A January relocation gives employees a clean start in the new year, but it takes planning that begins well before the holidays. Here is how HR teams can prepare employees for a new-year move so the transition goes smoothly.
Why January Moves Need Early Planning
The weeks before a January start are the busiest and shortest of the year, with holidays, school breaks, and year-end deadlines. Decisions that would take days in the spring can take weeks in December. Starting in October or November gives you room to handle approvals, housing, and household goods before the calendar fills up.
Confirm the Timeline
Work backward from the start date and share the plan with the employee. Our 2026 employee relocation checklist helps turn the steps into dates, and our fall corporate relocation guide shows how to build the schedule.
Support the Family Over the Holidays
For many families, a January move means a holiday spent with boxes and goodbyes. Acknowledging that helps. Offer clear information, flexible timing where possible, and school support, as described in mid-school-year relocation and preparing employees for a year-end relocation.
Look at the Budget and Tax Year
A January move straddles two budgets and two tax years. Expenses paid in December and January may be reported differently, so check with finance and tax advisors, and review relocation packages and taxes before you commit to dates. Relocating before or after the holidays covers the trade-offs in more detail.
Give Employees One Point of Contact
Employees should know exactly who to call when something changes. A relocation coach fills that role, and we explain how in why GMS provides a relocation coach to each transferee.
Plan the Arrival
Make sure housing, utilities, and the first day at work are ready, so the employee can focus on starting well. Our destination services support that arrival, and you can contact GMS to plan a January move for your team.
