Hand picked by our HR Technology experts after product testing, user research, and much debate - enjoy!
Employee relocation is when a company moves an existing or new employee to a new location and, in most cases, offers a variety of benefits to make the transition smooth and affordable. A company’s relocation program can range from a simple reimbursement of moving expenses to full-service move management that covers all relocation costs. Because there are a lot of moving parts to the relocation process, some companies create a formal relocation benefits package and outsource the management of it to a relocation management company (RMC).
Sometimes referred to as mobility solutions, RMCs can help you design a corporate relocation program to help you move your top employees more efficiently. If you want to offer relocation benefits for your employees, engaging a relocation service provider might make sense for your company. In this guide, we outline everything you need to know about RMCs, including why you might use one, what services you can expect, how much they charge, and more.
We take research seriously. To make sure we’re offering our readers the very best solutions in a given software category, we are methodical, rigorous, and expansive in our research. We consult with HR professionals, vendors, and industry experts. We cut through the noise to bring you a carefully curated list of vendors, along with other essential information, to help you find the right software platform for your business.
Here’s how we chose who makes the cut:
Product: We believe in gaining a comprehensive understanding of a product before we recommend it, so we start by getting to know the software. Whenever possible, we meet with a senior executive (CEO or Head of Product) for a demo and Q&A. We also test the product ourselves to make sure it has a solid UI, intuitive workflows, and the features to make it a best-in-class offering.
User feedback: We go straight to the source and compile feedback on user experience. Real-world input supports our commitment to diligence in our software evaluation methods and the products we recommend. Keeping up with the everyday experience of HR pros also puts new vendors on our radar, and it keeps us close to our community so we can better connect the right products to the right people.
Financial metrics: We are certified finance nerds, so we use all the data we can get our hands on to make selections for our guides. We comb through data for concrete statistics like retention rates, growth, profitability, and scalability. We evaluate the bottom line of each product because we know making a software purchase can put your reputation on the line.
Best for a use case: Software is never a one-size-fits-all product. Sometimes the best solution is free or cheap. Other times it’s the one that is best for global companies or the one that’s sized right for early-stage startups. Keeping this in mind, we include solutions across the spectrum so our readers can find the best fit for their unique needs.
Here's more detail if you want to read more about how we research vendors. Our dedicated staff writers rely on hard data, impartial experts, and user feedback to ensure our reviews are helpful, truthful, and hopefully a pleasure to read!
We track thousands of HR Tech solutions and service providers. Here are the best corporate relocation companies as of 2023.
Why we love it
:
XONEX combines technology with personalized customer service to ensure every relocation job goes smoothly and with minimal interruptions. Each client receives a custom plan according to their budget and needs.
Xonex
Review:
XONEX provides full local and international relocation services including assistance at the transferee’s origin and destination.
With more than 1300 service partners in 130 countries, they offered tailored solutions along with easy-to-use mobility technology. The Gateway web-based system offers separate dashboards for corporate clients and transferees to monitor and manage individual relocations. In addition, the MyXONEX mobile app provides live tracking and connections to a relocation service manager from the employee’s mobile device.
Xonex
Customers:
Xonex
Stats:
XONEX has over 1300 service partners in 130 countries.
Xonex
Pricing:
XONEX does not offer a pricing scale on their website. To get a quote it is best to contact them via phone, email, or the short form on their contact page.
Best For:
Because XONEX is a small firm they are better suited to startups and mid-size companies than a lot of other solutions in our list that manage relocations at scale. Their solutions are customizable and appropriate for once-off or periodic corporate relocations.
Why we love it
:
Aries knows that the foundation of a successful relocation is a rock-solid plan. This is why they set up each of their clients with an expert whose job is to understand all of their challenges, then develop and execute a suitable relocation plan.
Aires
Review:
Aires offers a comprehensive relocation solution for national and international companies who want to move a single employee or even their whole head office.
An employee is linked to a relocation export who is their human point of contact throughout the transfer. However, the main point of engagement is their MobilityX app which assigns and tracks tasks, deadlines, and expenses throughout the relocation. Employers and employees have customized interactive dashboards on the app where they can log expenses, tick off completed steps and communicate in real-time.
Aires
Customers:
Aires
Stats:
Aries was founded in 1981.
