A relocation company is an agency that offers various services to help the employees of a company move from one area to another.

If you have found yourself relocating to Turkey for a new role, here is what you should expect.

Find the Right Relocation Company for You

Choosing and hiring a relocation company to manage your move is often more complicated than the move itself.

You will want to choose one with a good rating and online reviews and is experienced in handling international moves. It Will be essential for your peace of mind and to prevent legal headaches with missing paperwork or damaged goods.

Turkish employers often do not have an in-house solution, so it is usually outsourced if they do offer relocation services. Some companies may choose relocation firms to assist you with your visa or work permit process too.

The company offers a variety and range of services (departure, arrival, immigration, business, expat support) should factor into your decision. Tailored packages are a good sign, and their quotes should reflect that. Flexibility will also be necessary when negotiation your terms and the extent of services to be provided.

Before committing to an agency, it may be wise to ask about extra costs and the estimated timeframe of deliveries. If either is a priority for you, make sure the agency fits the profile you need.

A good relocation company should:

  • have prestigious and reliable business partners
  • have a trained team of professionals
  • have a dedicated point of contact
  • help you connect with the locals
  • offer a full range of mobility services backed up by good reviews.

Establish Your Point of Contact Early On

You should ask the company who your point of contact will be and get the agent’s contact information as soon as possible. You may feel more comfortable if you get to know them and build trust before the actual move. In some cases, you won’t even have to ask, and the agent will get in touch with you directly to ensure a smooth service.

Suppose you do not speak the language of the country you are moving to. In that case, it will be better if your agent can act as an intermediary in cases of possible miscommunication.

It would be best to ask when and through what other channels you can contact the company or agent so that you do not end up stranded or frustrated when you cannot reach them. It Will also be crucial if you need to contact other service providers or authorities during your move and assistance.

Negotiate the Scope of the Arrangement

Be transparent and open with the company about which services you expect. You should also not have any question marks in your head about what will happen when (i.e., when your shipments will arrive or when you will get your deposit back) and what is not covered by your agreement.

To avoid last-minute surprises, ask your questions early on and keep track of any amendments made.

Make sure to get a written copy of the contract and get anything promised to you in writing.

Allocate Enough Time and Give Priority to Your Move

Whether you are moving with your family or alone or moving for work purposes, make sure you have set aside enough time to sort out paperwork, registration, setting up bank accounts, unpacking, and more. You will want to settle in ultimately and comfortably without falling apart from the stress.

Do not forget that if you end up missing official deadlines, especially those about documents and registration, you may end up in legal trouble.

Suppose you have to start work immediately upon your arrival. In that case, you could also ask the relocation agency whether it is possible to distribute their assistance over a few days for a few hours to accommodate your work schedule.

Make a Solid, Detailed Plan

Make sure you plan with your relocation agent the significant steps you will need to take and how you will carry out each task.

It would be best if you also tried to make the major decisions in advance (such as schooling, bank accounts, etc.) so that you do not end up wasting time when you arrive.

It will also help you think of questions you may otherwise have not thought about until after the fact.

Be Clear in Your Requests and All Communication

Try not to rely on phone calls to make your requests and try to make them in writing. It also pays off to be polite yet direct in your submissions as not to cause miscommunication.

If you do happen to change your mind mid-service, try to let the agency know as soon as possible and ask if accommodations can be made.

Don’t Overstep Boundaries

Be aware of cultural differences when communicating. If you do not want to be contacted out of business hours, you should know the same may be true for the agent. If they express that they will not be available on specific days or times, but you have an emergency, make sure to ask if it’s ok to contact them so as not to cross any boundaries.

Although it is not very common for people to drop all work after business hours in Turkey, it is best to be thoughtful and ask.

Be Proactive about Issues

Before you make any big decisions, make sure to go over your agreement and talk it over with both your agent and employer. If you do not have an escape clause or have not added a clause about what to do in cases of delays, you may end up frustrated.

If your contract is only valid for a short period and you experience delays from circumstances out of your control, you may want to ask if you could still get assistance until the issue is resolved. Suppose you run into problems such as the landlord delaying the countersigning of your rental contract or having your belongings getting stuck at customs, for example. In that case, you should know if the agency will be willing to extend their contracted period of service.

Do Not Be Afraid to Ask for Change

If your expectations are not being met and constant delays and problems mire your move, you are entitled to ask to change your agent. It could simply be miscommunication or differences in opinion.

You should contact your human resources team to see if changing the agent or the relocation company entirely will be a better option.

Know When to Say Goodbye

If you have paid for the service or continue running into trouble, stand your ground and look elsewhere.

On the other hand, if you have received excellent service and the agent has been of great help, you might find it hard to part. It may feel tough if they were your intermediary/translator between other service providers.

But the sooner you can stand on your own feet, the happier you will be in the long run.

Give Feedback

Whether you had a good or lousy relocation experience, it will be good to share your thoughts with the human resources team at your company. You can recommend the agency’s services if you are delighted with the service.

You could also send a gift basket or a thank you note to the agent. It could help build rapport and establish a business relationship that could be helpful in the future. You never know when you will benefit from personal recommendations and insider information.