Relocating employees isn’t just about packing boxes and booking flights. You’re asking someone, and often their family, to uproot their lives and start somewhere new.
That takes planning, coordination, and the right support. If it’s done well, it’s a smooth transition that leaves your employee feeling valued and ready to focus on their new role. But if it’s done poorly, it’s a stressful experience that can affect your employees’ overall productivity and morale.
If you’ve been wondering, “How do I relocate an employee?” you’re not the only one. A lot of companies find themselves in this same position, especially when growth, promotions, or expansions are on the table. Luckily, there’s a clear process, and ARC Relocation makes it much easier.
What Employee Relocation Really Means
Employee relocation is more than a move, but it’s a life change. Whether you’re relocating employees across the state or managing an international relocation, there’s a lot to juggle, like housing, transportation, family needs, and the first weeks in a new workplace.
For the business, it’s often about filling a role or expanding into a new market, but for the employee, it’s a personal shift with a lot of moving parts.
A Step-by-Step Employee Relocation Process
While every situation is different, most successful relocations follow a similar path. Here’s what the employee relocation process usually looks like from job offer to move-in.
Lock in the Relocation Agreement
Once your employee accepts the role, it’s time to get the details in writing. This agreement should outline the job relocation package, what relocation expenses your company will cover, the timeline for the move, and any specific expectations. It’s important to have this clarity early on so you can avoid misunderstandings later.
This is also the moment to openly talk about any special needs or concerns. If your employees have school-age children, a spouse with a career, or pets that need to be moved, factoring these into the plan early will save time and stress later.
At ARC, we work directly with HR teams during this stage to draft clear relocation agreements. We make sure nothing is overlooked, from temporary housing terms to return-to-work dates, so both sides know exactly what to expect.
Assign a Relocation Concierge
Our relocation concierge services allow your employees to have a dedicated coordinator. That person handles the schedule, books movers, vets housing options, and answers every “what about…” question that comes up. Instead of juggling multiple contacts, your employee has one go-to person guiding them through the process.
That concierge becomes the anchor for the entire move — someone who not only manages details but also anticipates challenges before they arise. This means catching potential issues with moving dates, making sure contracts are signed on time, and even confirming utility start dates before your employee arrives.
For your employees, having a single point of contact turns a complicated, multi-step process into a guided experience. As the employer, it means fewer interruptions to productivity because questions and concerns are handled directly by the relocation expert instead of internal staff.
Secure Housing
Finding the right home is one of the most stressful parts of moving employees. We can line up short-term rentals, permanent housing, or even help with home purchases. For international relocation, we navigate local regulations and make sure housing is ready before the employee arrives, removing one of the biggest uncertainties from the equation.
It’s not uncommon for your employees to need temporary housing before settling into their permanent home. We handle this so there’s no gap between their arrival and having a comfortable place to live. We also work closely with local real estate agents to look for neighborhoods that match your employees’ lifestyle, commute preferences, and budget.
A lot of the time, we will schedule virtual tours so your employees can preview homes before they begin traveling. This not only speeds up decision-making but also reduces the stress of house-hunting in a short timeframe.
Coordinate Transportation
It’s not just about booking a plane ticket. There’s the move itself — household goods, vehicles, and sometimes pets. At ARC, we partner with trusted carriers so everything arrives on time and in good condition. For longer moves, we also coordinate travel so your employee’s arrival lines up with the delivery of their belongings.
For companies, this level of coordination means less downtime. An employee who arrives on a Friday and has their belongings delivered that same weekend can often start their new role on Monday without distraction. This also minimizes temporary storage costs and the frustration of delayed shipments.
For international moves, our transportation planning includes customs clearance and paperwork to avoid delays. We manage every step so the employee isn’t stuck dealing with shipping headaches in a new country.
Provide Family Support
When you’re managing employee relocation, you can’t forget the family. Spouse job assistance, school enrollment, and neighborhood introductions all help the transition go smoothly. Our approach makes the move less about disruption and more about starting a new chapter that everyone can feel good about.
