A relocation consultant is a professional who assists with relocations. These consultants can be employed in a variety of situations. The consultant is present at every stage of a move, from providing advice at the outset to ensuring that all of the details of unpacking are taken care of at the other end. Consultants with specialized knowledge can command a high fee for their services.
A move for work is one of the most common reasons for hiring a relocation consultant. Relocation consultants may be provided as part of a compensation package for those who serve in the military or work for large corporations. The employer understands that the employee is being asked to relocate for work and that the transition should be as painless as possible. In other cases, people may hire a consultant on their own if they are unable to handle the relocation on their own.
In these types of consulting jobs, the relocation consultant assists people in finding a home in a new community that meets their needs, whether they are renting or buying. A moving service is also arranged by the consultant, and in some cases, a full-service mover is used, in which case the mover will pack everything, move it, and unpack it at the other end. The consultant can arrange for international shipping, including vehicle shipping, as well as arrangements for animals that need to be quarantined. In addition, the consultant assists with human transportation, which can include anything from providing driving directions to booking plane tickets.
The job of the relocation consultant does not end here. Most assist people in getting their utilities turned on, enrolling their children in schools, locating a family doctor, and generally orienting themselves in their new community, providing information on everything from the nearest dry cleaners to the best way to get to work from their new home. The relocation consultant can collaborate with members of the community to provide these services, ensuring that the transition is as smooth and enjoyable as possible for all parties involved.
Relocation consultants can move entire businesses in addition to handling personnel moves. A business relocation consultant can advise a company that is considering relocating, as well as assist them in selecting a new location and making all of the necessary arrangements. This can include relocating key personnel, locating non-essential personnel in the local area, assisting businesses with the permitting process, and providing other services that will assist a company in quickly resuming operations following a major move.