate, be sure to review the relocation agreement to see what level of service you will receive for your move.

Assistance In Selling Your Home

Some real estate relocation companies will assist in the sale of your current home so you can focus on the move and all the personal tasks that come with moving a long distance. The home would remain in your name as the owner for the first few months on the market. The relocation company will offer advice on pricing, marketing and any other tips to sell the home quickly.

When buying from relocation companies, the process is similar to buying traditional properties, but it’s important to know a few things that could come up. Due to the nature of relocation, delays can happen and there are more riders, amendments and disclosures that will need to be signed. Relocation companies tend to accept fewer contingencies as well. It’s not uncommon for relo properties to be sold as is.

Coverage For Moving Expenses

A variety of expenses and services can be delegated to a relocation company. Comprehensive relocation services can assist in a multitude of ways, so this isn’t an exhaustive list. Review your relocation agreement to clarify your specific services and included moving costs.

House-hunting travel: The company may cover the costs of traveling to the new location to find a suitable home. These costs typically include transportation and lodging expenses.

Home sale/purchase costs: If you’re a current homeowner, the costs of selling your current home and purchasing a new home could be included in your relocation package. This could include closing costs, real estate commissions and other expenses attached to the sale or purchase.

Job search assistance: If you have a partner who needs to find new employment, your relocation company may offer to assist in the search.

Transportation: Companies often reimburse the expenses to get to your new home. You may need to keep your receipts to be reimbursed for fuel and meals while traveling.

Temporary housing: If you’re unable to find a home in time for your move, your relocation company may provide a furnished rental or hotel until your new home is ready.

Moving: The company may cover costs associated with the physical move, like a moving truck and fuel.

Packing and unpacking: Packing up your home can be a pain. Luckily, some relocation companies offer a “full pack” service. They hire movers to pack and transport your personal items to the new home. They often will place your items in the appropriate room in the new home to expedite your unpacking process.

What Are Corporate Relocation Management Companies?

Corporate relocation management companies specialize in helping companies with the task of relocating employees being transferred to other offices. Companies often make the services of a corporate company available as part of a moving package.

Corporate Relocation Services

Corporate relocation management companies can relocate employees domestically and internationally. One major task they do, if necessary, is help your company buy and manage the sale of your home so that you can move right away if they need you to be somewhere on short notice. They might also help with temporary housing and coordination of services and resources.

Relocating Corporate Offices

When an entire office or department needs to relocate, corporate relocation management companies step in to manage the complexities of moving both the physical office and its employees. This may include moving office equipment and furniture, setting up the new office space and ensuring that all employees have the necessary support for housing and integration into a new city or country. Sometimes called global mobility services, a corporate relocation program can support a company with its entire relocation process.

Relocating Employees

With regard to managing employee relocations, corporate relocation management companies can assist with nearly any aspect of the employee's move. Support may involve finding new housing and managing property transactions to helping the employee’s family become comfortable and well-supported during the transition. Services such as a school search for children, spouse employment support and cultural integration programs are often part of the package to support the adjustment to a new environment.

Relocation Vs. Moving Companies

Relocation companies offer services above and beyond what a standard moving company typically offers. As we discussed earlier, a full-service relocation offer may include paying for costs associated with the sale or purchase of a home and assisting a spouse in their employment search.

Moving companies are great if your move is simple and you don’t have far to go. They offer services like packing and unpacking your items and towing vehicles to your new location.

FAQs About Relocation Companies

How much do relocation companies cost?

It’s hard to give a true estimate of relocation service because there are so many variables. A local move will cost an average of $1,250, but it’ll take more to get to a new part of the state. A long-distance move can cost considerably more, considering the costs associated with the sale of the home, physical moving and transportation. Most companies offering relocation employment opportunities will cover the cost of moving to support your transition within their company.

How do I find a relocation company?

Many companies will have a preferred relocation company, and you won’t need to concern yourself with finding a reputable company. If you do need to find a relocation company on your own, we recommend working with a real estate agent to weigh your options.

What is the role of a relocation coordinator?

A relocation coordinator is often the key contact person during the relocation process for individuals, families or employees being moved by their company. Relocation coordinators work closely with clients to understand their needs and preferences; coordinate with movers, real estate agent, and other service providers; and ensure a smooth transition to the new location.

Are there relocation services for pets?

The Bottom Line: Everyone Appreciates A Helping Hand When Moving

Whether you’re moving for your employer or just need a change of scenery, the relocation industry is there to help. Every step of the way, be sure to ask for specifics and always reference your relocation agreement or contract for clarification.

Moving can be an exciting, but overwhelming, time in your life. If you find yourself struggling with what to do, we recommend finding a real estate agent who can help you navigate the relocation process.