Aires
Pricing:
The pricing of Aires’ services isn’t detailed on their website. Contact their sales team to get a custom quote.
Best For:
Companies of all sizes looking for a full-service relocation partner.
Why we love it
:
With their full range of services, Altair Global takes the administrative burden off you by serving as your one point of contact, and effectively coordinating everything from start to finish so you can focus on the more strategic aspects of your job.
Altair Global
Review:
Altair Global offers a comprehensive and data-driven customer relocation service that starts with a cost estimation to confirm viability. Their mobility management services cover the practical aspects of moving employees (housing, flights, and transporting belongings), as well as administrative tasks such as tax compliance and immigration. Tracking and reporting are done via their STAR portal technology.
Altair Global solutions are customizable so that both the movement of individuals and entire companies are catered for. They also offer a service for temporary assignments or rotational employee placement.
Altair Global
Customers:
Altair Global
Stats:
Altair Global
Pricing:
The pricing of Altair Global’s services is determined upon an evaluation of your needs. To get a detailed price quote, reach out to Altair Global’s sales team.
Best For:
Companies across different verticals can benefit from Altair Global’s relocation services and tools.
Why we love it
:
With relocation managers and supplier partners worldwide and a service footprint in over 165 countries, Graebel provides consistent, high-quality services that you can count on wherever you are.
Graebel
Review:
Graebel offers a highly customizable and user-friendly corporate relocation service. The Graebel GlobalCONNECT user dashboard is as accessible and comprehensive as the client would like it to be, depending on their preferred management style.
Relocating employees are assisted via the CityShifter service which includes access to various service providers and relocation tools via the Shyft app integration. Every move is also assigned a dedicated moving coach and 24/7 assistance.
Graebel
Customers:
Graebel
Stats:
Graebel
Pricing:
Since Graebel’s corporate relocation service is highly customizable, pricing varies according to what you need. For more information, we recommend speaking to an agent.
Best For:
Graebel is a good fit for larger organizations that relocate employees on an assignment basis. Their services include temporary compliance, visa, and accommodation services. They can also assist with repatriation once the assignment is completed.
Why we love it
:
Cartus’ services are backed by innovative technology and decades of expertise, ensuring that your domestic transferees and international assignees have the best relocation experience possible.
Cartus
Review:
Cartus offers end-to-end corporate relocation solutions based on the moving employee’s preferences and priorities. Their MovePro360 software auto-adjusts timelines derived from their vast database of relocation experience and predictive analytics.
Their technology allows for easy interaction between relocating employees and their company. It also offers tracking via a client dashboard which alerts relocation managers when sentiment scores or missed deadlines are jeopardizing the move. This enables employers to intervene and assist in real-time.
Cartus
Customers:
Cartus
Stats:
60 years in business
Cartus
Pricing:
Cartus offers custom pricing based on the needs of your business. To learn more, contact their sales team.
Best For:
Multinational companies that source talent from various countries, or manage long-term international assignments are well suited to Cartus’ service model.
Why we love it
:
Sirva offers a client centric corporate mobility solution. They are one of the few relocation companies to bring together owned resources for relocation, moving, immigration and more, via a footprint that expands across six continents.
SIRVA
Review:
Sirva is a comprehensive solution for corporate mobility including commercial moves and employee relocations. Their services cover domestic and international relocations in 190 countries, as well as the support services employees need at the origin and destination of their move.
Although Sirva offers 24/7 consultant support, their Connect+ platform and iMOVE lump sum service app allows for a self-managed, customizable employee experience. Mobility managers have an overview and in-depth tracking solution in Connect+’s HR Platform.
SIRVA
Customers:
SIRVA
Stats:
SIRVA
Pricing:
Sirva has a Global Relocation Cost Estimator which consists of an online form. Submitting a query generates an instant estimate based on stipulated assumptions. For a more accurate cost or integration with your mobility department, you’ll need to speak to an agent.
Best For:
Sirva is an ideal solution for multinational companies who transfer employees regularly on a temporary and permanent basis. Because their relocation services are tiered, there is an adequate answer to moving anyone from an intern to a CEO.
Why we love it
:
With tools, resources, and more than 70 years of expertise in domestic and international mobility, Atlas Van Lines is equipped to handle all sorts of relocation needs.
