Top Corporate Relocation Companies in 2025
For employers considering using corporate relocation companies, this guide lists some of the best service providers in the market.
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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.
To choose the top corporate relocation companies, our team conducted extensive research analyzing over 50 relocation providers. We set up meetings with some of these companies and consulted industry experts to understand what sets the leading providers apart. Based on our research, we believe the critical factors that make a corporate relocation company stand out are: global coverage, service breadth, technology integration, and employee experience.
- Global coverage: For large enterprises with offices worldwide, having a relocation provider with global capabilities is crucial. We prioritized vendors that can support employee transfers across multiple regions and have operations centers strategically located across the globe. This ensures smooth coordination and consistent service quality regardless of where employees are moving to and from.
- Service breadth: Given the complexities of relocating entire families, the best providers offer comprehensive support. Our top picks provide end-to-end guidance — from pre-move consulting to destination services like school searches, language training, and more.
- Technology integration: The best relocation services integrate cutting-edge technology to streamline processes and create personalized experiences. We prioritized providers with innovative digital platforms that simplify tasks like submitting forms, tracking shipments, and accessing destination resources.
- Employee experience: Ultimately, what matters most is the experience for the employee and their family. We favored corporate relocation companies that assign dedicated counselors as single points of contact for transferees. Counselors can address concerns, provide cultural training, help with immigration and tax issues, and overall ensure the move is as stress-free as possible.
Our goal for this guide is to highlight providers capable of facilitating smooth and successful moves for employees and employers alike. For more information, we have a dedicated page detailing how we vet and select HR Tech vendors.
Aires
Aries recognizes that having a robust, detailed plan is the bedrock of any effective relocation. As such, they assign each of their clients an expert consultant, dedicated to understanding their needs and designing a relocation plan accordingly.
PROS
- HR and relocating staff can access the user-friendly MobilityX platform on all devices.
- The integrated system allows oversight of multiple services and budgets from one convenient hub.
- Automatic progress monitoring and reporting let HR swiftly spot delays or overages in relocations.
- HR employees and relocating employees can use the MobilityX app from a desktop or mobile device.
- Multiple services can be managed and budgeted from a single, easy-to-use platform.
- Built-in progress tracking and reporting mean HR can quickly determine if a relocation is taking longer than it should, or going over budget.
CONS
- While the MobilityX app enables smooth communication between employees and the company, several users report that communication with service providers remains an issue.
- Booking appointments is required even for brief calls with relocation consultants.
- Employee users believe that Aires’ high employee turnover and insufficient staffing hamper its ability to consistently deliver quality service, despite their customer-focused model.
- Despite communication between the employee (transferee) and company being fairly seamless thanks to the MobilityX app, reviews of Aires users make it clear that communication with service providers is an ongoing problem.
- Speaking to a relocation consultant requires prior booking, even for a 5-minute call.
- Employee reviews give a strong impression that, although the company’s business model and intentions are geared towards great service, high employee churn and a lack of hands on deck make it hard for them to consistently achieve this.
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 does not have fixed pricing plans. To get a customized quote, you need to contact the Aires sales team directly.
Best For
Companies of all sizes looking for a full-service relocation partner.
Graebel
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.
PROS
- Their globalCONNECT platform offers customizable dashboards tailored to each client.
- Predictive analytics help Graebel spot and respond to relocation trends.
- Virtual surveys via their Shyft partnership eliminate the need for in-person walkthroughs just for cost estimates.
- The Graebel globalCONNECT platform offers a highly customisable dashboard depending on the client’s needs.
- Predictive analytics helps Greabel identify and react to relocation trends.
- Thanks to their partnership with Shyft, Graebel can conduct a virtual survey of the employee’s belongings for quoting purposes, so there is no need for an in-person walkthrough just to get a cost estimate.
CONS
- Several employee users have complained about Graebel’s lack of detailed inventories since they don't handle packing. Missing/damaged claims must go to packers.
- Relocations managed by Graebel consultants follow a rigid timeline, giving transferees little control, unlike their CitySwitcher lump-sum service.
- A recurring complaint in Graebel reviews is that they don’t keep a detailed inventory. Since they're a corporate mobility provider, they have no control over this aspect. The result is that claims for missing and damaged possessions need to be placed with the packers.
