Everyone knows that moving to a new city for a job can be a costly proposition 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 put aside for some things that could come up in the course of a move to Little Rock. If you are mulling over a new job in another city, here are five expenses you should evaluate as you plan a budget.
1) The cost of moving your stuff
If your new job is with one of the 41% of companies in the United States that does not make available some form of aid to help compensate for the move you will be making, this is a bill you will have to foot yourself. Whether you appoint a company to move your household or you resolve to handle it yourself, it can be pricey. Picking the former may have higher upfront costs, but there will still be sizeable expenses with the latter option, as well.
For starters, 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 belongings. Next, you'll have to account for travel-related expenses once you hit the road to Little Rock.
A do-it-yourself move may not be as expensive as hiring someone else to do it for you, but it will not be cheap. Plan accordingly. Read more about the Pros and Cons of DIY Moving here.
2) The cost of traveling to a new location in Little Rock
Speaking of traveling…
This was mentioned briefly above, but the cost of traveling to a new location should be considered 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 set some money aside for vehicle repairs in case there is a flat tire or worse along the way.
Even if you hire a moving company and plan to fly out ahead, there is still the cost of plane tickets. Either way, you will need to allot some money to get to Little Rock.
3) The cost of temporary housing in Little Rock
If you do not have permanent housing lined up when you arrive in Little Rock, you will at least need to make arrangements for a location to live temporarily while you look for something more permanent. It may be a hotel, or a month-to-month lease on an apartment, but it is one thing you need to 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 Little Rock
The compensation you are being offered may be ten percent higher than what you are now being paid, but how much will that matter if the cost of living is even higher in the area you will be moving to? Contrast what you'll be shelling out there for things like groceries, transportation, and insurance to what you are spending currently to see what the difference in costs of living could cost you.
5) The cost of leaving your current community and creating a new one
No, this cost is not a monetary one, but it is crucial to think about when you are moving away for a new job. Unless you are a loner, 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 difficult to keep up. It can take significant amounts of time and effort to build similar connections in a new place, so prepare yourself accordingly.
