So you got the offer — or the "we'd love for you to take the role in the Denver office" conversation. Exciting. Also: moving is expensive, and a work move you didn't exactly plan for can quietly cost you thousands if you assume the company's got it and never actually ask.
Here's the thing nobody tells you. Relocation packages vary wildly. Two people at the same company, same title, can get completely different deals depending on who negotiated and what they thought to ask for. So before you say yes, know what's commonly on the table.
What companies often cover
Every package is different, but these are the pieces that show up most often:
- The physical move. Professional packing, movers, and transporting your stuff — sometimes full-service, sometimes a set dollar amount you spend how you like.
- Travel to the new city. Flights or mileage, plus a hotel night or two if it's a long drive.
- Temporary housing. A furnished rental or extended-stay for the gap between arriving and finding a place — often 30 to 90 days.
- House-hunting trips. A trip (or two) to scout neighborhoods and see places before you commit.
- Storage. A few months of storage if your stuff lands before you do.
- Home sale or lease-break help. For homeowners, some assistance with selling costs; for renters, occasionally reimbursement for breaking a lease early.
- A miscellaneous allowance. A lump sum for the hundred small things — new licenses, utility hookups, cleaning deposits — that don't fit neatly in any other bucket.
The questions that actually matter
Don't just ask "what's covered." Ask how it's covered, because the fine print is where the surprises live. A few worth putting in writing:
- Is this a lump sum or reimbursement? Reimbursement means you front the money and wait to get it back — sometimes weeks.
- Is there a clawback? Many packages require you to pay it back if you leave within a year or two. Get that number.
- How does it hit my taxes? In recent years, most employer-paid relocation benefits have been treated as taxable income — which can mean a real bite at tax time. Ask whether the company "grosses up" to cover that, and check with a tax professional on your specific situation.
Get the whole package in writing before you commit to anything or start spending. A friendly email exchange is not a policy, and "we'll take care of it" is not a number.
Once the details are settled, the sorting begins — new-state paperwork, address changes, lease and utility deadlines, and tracking every receipt you'll need to get reimbursed. The Relocation Expense Tracker and Address Change Master Checklist keep it all in one place, so nothing slips while you're living out of boxes. Both are in the Relocation bundle at lumeway.co.
A work move can be a great thing. Just don't let "they're covering it" turn into a surprise on your next paycheck.
This post is for general informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, or tax advice. Relocation policies vary by employer, and the tax treatment of relocation benefits can change and depends on your individual circumstances. For questions about your specific package or its tax impact, consult your HR department and a licensed tax professional.