- Relocations that are managed by Graebel’s moving consultants happen on a set timeline that the relocating employee and their family have little control over. In this sense, the CitySwitcher lump-sum service allows the user more control.
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 CitySwitcher 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 offers customized relocation services, so pricing varies based on specific needs. For details, we recommend you speak to a Graebel agent.
Best For
Graebel suits larger companies that relocate employees for assignments. Their services cover temporary compliance, visas, housing, and repatriation after assignments end.
I partner closely with our Relocation Specialist and use Graebel to stay updated on each employee’s move. I’m in the platform regularly—usually weekly—to check the status of relocations, review timelines, and ensure everything is progressing smoothly. Most of my workflow involves coordinating with our internal teams and the specialist to handle any exceptions, approvals, or special requests.
I also use it to track budgets, verify documentation, and communicate any changes that might impact the move. It has been a helpful tool for keeping everything organized and making the relocation experience more seamless for everyone involved.
- Graebel brings everything together in one place, eliminating the need to search across different systems.
- The personal support they provide, especially during complex executive moves, helps reduce pressure.
- Clear updates and centralized communication features make the process smoother and less stressful.
We chose Graebel because our relocation process was disorganized. We had different vendors, a lot of back-and-forth, and it created a confusing and sometimes stressful experience for our employees. We wanted something more consistent, more supportive, and easier to manage for both employees and HR.
Graebel provided that—having everything in one place with dedicated support made a significant difference. I’ve been using it for a little over two years now, and it has helped us create a smoother, more thoughtful relocation experience that reflects how we want to support our people. We have partnered with Graebel for the last two years.
- The interface can feel clunky at times, making it harder to find information quickly.
- Updates are not always in real-time, which can make it difficult to get the latest status immediately.
- With so many features, the platform can feel overwhelming for new users.
Compared to other relocation tools I’ve used, Graebel stands out because of its personalized approach and strong support for complex moves, especially at the executive level. While some platforms focus primarily on basic tracking, Graebel provides hands-on service that helps reduce stress for everyone involved.
I also appreciate that everything is centralized, which improves communication and transparency. Overall, I prefer Graebel because it combines reliable technology with personalized support, which is uncommon in this space.
When choosing a tool like this, it’s important to evaluate how user-friendly the platform is so that all stakeholders can use it with ease. Strong support and responsive customer service are also crucial, as timely assistance can make a big difference during relocations.
It's helpful to ensure the tool integrates well with your existing processes and systems. Clear communication features are also important for keeping everyone informed throughout the relocation process.
Graebel has evolved significantly over the years to better meet user needs. The platform has become easier to use, which is helpful when managing multiple relocations. The added personal support, especially for more complex moves, reduces stress for both HR and employees.
Communication tools have improved, making it easier to keep everyone informed. Overall, it has shifted from a tracking tool to a more comprehensive solution focused on making the process easier and more supportive.
Graebel is well-suited for organizations managing complex or high-volume relocations, particularly those involving a mix of mid-level and executive moves. It’s ideal for companies that want a balance of technology and personal support to streamline the process.
It’s especially useful for HR and Talent Acquisition teams that need to track details closely while ensuring a positive employee experience during relocations.
Graebel may not be the best choice for smaller organizations or those with very few relocations, as it is designed for more complex and higher-volume needs. Companies with a simple relocation process or minimal need for personalized support might find it more robust than necessary.
Businesses seeking a basic or low-cost solution might also find Graebel to be more than they require. It is most effective when detailed coordination and hands-on service are needed.
Cartus
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.
PROS
- Cartus does not own or hold interest in a transportation company and therefore assesses and picks suppliers based on performance.
- Their Benefits Builder feature allows employees to choose the relocation services they most want, which means you don’t pay for an experience that didn’t benefit them.
- Because Casrtus’ business model is so customizable, they can be as involved in your relocation program as you need them to be.
- Cartus does not own or hold interest in a transportation company and therefore assesses and picks suppliers based on performance.
- Their Benefits Builder feature allows employees to choose the relocation services they most want, which means you don’t pay for an experience that didn’t benefit them.
- Because Casrtus’ business model is so customizable, they can be as involved in your relocation program as you need them to be.
CONS
- User reviews cite Cartus’ claims process as an ongoing issue, in that reimbursements can take months to reach the employee.
