What is a reasonable amount of time to relocate for a job?
Sarah Garza
Updated on March 09, 2026
What’s a reasonable amount of time to relocate? Typically, employers allot one month from the time you accept the offer to the start date. In some cases, a company may need to fill a position immediately and will only allow a couple of weeks (or less) to relocate.
How much should a company pay you to relocate?
An average relocation package costs between $21,327-$24,913 for a transferee who is a renter and $61,622-$79,429 for a transferee who is a homeowner. Of course, this number is just an average of what larger corporations are spending on employee relocation – the relocation amount can be anywhere from $2,000 – $100,000.
How much should you ask for relocation?
Potential employees will appreciate a generous relocation package, but sometimes that might not be in your company’s financial reach. Relocation packages can range in worth from $2,000 to $100,000. What services and the amount of money you decide to cover is entirely up to you and your company.
Can a job require you to relocate?
That’s a common question: Can you force or require an employee to relocate? The answer is almost always no. It can’t be required. Therefore,an employer needs to present the relocation as if it is the employee’s (only)option to remain employed by the company.
What is a reasonable relocation package?
A core or typical job relocation package usually covers the costs of moving and storing furnishings and other household goods, along with help selling an existing home and costs incurred house hunting, temporary housing if necessary and all travel costs by the employee and family to the new location.
How do I relocate for work?
Set a budget.
- Stay organized and efficient.
- Understand your options.
- Visit and research the new location before the move.
- Find out the cost of living in the new location.
- Find out if your moving expenses are tax-deductible.
- Locate an affordable home.
- Decide on a moving date.
- Set a budget.
Do companies pay to relocate you?
But not all moving packages are alike. In some cases, the company will pay for the full cost of moving. In others, you may be given a flat dollar amount to cover your expenses. There is no obligation on the part of an employer to cover moving expenses for either new or current employees.
What is a normal relocation package?
Can I be forced to relocate at work?
If you have a mobility clause in your contract your employer can normally force you to move to places allowed by the clause unless this is completely unreasonable (such as asking you to move to another country with only one days notice).
What to do if your employer decides to relocate?
If your employer decides to relocate: check your contract of employment to see if there’s a ‘mobility clause’ find out whether your employer is offering a relocation package and if so decide if you think it’s reasonable discuss the situation with family and friends, including work colleagues
When do employees have to move to a new location?
When employees have to move. If an employer moves the location of their business, employees should check their employment contract for a ‘mobility clause’. A mobility clause says employees have to move within certain limits.
Do you have to offer compensation for relocation?
Your employer doesn’t have to offer you any compensation for relocating, unless it’s included in your contract of employment. They may offer you financial help and this could include help with legal fees, excess fares, moving expenses and temporary accommodation.
What happens if you turn down relocation offer?
If you turn down the offer of relocation and you’ve been offered compensation, you may not get a redundancy payment. Your new job may be different from your old job, but better paid and with the chance for personal development.
