The Realities of the Cost of Relocation

Landing a new coaching or administrative role in college athletics is an exciting, career-defining moment. The thrill of a new challenge, a new team, and a new community is palpable. But often, that excitement quickly bumps up against the daunting reality of relocation, particularly the true financial expenses involved. Many of our clients are genuinely shocked to learn that a near cross-country move, especially with a family, can cost far more than just a few thousand dollars.

At D1.relocation, we frequently speak with coaches and administrators who budget based on past experiences (good & bad), perhaps from relocations earlier in their careers or based on common misconceptions. They're quickly realizing that the landscape of relocation expenses has changed dramatically, and their relocation package often doesn't cover their costs. What once might have been a manageable out-of-pocket expense or a minor line item in a relocation package is now a substantial financial undertaking.

The average cost of a cross-country move for a 2-3 bedroom home can range from $7,200 to $11,250, with some reaching upwards of $17,000 depending on weight, distance, and services. For larger homes (4-5 bedrooms), costs can start at $12,500 and go much higher. These figures are for the moving company alone! And there’s more to relocation than the moving services!

Several factors contribute to these rising expenses:

• Increased Demand & Operational Costs: The moving industry, like many others, has seen increased operational costs due to fuel prices, labor shortages, insurance, and higher demand. This translates directly to higher quotes for transportation. 
• Packing & Specialty Items: While you might handle some boxes yourself, professional packing for an entire household, especially fragile, valuable, or bulky items (like sports equipment, large TVs, or exercise equipment), adds significantly to the bill. Specialty items requiring custom crating can inflate costs further.
• Full-Service vs. Self-Service Misconceptions: A "few thousand dollars" might cover a small, self-packed move across a state line, but it barely scratches the surface for packing, loading, transporting, and unloading a family's worth of belongings across multiple states. Full-service movers, while offering immense convenience and less risk with insurance coverage, naturally come at a higher price, than just renting a truck.
• Temporary Living & Travel: The actual moving company bill is just one piece of the puzzle. Factor in temporary housing (which can range from $150 to $450 per night and significantly more for short-term rentals), multiple trips for house hunting, car shipping, flights, meals on the road, and time off work. These "hidden" costs, often underestimated, add up rapidly; while being taxable expenses.
• Real Estate Transaction Costs: If you're buying or selling a home, closing costs, realtor commissions (often 2.5% per agent, amounting to thousands on a typical home sale), appraisal fees, and potential repair costs can easily run into tens of thousands of dollars, often overshadowing the moving services bill.
• Setting Up New Services: Don't forget the immediate costs of setting up utilities, internet, and other home services in your new city – sometimes with connection fees or deposits. Miscellaneous expenses like new driver's licenses, pet registration, or even school enrollment fees for children also contribute.

For the individual coach or administrator, being blindsided by relocation costs can create immense financial strain and added stress on time when you need to be entirely focused on your new role. It can turn a dream job into an unexpected financial burden. Understanding and planning for these expenses is critical. Working with D1.relocation ensures your new hires have the necessary support and personalized services for their transitions!

For athletic departments, understanding these realities is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent. Recent data shows that companies continue to invest in employee relocation, recognizing it as a valuable investment in talent recruitment and retention. Providing a comprehensive relocation package and partner isn't just a perk; it's a strategic investment in operational efficiency that allows your new hire to hit the ground running, rather than managing a personal financial crisis or experiencing a financial shortfall. First Impressions matter!

Understanding the true cost of relocation is the first step toward Simplifying Your Transition. Let D1.relocation be your teammate to help you navigate these complexities, ensuring your next move is your best move. 

Our D1.relocation Specialists will be happy to assist you with any questions! Click Here to get started.