- Cartus uses various third-party service providers for a move, but their process does at times allow communication between service providers to fall short.
- User reviews cite Cartus’ claims process as an ongoing issue, in that reimbursements can take months to reach the employee.
- Cartus uses various third-party service providers for a move, but their process does at times allow communication between service providers to fall short.
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 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.
Altair Global
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.
PROS
- Because Altair Global has no parent company or subsidiary they are not bound to a specific service provider, so they can use the best solution for their client. We even found accounts where they accommodated the transferee's wishes to use a particular mover or auto transport provider.
- Real-time feedback and reporting mean clients can take action quickly if a relocation is delayed or otherwise causing the employee unwarranted distress.
- Customizable solutions mean they cater to temporary relocation, making them a viable solution for companies who do contract work or run internship programs.
- Because Altair Global has no parent company or subsidiary they are not bound to a specific service provider, so they can use the best solution for their client. We even found accounts where they accommodated the transferee's wishes to use a particular mover or auto transport provider.
- Real-time feedback and reporting mean clients can take action quickly if a relocation is delayed or otherwise causing the employee unwarranted distress.
- Customizable solutions mean they cater to temporary relocation, making them a viable solution for companies who do contract work or run internship programs.
CONS
- All customer communication goes through a dedicated relocation specialist, so it is difficult and time-consuming to get feedback from a specific department.
- Although they are service focussed, Altair Global acts as a middleman for a lot of key functions in their relocation process. For example, we found reviews where contracted movers cause pain points that customers must resolve.
- Based on user reviews, the cost of using Altair Global and their service terms are confusing.
- All customer communication goes through a dedicated relocation specialist, so it is difficult and time-consuming to get feedback from a specific department.
- Although they are service focussed, Altair Global acts as a middleman for a lot of key functions in their relocation process. For example, we found reviews where contracted movers cause pain points that customers must resolve.
- Based on user reviews, the cost of using Altair Global and their service terms are confusing.
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.
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.
The last organization I was in as a senior HR Business Partner was global. We had employees in the US and Europe, and we were growing by 107%, so we were constantly in a state of growth globally. Within the last 2 years, I don't remember a time we weren't hiring nationally and internationally in our group.
I interfaced with Altair Global as needed (as the relationship between my company and Altair Global was well established) probably intimately twice per year. I primarily was involved with connecting newly hired employees that were relocating, or employees being hired on a temporary assignment within the company to another location, and where they needed a little more connection from the company (me) to our vendor Altair Global on relocation reimbursements, and for finding policy related coverage answers.
What I like most about Altair Global is having them as an expert concierge service for our employees who are moving their lives sometimes across the globe.
Secondly, I appreciate having a single contact for our employees (outside of me) to answer complex, and import details about their move - whether that be good neighborhoods to move into or the status of the shipment of their home goods.
I really appreciate that there are "real" people I and our employees can talk to throughout the process, without being forced to work through a non-user-friendly form to get the help needed.
The organization I worked for recently used Altair Global for 12 years. It was a Fortune 500 global company and was always hiring in some capacity. We relied on Altair Global during my tenure at the global corporation for our relocations of talent.
For the last 5 years during the time I was a senior HR partner there, we used Altair Global as our partner to safety permanently, and temporarily move our talent into or within the company to various national and international assignments.
Relocating can be incredibly complex, time-consuming, and emotional. Having an expert in our corner who knows the ins and outs of particular locations, including local law was incredibly helpful to provide for our employee experience. I have partnered with Altair during the last 5 years when working with employees who needed to be relocated.
What I have found frustrating about Altair Global is finding a consistent experience for employees. I understand how incredibly difficult this can be given the uniqueness and complexity of everyone's move, whether that be the communication of when a lump sum reimbursement will arrive, or the communication style of the rep the employee has to deal with.
A second suggestion I have outside of creating a positive consistent experience with responsive Global Services Relocation Consultants is for the availability to the employee for a "command center" dashboard that shows the status of their move (in addition to email/phone communication).
For example, display items on a personalized dashboard for employees - in green are items/actions complete, and on time, items in yellow identify what hasn't been completed, red is incomplete/warning for delayed move, etc. Perhaps this is an option, but at the time our company hadn't implemented this customization.
