Post-Match Moving Tips
Written by Dipavo Banerjee, DO
So you’ve successfully matched and your program is…halfway across the country. Or maybe it’s not too far from home, but you are looking for a new place to live. In any case, moving can be a daunting process that is expensive and stressful. Here are some tips to make things smoother and less painful.
Make a budget with your expenses. Costs can add up, especially in a higher cost-of-living area.
Buy or rent?
Calculate how much your mortgage payment and the interest rate would be if you put a small down payment such as with a physician loan. Inside The Match has a podcast all about physician loans with experts in the field.
Consider the housing market and how long you will be in the area. If you plan to be somewhere longer than 4 years for residency, buying may be a good option.
Some programs may offer a housing stipend or relocation funds to offsets the costs of moving. If finances are tight, you may want to pursue a moving/relocation loan. See if your institution has a relocation loan.
Ask your residency coordinator for a copy of your contract to present as proof of income for renting or purchasing a condo or home.
Ask your co-residents about areas where residents typically live including family-friendly ones.
Plan to move to the area 1-2 weeks before orientation. This will allow you to settle into your new home and locate amenities in the area (grocery stores, banks, coffee shops, restaurants, etc).
Plan to live within a reasonable distance from the hospital. Some programs will require you to live within 30 miles. A long commute can become cumbersome with your intense residency work schedule.
Declutter and donate items in the process of moving. Put items in labeled boxes now and see if you need to use these items in the next two months before you move. If you don’t look for these items in boxes, then they likely can be done without.
If you need to move your car and large items more than a few hundred miles, consider renting a truck and trailer for your car. Discounts for renting the truck and moving equipment may be available through Costco or Sam’s.
Don’t forget to forward your mail through USPS! You wouldn’t want to miss important correspondence that goes to your old address. Forwarding services typically go on for one year.
Whatever your situation might be, moving requires a lot of planning and coordination. Consider what you can afford and how much time you may spend at your new home. It doesn’t need to be stressful if you ask for advice from those who have been through it. Good luck!