This type of support is especially valuable when the move is unexpected or happens quickly. Having a resource for finding a pediatrician, setting up sports activities, or connecting with local community groups can make a huge difference in how quickly the family feels at home.
Families often remember the little things, like the welcome packet we provide with local recommendations, emergency contacts, and community resources, long after the move is complete. Those thoughtful touches can turn a stressful move into a positive experience.
Make Move-In Day Simple
The relocation isn’t complete until the employee is settled in and ready to focus on work. We take care of utility setup, essential services, and even local recommendations so your employees can get comfortable quickly.
This might include everything from arranging furniture delivery to making sure internet service is up and running before move-in. These details often get overlooked, but they’re important for making the employee feel ready to start their new role without lingering distractions.
ARC’s Realtor Rebate Program
One of ARC’s standout offerings is its Realtor Rebate Program, which can save relocating employees thousands of dollars on their home purchase. Through this program, we connect the employee with a network of vetted real estate agents who not only understand the local market but also offer a cash rebate after closing.
This rebate can be applied toward moving costs, home upgrades, or simply kept as extra savings. It’s a benefit that adds real financial value to the employee move and helps offset relocation expenses without requiring the company to increase its budget.
For employees, this means a smoother home-buying process with a trusted professional and a tangible financial perk. For employers, it’s another way to show you’re invested in making the move a positive experience.
How We Manage the Details
Relocation isn’t just logistics, but it’s about creating an experience that leaves employees confident about their move and their new role. Our services focus on four core areas:
- Housing – From temporary furnished apartments to long-term homes, every option is tailored to the employee’s situation.
- Transportation – Coordinated employee moving, vehicle shipping, and even pet transport.
- Family Assistance – School placement, spousal career support, and local orientation.
- Settling-In Services – Help with licenses, utilities, and getting to know the area.
When the Move Is International
An international relocation adds layers of complexity: visas, customs, language, and cultural differences. ARC works with on-the-ground experts to handle paperwork, manage overseas shipping, and prepare the employee for life in a new country. We don’t just move someone, but we set them up to succeed from day one.
Keeping Relocation Costs in Check
Relocations can get expensive, but costs are manageable with the right planning. We help companies design packages that balance quality support with budget goals. We track every expense, so you know where the money goes and can be confident it’s being spent wisely.
Why a Clear Relocation Process Matters
A well-run process:
- Minimizes downtime for the employee
- Prevents delays and miscommunication
- Improves satisfaction and retention
- Strengthens your employer brand
When the details are handled, employees can hit the ground running and that benefits everyone.
The ARC Advantage
Whether you’re moving one employee or an entire department, relocation is a big undertaking. ARC Relocation handles every piece, like housing, transportation, family needs, and settling in, so you can focus on business. The result? Employees arrive ready to work, not stressed from the move.
How Do I Relocate Employees? FAQs
How long does the employee relocation process usually take?
Timelines vary based on the distance of the move and the employee’s personal needs. A domestic relocation might take a few weeks from start to finish, while an international relocation can take several months due to visa and housing arrangements.
Who pays for relocation expenses?
In most cases, employers cover some or all relocation expenses as part of the job relocation package. At ARC, we help companies design packages that make financial sense while still providing strong support to the employee.
Can ARC handle moving employees with pets or specialized equipment?
At ARC, we set up safe transport for any pets and coordinate specialized shipping for items like lab equipment, instruments, or any valuable collections.
What if your employee’s family needs more time to move?
We can arrange temporary housing and staggered schedules for families moving in so they can have flexibility, which is extra helpful if there are children in your employee’s family.
Final Thoughts
Relocating your employees doesn’t have to be a headache. When you have the right process and a partner who understands every step, it can be a positive experience that benefits both the company and the employee.
So, how do I relocate employees? Simply put, you need to have a clear plan, cover the details, and partner with experts like ARC Relocation who know how to turn a move into a smooth transition.