Thirdly is transparency in the billing between what bespoke options the employees have requested, what was executed by Altair Global, and what our corporation was billed for.
I have some experience using Cartus. With my limited touch points with them, what stood out was their additional product offerings. For example, the quality culture training provided to employees relocating to a new country. I don't recall Altair Global offering that.
Also what I heard from employees who have been on several international and domestic assignments is that Cartus provides better customer service, and their reps seem more knowledgeable and willing to help with the impacted employee throughout the process. This is anecdotal from several employees that I have been with along their relocation journeys.
People should think about how many employees they think they will be moving per year (is the cost worth the benefit) when considering purchasing a tool such as this. They should also think about specifically where employees are moving to and from, as that can be a significant complexity, and knowing the vendor's expertise is a crucial decision.
I've known employees who want to quit because of frustrating move experiences where communication was lacking and commitments were broken. This is such a crucial piece to the beginning of an employee's life cycle at a company.
I've seen Altair Global modernize and become a little bit more customizable over the years. Of course, one needs to consider what options the customer corporation has purchased and allowed through policy. There are now more options on reimbursement, and how to move home goods. Thankfully I see customer feedback making an impact, and improvements are being seen!
I would recommend Altair Global to any company that has the budget for a concierge relocation service, and that has employees move across the country, or to another country. Supporting an employee move is a full-time job in and of itself, that requires experience and expertise. An in-house person does not have the advantage of an experienced vendor, and would not make sense in most cases, so for most organizations who hire talent and need to relocate them for a long-term or permanent assignment, this is the smart decision!
Small companies with limited budgets who hire only locally, or remotely would probably not see as much benefit from Altair Global.
Atlas Van Lines
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.
PROS
- Atlas Van Lines move vehicles and other specialty items (like valuable art) that a smaller vendor may not want to take on.
- They offer storage in transit as well as longer-term, secure storage solutions in the US and Canada.
- Because of their expansive network, their service is highly customizable and can cater to unconventional moves.
- Atlas Van Lines move vehicles and other specialty items (like valuable art) that a smaller vendor may not want to take on.
- They offer storage in transit as well as longer-term, secure storage solutions in the US and Canada.
- Because of their expansive network, their service is highly customizable and can cater to unconventional moves.
CONS
- Larger and custom moves have a highly detailed quoting process, so you can’t get an instant estimate. In most cases, a local agent must do an in-home estimate.
- Atlas Van Lines makes use of a network of independent agents, so service quality varies. Based on reviews, communication with customers is an ongoing issue.
- The Movr client interface communicates only to the relocating employee, so there is no digital dashboard from which a corporate client can manage multiple relocations.
- Larger and custom moves have a highly detailed quoting process, so you can’t get an instant estimate. In most cases, a local agent must do an in-home estimate.
- Atlas Van Lines makes use of a network of independent agents, so service quality varies. Based on reviews, communication with customers is an ongoing issue.
- The Movr client interface communicates only to the relocating employee, so there is no digital dashboard from which a corporate client can manage multiple relocations.
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.
Among large corporate clients, Atlas Van Lines offers personnel relocation services to the US government and military.
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.
Atlas HXM is an excellent tool for managing the entire employee lifecycle. It prioritizes the employee experience while providing robust features for compliance, payroll, and human capital management. With its employer of record (EOR) feature, hiring an international workforce becomes much simpler, eliminating the need to establish costly and time-consuming legal entities in specific countries. The platform is innovative and highly effective for these purposes, making it a go-to choice for global workforce management.
- Atlas HXM is a robust and scalable system that adapts well to the needs of large, global organizations.
- It excels in international hiring, standing out as the premium choice for HR software in this category.
- The onboarding process is seamless and very user-friendly.
I worked with a client on a tech optimization project that required an employee experience management tool. I used the system closely for a period of six months, which was the duration of the engagement. Atlas HXM emerged as a strong contender because of its unique feature set for recruiting, hiring remote teams, and ensuring compliance.
The organization needed to manage a diverse set of regulatory requirements while maintaining a global workforce, and Atlas HXM proved to be the ideal solution for this challenge. Its comprehensive tools allowed the client to streamline processes and address compliance issues effectively.
- It is an expensive option; both implementation and maintenance come with high costs for the advanced features it offers.
