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 lengthy. Even the most budget-conscious of people may not think to set aside for some things that could come up throughout a move to Oklahoma City. If you are mulling over a new job in a different city, here are five expenses you should take into account as you put together 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 provide some type of aid to help pay for the move you will be making, this is a bill you will have to foot yourself. Whether you appoint a company to relocate your household or you decide to handle it yourself, it can be expensive. Choosing the former has higher upfront costs, but there will still be considerable expenses with the latter selection, too.
To begin with, 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. Further, you'll have to think about travel-related expenses once you hit the road to Oklahoma City.
A do-it-yourself move may not be as expensive as having someone else to do it for you, but there will still be costs involved. Make arrangements accordingly. Read more about the Pros and Cons of DIY Moving here.
2) The cost of traveling to a new location in Oklahoma City
Speaking of traveling…
This was mentioned briefly above, but the cost of traveling to a new location should be considered when contemplating 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 are problems while you are on the road.
Even if you hire a professional mover and decide to fly out ahead, there is still the cost of air travel. Either way, you will need to budget some money to get to Oklahoma City.
3) The cost of temporary housing in Oklahoma City
If you do not have a permanent place to stay lined up when you arrive in Oklahoma City, you will at least need to make arrangements for somewhere to live temporarily while you search for something more permanent. It may be a hotel, or a month-to-month lease on an apartment, but it is one thing you must take into consideration. Another factor should be the cost of storing everything you do not need while you hunt.
4) The cost of living in Oklahoma City
The compensation package you are being offered 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 area you will be moving to? Contrast what you'll be paying there for things like groceries, transportation, and insurance to what you are spending 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 crucial to think about when you are relocating for a new job. Unless you are a loner, you have a community of people where you are right now that probably consists of family, friends, and co-workers. Moving to a new city will sever some of those relationships and make others more grueling to uphold. It can take considerable amounts of time and effort to build similar ties in a new place, so prepare yourself correspondingly.
