Top Tips when negotiating moving and relocation allowances


Posted on February 11, 2019



Your company has offered you a promotion at the Singapore office. Its an exciting proposition, but don’t forget to negotiate hard on your moving and relocation allowances. Here ClickMoves offers some tips on what to ask for.

1. Look-See Trips

One of the keys to an easy relocation is to make sure that you, your significant other, and your family are all on board with the decision. A “look-see” trip with your partner is the best way to do this – check out what sort of accommodation is available, schools for the kids, meet some of your colleagues and just get a general feel for the place.

2. Temporary Housing

IA month or two rent-free can ease the pressure of a new security deposit or buying a new home ASAP. If you have a family, it gives you time to learn the area and local school districts before committing to a new place. Hotels are generally too expensive for a 2 or 3 month stay, but there are generally some decent and affordable serviced apartments, or even an AirBnb.

3. Whole-House Pack and Transport

If your employer has a relocation package, make sure you know exactly what it entails. Some arrangements only cover the physical transportation of your home goods, while others may include the actual hand-packing and subsequent unpacking of your boxed chattel.

If your new employer provides a lump sum, be sure to keep all receipts having to do with your move—from boxes, to packing tape, to movers, to gas for the U-Haul. If you move more than 50 miles, you may be able to get a tax deduction for any additional moving expenses you personally absorbed.

4. Storage of Home Goods

It can take some time to find the perfect place to live in your new area, you may want to consider keeping you goods in storage for a while at your origin country. It’s also one less stress during a very stressful transition.

5. Cash Stipend for Miscellaneous Expenses

During every move, unforeseen expenses will pop up, and more and more employers are offering a cash stipend of between $5k and $10k. This may also help to cover flight costs or anything new that you need for your new home that you didn’t ship. This sort of allowance is becoming more and more typical for modern expats, as it also helps reduce the shipping costs as assignee’s can ship less and buy cheap replacements from Ikea , or furniture rental packages.

Other uses for this sort of money might include additional rent or mortgage payments if one family member has to stay behind, transportation to your new location, or even a rental car if you only have one and your family is split in two locations.