Relocation, Relocation, Relocation

Have you ever heard the phrase. “Oh, the company paid to relocate us”? Did you wonder who does this type of job and what it entails?

The actual title for this job is Relocation Consultant. A relocation consultant helps with finding suitable housing which meets the clients needs, either for rent or purchase. They try to match the living requirements or requests as close as possible. They make the arrangement for a mover. If a full service mover is used, they make sure the mover will pack everything, move it and then unpack it once the new destination is reached. The consultation also helps with the transportation issues of the clients. They could provide driving directions or even getting them airline tickets. The consultant can get utilities turned on, find nearby schools, a family doctor referral, nearest super market and drug store. They help get the family orientated in their new community. They can offer general advice, guidance and assistance on all aspects of the relocation so it goes smoothly. Sometimes, depending on the distance involved, the consultant will offer an orientation tour to provide an opportunity to point out all the positive aspects of the new city to which the customer will be moving. This helps to take care of any issues that need to be resolved or anxieties. This also offers an opportunity to help foster enthusiasm for the move if there are children or spouses involved. The whole purpose of the Relocation Consultant’s job is to make sure the move goes as pleasantly and as smoothly as possible.

So who uses relocation consultants? You’d be surprised. People who have been replaced at work or who are going to be relocated. Companies who have traveling employees, and people living in heavily populated areas. Sometime a single parent who has a heavy work schedule and no time to look for a new place to live will use this service.

What are the education requirements and skills needed? A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent may be preferred. At least 2-5 years experience in a related field. It’s also possible to enter this type of work through the real estate world either as an agent to a mortgage broker. You would need to be sensitive to the needs and stress of the people you’re relocating. Excellent organization , administrative and planning skills are definitely required. You must have excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills. You need to be able to work independently, prioritize and manage multiple projects in addition to day to day activities. You must know how to pay attention to details and have great numeric skills.

Does this job sound like something that peaks your interest? If so, you may have found yourself a new career!

By Linda Lee Ruzicka

Linda Lee Ruzicka lives in the mountains of Western PA , happily married and with her 8 cats and three dogs. She has been published in Twilight Times, Dark Krypt, Fables, Writing Village, June Cotner anthology, The Grit, Reminisce , the book, Haunted Encounters: Friends and Family. She also does freelance work for Beyond and Realestatejobsite. You can read more of her blogs on Realestatejobsite blog.