Atlas Van Lines
Review:
Atlas Van Lines offers a comprehensive relocation service including local, long-haul, and international moves of any size via their global network of relocation agents. Flights, accommodation, and transport for the family are also taken care of via their dedicated travel agency, Atlas World-Class Travel.
A move with Atlas Van Lines is fully customizable, and trackable via their Movr online interface. This platform integrates with other aspects of a relocation, such as real estate agents.
Corporate clients are able to assign an allowance to relocating employees who can then deal directly with an assigned moving coordinator at each end of their journey.
Atlas Van Lines
Customers:
Among large corporate clients, Atlas Van Lines offers personnel relocation services to the US government and military.
Atlas Van Lines
Stats:
Atlas Van Lines
Pricing:
A long-distance move with Atlas Van Lines can cost between $3,000 and $7,500, depending on the size of the house. A short-distance move, say within a state, will cost between $2,000 and $3,000.
This may not seem competitive with what other companies quote, but bear in mind that any quote Atlas Van Lines gives you automatically includes full-service cover. Their quoting process goes into a lot of detail to ensure an accurate figure, and they do offer discounts.
Best For:
Atlas Van Lines is a great solution for unusual or bulky moves that include vehicles, boats, heavy machinery, and delicate equipment. The company also handles unique moves and unconventional terrains, so they are an ideal service provider to move, for example, rural infrastructure like farming equipment.
Due to their partnership, AAA members get special rates on packing and storage and insurance cover.
The decision to outsource relocation logistics comes down to a variety of factors. Here are some reasons why companies offer relocation services and use a relocation company to create, implement, and manage a relocation policy:
If you’re not careful, outsourcing employee relocation can get very costly. To avoid overpaying and ensure that your employees have a smooth relocation experience, consider the following best practices. These will help ensure you don’t make common relocation mistakes, like waiting until the last minute or signing up for more than you need.
Relocation companies charge a variety of fees that vary by company. First, they will charge you a fee for creating and administering your relocation program. We’ve seen packages range from $2,000 - $100,000. What goes into your fee depends on the relocation policy you create and the decisions you make around costs. For example, will you simply reimburse an employee for their moving costs, or will you outsource the entire moving process to a relocation company? Do you plan to cover the entire cost of the move or just a portion?
Other fees you might be charged include referral fees for relocation real estate agents or freight companies, for example; non-compliance fees for services outside your relocation policy or contract; cancellation fees; and more. As you talk to relocation companies, make sure you get a clear picture of all fees that might be applicable for your company.
A relocation management company will design, implement, and manage a relocation policy for your company. The services they offer vary by company, but in general, they include some or all of the following:
Before you commit to one relocation company, schedule calls with them to get a sense of their services, pricing, and more. To direct the conversation, here is a list of questions to consider asking:
You should get a good sense of how implementation works when you have your demos with relocation companies. For example, they’ll be able to tell you if you need any special tech integrations or if they simply need you to provide them with certain company information.
As you get started, be sure to also think about how you’ll actually cover relocation costs. For example, will you pay a lump sum in an employee’s first paycheck that covers their out-of-pocket moving expenses? Will you have them submit an expense report with moving-related receipts? Will you pay for services directly?
To decide which route is best for you, discuss these options with your RMC to see what they recommend based on your company’s unique needs and budget.
A corporate relocation company is a business that is made to specifically move an existing or new employee to a new location and, in most cases, offer a variety of benefits to make the transition smooth and affordable.
You can use a relocation company to create business growth opportunities, keep valuable employees that have to move for outside circumstances, reduce your HR team's workload, leverage cost-savings, and expand benefits.
Relocation companies charge differently based on the company. Generally speaking, they first charge you a fee for creating and administering your relocation program, which can range from $2,000 - $100,000. After that, costs depend on the specific relocation policy you build.
Relocation expenses can add up for both you and your relocating employee. What's more, managing employee relocation can put a lot of pressure on your human resources team. Fortunately, relocation solutions can handle your domestic and global relocation needs and provide expert consulting services to ensure your employees have smooth transitions to their new locations.
Thanks for reading our guide on HR outsourcing service providers. We constantly review the top software vendors in the HR space. If you’re new to HR tech and want to learn more, we recommend you start by checking out our top HRIS, payroll, and benefits administration vendor recommendations.
Stay on top of what really matters in HR and People Tech. Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up on the latest news, trends, and culture.