Every year as July 1st approaches, newly minted physicians start the process of relocating for residency. After four years of medical school, belongings are either packed or sold, and moving trucks, U-hauls, and cars are stuffed to the brim as the newest cohort of doctors makes the big move to begin their training.

It is an exciting moment for new residents, filled with both anticipation and fear. This is when they begin the journey that will serve as the foundation for the remainder of their professional careers, starting with their intern years.

Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, living with your parents to save cash or not moving at all, this is our advice for making relocating for residency that much easier. Here are our tips in making this move easier. 

1) Start looking for housing immediately.

Obviously, all interns need a place to live. What makes residency different than medical school is that you are no longer a student, and so the option of student housing is eliminated.

While some universities and/or hospitals may offer some staff lodging or accommodations, the number of available units will likely be far smaller than the number of applicants. Just because a residency program advertises housing, it does not necessarily mean that it is a viable option.

Senior residents and program coordinators are indispensable starting points for possible apartment and housing leads. Many rental properties are passed from resident to resident. 

Once Match Day is over, it is never too early to start your housing search. Some areas like are very difficult to move to because of limited supply and high prices. At The Coley Group of Compass we have a strategy, to use our resources and help you secure housing ASAP. We help you find something in your budget; remember it likely isn’t a forever home. It is just a place to stay when not on-call and taking care of patients, that will ensure an easy transition into clinical practice.

2) If you don’t find housing prior to starting residency, DON’T WORRY.

In rare circumstances, you may not be able to find housing immediately and the housing search may extend beyond the start of orientation. Maybe you’re buying a house, and the closing process is taking longer than anticipated. Or maybe you thought you were getting an apartment only to realize you were scammed at the last minute. Whatever the reason, it does happen. Don’t Worry! Our team will be with you every step of the way. Soon you’ll have a wonderful place to live (which you won’t see much of anyway because you’ll be working at the hospital…).

3) Moving is harder than anticipated… and will take more time than planned.

Nearly everything you do in moving for residency will take longer than expected. Give yourself ample time to move.

In fact, we recommend that you ensure you have at least a week to rest up before the start of orientation (if possible). This likely means starting your move approximately one month before residency starts. You’ll need to not only move into your new place (assuming you found one), but receive and unpack boxes, go to the DMV, finalize employment documents, set up your place, make several trips to Ikea, make even more trips to Home Depot, shop for food, and all the other day to day items that go with moving to a new area. Everything will be more difficult than it should, so give yourself some buffer.

4) Save money wherever you can.

Medical school is expensive, costing most graduates upwards of $200K. Depending on your repayment plan, loans may become due and interest will capitalize, while cash flow remains limited. While the good news is that many residency programs offer moving stipends, exactly when these funds are disbursed to resident paychecks may vary. It may take several weeks to receive your first paycheck, so ensure you have enough cash or available credit. Make a budget and ensure it has wiggle room.

Other money-related hacks we recommend include:

  • Sell your large furniture and any non-essentials prior to moving. Unless it is something you’re really attached to, moving furniture is expensive and may cost more than the value of the piece of furniture itself. Underclassmen at your medical school are always looking for a deal!

  • Save your post-interview season credit card points (or any other credit card points) and convert them to cash or gift cards to buy essentials.

  • Pack your spices and other kitchen staples. It is amazing how expensive paprika, garlic powder, and olive oil is when you have to buy it all at once (which may be upwards of $200, and not an expense you need at the moment).

5) Moving companies are expensive and unreliable. Plan on something going wrong.

Hiring a white glove moving service or purchasing a POD are expensive options that are also unpredictable in certain instances. Cheaper moving companies are even more undependable. Even renting a U-haul and doing the drive yourself will carry a much heftier price tag than anticipated, and things can go wrong.

Whatever option you do choose, we will help you select one that is right for your budget and time. While we do recommend saving every penny, exhausting all of your energy to move yourself likely will drain reserves prior to starting orientation. Try and avoid burning out before you even start work.

The thing is, regardless of which option you choose, something will inevitably go wrong. Something you care about will break. Or the moving company will completely lose a box or two. Other shipments will come grossly late, as much as several weeks.

Conversely, some moving companies may offer a deal that seems “TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE,” and it usually is. At The Coley Group we have established trusted relationships with vendors to be with you every step of the way.

Take a deep breath, have fun and know that it will all work out in the end.

Anything can happen while you move. The great news is that you will soon learn the satisfaction of caring for patients at the most vulnerable points in their lives. It is an honor and a privilege few ever get to experience. Med school, navigating the interview season and all the troubles and stresses along the way are worth it.

And even the most tragic of relocating for residency stories becomes funnier over time. Trust us, we’ve been there and done that and succeed brilliantly. You can expect the same results.