A new career opportunity sometimes means that your family will need to relocate to another town. The decision to move is often arrived after careful consideration of various factors including the other partner’s career; the effect on the children’s educational and recreational activities; and financial issues. In addition, it often means leaving behind family and friends.

If you are the “trailing” partner, it may fall to you to get the new home up and running, the kids in schools, and possibly find a new position for yourself. This can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help relieve the stress of relocation and turn your move into a successful endeavor. 

Take your time.

As with all moves, there are so many things you need to do before making a house your home. From dealing with utility companies, to unpacking and decorating the home, to finding a new doctor, your to-do list will seem endless and you can easily become overwhelmed. Don’t try to accomplish everything at once. Make a list and divide it into three categories: immediate, secondary and down the road. Set your own timetable.  Remember, you are the boss of this project, so the only person you have to please is yourself.

Get out and meet people.

More than likely, you won’t know many people in your new community. Your partner will have an opportunity to build relationships with coworkers. You, however, will have to find other ways to meet people. Besides introducing yourself to neighbors, find a place of worship, volunteer in a community organization, join a social club or gym, or just say hello to people. Ask your real estate professional to recommend organizations.

Reevaluate your career goals.

If you had to leave a job behind, check to see if your partner’s company offers any employment assistance for relocating partners. Many companies have formal and informal programs, offering as little as resume support to as much as arranging job interviews.

Your real estate professional can also be a great resource. He or she usually has some insight on the area’s job market and may be able to give you names of career counselors or leads to firms that are hiring.

If you’ve desired making a career change, now is the perfect opportunity to do so. You may even want to consider an entrepreneurial career that you can take anywhere.

And, if you decide to stay at home, consider fulfilling some personal goals such as advancing your education, starting a new hobby or volunteering.

Most importantly, don’t push yourself by setting unrealistic goals. Moving is a process and it will take time for you to get acclimated to your new home and community.  Make this move not only a golden opportunity for your partner, but for yourself as well.