A Stress-Free Action Plan for the Ambitious Professional on the Move   

Professional relocation is both an exciting and daunting endeavor: the complicated juggle of balancing the joys of new places and people is also accompanied by the stress of being thrown into a foreign environment and still expected to be at your best on Monday at the office. So whether the move is across the country or across the globe, navigating the complicated road of relocation actually can be done with minimal stress levels – and without the acquisition of gray hair. Here’s an action plan to get the ball rolling:

1. Understand the Motives Behind Your Move
Sometimes the idea of moving for work may be a spontaneous decision. Before the final decision to pack up all you own, be sure relocating is right for you. Having a clear reason and motive behind the move requires full understanding of the “why” of the possible relocation.

Formulate a list of questions to ask yourself. Why relocate? Is it the company that appeals? Is it the possibility of career advancement? Do you just want a change of scenery? Regardless of the answers, your motive must be strong enough to carry you through the hard-to-handle moments of settling in and the (potentially) imminent experience of culture shock.

2. The Decision Is Made. Now How Much Will It Cost?
You’ve analyzed the reasoning behind your professional relocation. Now you need to begin putting that plan into motion. A Consumer’s Insight Study carried out by MyMove.com in 2012 found that its respondents listed moving a one of the most stressful life events – more so than having a baby or getting married. However, some of the stress can be avoided by thoroughly researching the costs associated with relocation of the new destination you’ve chosen – movers, apartment/housing, transportation, etc.

Begin by using a cost of living calculator to help visualize the numbers and cover all of your bases. Keep in mind that budgeting for emergencies is also a wise move; you never know what might happen upon arrival.

Also, be sure there are not any unexpected expenses by knowing what your new company will — and will not — cover during the relocation. In fact, make sure you ask directly if they offer relocation assistance, and get a thorough breakdown of what’s covered. Then, make sure to support your case by providing the detailed costs you’ve already calculated. This will give the company an idea of the type of financial support required.

3. Discover What Your New Place of Residence Has to Offer
Professional relocation doesn’t mean the move has to sacrifice quality of life. In fact, knowing what else the city has to offer will allow you to have a game plan to build a health work/life balance. Perhaps there are already friends in the city who could show you the best spots, or connect you with people that share the same interests and hobbies.

Yelp and TripAdvisor are great places to begin exploring sites, eateries and social spots that will help make your residence feel more like home. The user reviews come from real people who’ve actually been to and tried the locales, offering insights from the perspective of both tourists and locals that will assist in feeling out the vibe of your soon-to-be city.

4. Now Organize the Move
Probably the biggest stress of relocation is tied to the actual moving, and the end destination – that is, where you will lay your head at night in this new place. Make sure to do research. The U.S. Census Bureau stated that between 2012 and 2013, 35.9 million American relocated, with the No. 1 reason being housing, according to 48 percent of respondents. While the moves were not always related to new employment, the numbers speak for themselves: having a place to call home in a new city is top priority. If you need a short-term option in order to look at long-term housing in your new city, try checking out try Airbnb for a temporary apartment.

Then concentrate on how to get your belongings from point A to point B. Research moving companies to compare rates and reviews of past customers. Understanding how and when your items will be delivered will help relieve a great deal of stress, so make sure the company is reliable and provides suitable customer service should any problems or changes arise. And don’t forget to look up some helpful tips and suggestions to make packing up your life less of a chore.

5. Give Yourself Time to Make It Feel Like Home
Arrive in your new city with enough time to familiarize yourself with the area, as well as where work is in proximity to your temporary — and eventually permanent — residences. It may also be helpful to pack a few meaningful belongings on your person to help a new place feel like home, while you wait for the arrival of the bulk of your items from the moving company.

6. Get Out and Explore
If you have the luxury of arriving a good deal of time before the work contract begins, use the time wisely. Go out to the places you’ve researched on Yelp or TripAdvisor – or found through recommendations from friends or future co-workers. Take time to note where the nearest grocery store, coffee shop, bar or cinema is so you can get necessities and have a little fun. Use the weekend to dive into the tourist attractions of the city. Helpful sites like Citymapper can assist in navigating your new home.

7. Try to Meet People in the Process. 
Don’t try to beat the blues of culture shock all by yourself. Get out and meet people to build your social circle. If you don’t know anyone in the city you are moving to, this could be a bit difficult. So try reaching out to co-workers before you leave for possible help and/or invites to events happening in the area. Once you begin work, make an effort to join colleagues at lunch or after-work happy hour drinks, and don’t forget to take advantage of networking opportunities.

Outside the realm of work, check out sites like Meetup.com or Eventbrite for social gatherings to help you get to know groups that share similar interests.

8. Be Patient — The Transition Won’t Happen Overnight!
No matter how well versed you are at changing locations and meeting new people, settling in will take some time. Remember to be patient. Take the time to get to know your neighborhood, work environment and the city. Little by little, things will begin to feel like home. It won’t be completely sunshine and rainbows, of course, but if you keep in mind that it’s all part of the transition, you’ll be calling your new city “home, sweet home” before you know it.