Getting hired at a company in a new city is a very exciting time in any professional person’s life. However, the hassle of picking up your whole life and moving it to a new location can present a lot of stress and hardship. If you feel like your new company isn’t providing you with the resources you need to make a smooth transition to your new home, here are five negotiation tips you should use when requesting cross country relocation assistance.

Don’t Be Afraid to Make Your Case

Too many newly hired people are afraid to make their case for cross country relocation assistance because they’re afraid that the job offer will be yanked away from them if they do. It takes much more than an attempt to negotiate relocation expenses to have an employer rescind a job offer. Not every job will offer relocation assistance. However, if you are experienced in your field you will have less local competition for the job. Show your future employers why an investment on you is better than another candidate’s offer.

Know What the Approximate Cost Will Be

If you’re working with nationwide white glove delivery service, contact them and ask for an estimate of how much the move will cost before you begin negotiating. It’s better to actually know how much you’ll realistically need to move than it is to guess how much you’ll need.  If you are in a rush to move there is no shame in having someone pack, move, and deliver your belongings to your new home. Remember, you have a new job to get prepared for. You’ll want to make sure that your relocation assistance is going to help you with the actual moving cost. You want to make sure that you also

Be Respectful

Just because your employer isn’t likely to rescind the job offer doesn’t mean that you don’t want to make a good impression. Be respectful during the negotiation process to ensure that you start off on the right foot with your new company.

Be Firm

While it’s important to be respectful in any negotiation with an employer, don’t be afraid to be firm as well. Your new employer wouldn’t have gone out of their way to hire you if you weren’t a valuable asset, so keep that in mind when you negotiate your relocation compensation.

Don’t Accept the First Offer

Remember, a first offer is a first offer. Unless your boss has clearly articulated that it’s a “take it or leave it” situation, there’s always room to ask for more. Some companies even offer an additional cash stipend on top of relocation costs to help their new recruit have a smoother and less hectic moving process.

Don’t be afraid to look out for your best interests when you’re negotiating your relocation costs. Follow these tips to ensure that your new employer gives you what you deserve to cover your moving costs.