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Jersey City Area Relocation Pack

Temporary Housing

Most relocations include a period of "in-between time," when you initially move to your new town and begin the process of settling in and looking for a place to lease or purchase. If you are planning on leasing, or if you've made several preview trips and have contracted on a new home, this interim period may only be a couple of weeks. In this case, a hotel or suite-hotel usually works best.

However, if your interim period is going to be close to 30 days or longer, you will probably want to opt for temporary "corporate housing." Corporate Housing is a property that comes fully-furnished with room suites of furniture, cookware, linens/towels, small appliances such as coffeemakers, irons & alarm clocks, major appliances like microwaves, refrigerator, stove and washer/dryer, plants & pictures, accessories, maid service and all utilities included, even local telephone service and cable TV.

Apartment Renting

While renting has always been and continues to be an interim option during the home purchase process of a relocation, more and more it is becoming a long-term preference. Frequent moves, greater flexibility, rising ownership costs and amenities available through renting are great advantages. People today are renting in greater numbers, not just as a temporary step on the way to home ownership, but for the lifestyle they enjoy through renting.

Some of the factors to consider when deciding whether to rent or buy are:

• your job situation and likelihood of moving again

• initial and monthly costs of both options

• tax savings and advantages

• the availability, lifestyle and desirability of properties to rent or buy

• current interest rates and mortgages available

The cost, availability and variety of rental housing possibilities will vary tremendously in different parts of the country. While a large city will offer a far greater number of rental properties and a greater variety of styles and amenities, they will also be much higher priced and may even have an extremely low vacancy rate. On the other end of the spectrum, small towns also tend to have a very low rental vacancy rate, simply because of the lack of rental housing there. Mid-sized cities will generally have the greatest choices available.

Initial costs on a rental property usually include one month's rent security deposit, additional deposits if you have a pet (many rentals do not allow pets), first month's rent and/or last month's rent depending on the area, and an application fee of generally $20-75. Be sure and get renter's insurance; if you don't, your personal belongings will not be protected in the event of a burglary, fire or any other loss.

Read lease agreements thoroughly, as they can vary greatly between states and even individual landlords. It is wise to have an attorney review leases. Be sure you understand what you and the landlord are each responsible for when it comes to utilities, maintenance and repairs. Although the most typical lease term in the U.S. is 1 year, this can be negotiable too. Know what your liabilities are if you have to break your lease early.

Moving Solutions

Careful consideration is needed when deciding whether to hire a moving company or do it yourself. Many factors are involved, such as the distance of the move, the size of your household, the time factor involved and the budget or company reimbursement you have for this expense.