- Some features are not immediately visible and require a learning curve to utilize fully.
- Certain integrations can be difficult to implement effectively.
Many of Atlas HXM's competitors fail to prioritize both experience management and the global component together. Most tools focus on one or the other. This dual focus makes Atlas HXM stand out in its category, making it an excellent choice for organizations that value these features.
- Determine your budget for the tool, as it can be a significant investment.
- Assess whether you have a large, global workforce and if prioritizing employee experience is a top concern.
- Consider the agility of your employee experience team or whether you have one in place.
Atlas is relatively new software. It exhibits all the hallmarks of a modern tool designed to meet the needs of organizations looking for cutting-edge solutions in employee experience and global compliance.
Large organizations, particularly in industries like technology, that prioritize streamlining employee experience and have significant recruiting needs in multiple countries may not find Atlas to be the right fit.
Any organization that is not large and does not have a monster budget for this sort of tool.
SIRVA
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.
PROS
- Sirva is one of the few corporate mobility solutions that use owned resources and van lines for relocation.
- The iMOVE Solution is great for companies who relocate a lot of entry-level and junior employees. The iMOVE app allows these employees to spend an allocated allowance on services that matter to them.
- Extensive support services include spouse or partner support, pet relocation, and settling-in services.
- Sirva is one of the few corporate mobility solutions that use owned resources and van lines for relocation.
- The iMOVE Solution is great for companies who relocate a lot of entry-level and junior employees. The iMOVE app allows these employees to spend an allocated allowance on services that matter to them.
- Extensive support services include spouse or partner support, pet relocation, and settling-in services.
CONS
- With a limited reach in the U.S. Sirva can only relocate employees to or between 9 major cities.
- Based on user reviews, communication is an ongoing user issue, especially when it comes to claims.
- Sirva has a paperless yet clunky process for onboarding new transferees, consisting of multiple forms.
- With a limited reach in the U.S. Sirva can only relocate employees to or between 9 major cities.
- Based on user reviews, communication is an ongoing user issue, especially when it comes to claims.
- Sirva has a paperless yet clunky process for onboarding new transferees, consisting of multiple forms.
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 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.
SIRVA was used to support employee moving and relocation efforts both within and outside the US. A relocation offer would be provided to the employee, and from there, we would initiate the process with SIRVA. They would then take over, with our guidance on policy as needed, to facilitate the moves for employees.
They served as our third-party vendor but had direct contact with the employee throughout the process. This allowed for a more hands-off approach while still ensuring compliance with company policies.
SIRVA handled a challenging process for both the employee and the company. We did not have the internal resources to facilitate an employee’s move to a new city (or country), so this provided valuable support. They accurately interpreted our policies and standards. The process was well-suited and streamlined from an administrative perspective.
We needed a company to support the moving and relocation of employees both within and outside the US. We used SIRVA for a few years, and it helped facilitate the moving process. It fully managed the employee relocation process, from providing the moving package to handling logistics and real estate support. This streamlined approach made the process more efficient for both the company and the employees.
The employee experience was not always positive. Some employees complained about poor communication regarding important details. The moving process is complex, and at times, the company did not communicate it in a way that was easy for employees to understand. Slow response times were also a common complaint.
Additionally, there was inconsistency in the knowledge levels of assigned representatives—some were not as familiar with policies, real estate markets, and other critical details.
I would rate SIRVA highly from an employer perspective but mid-level from an employee experience perspective. If all representatives maintained a consistent commitment to providing the best support for employees' moves, I would rate it higher in that regard.
SIRVA is ideal for a company that lacks internal resources to facilitate employee relocations. Larger companies that can financially support outsourcing relocation services would benefit the most. It also provides employees with access to knowledgeable specialists to help guide them through the moving process.
Based on my experience, feedback has remained fairly consistent, although I have heard that response times have improved.
Medium to large companies with relocation needs can benefit from SIRVA.
Small companies that do not need relocation services will not need SIRVA.
Xonex
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.
PROS
- XONEX takes data protection seriously. They have a SOC Type II status audited by a third-party accounting firm.
- Because of their alliance with GRS, XONEX is a relatively small relocation company with a large reach. Clients get the benefit of personalized service that can handle complicated international transfers.
- XONEX does cost-of-living comparisons so relocating employees have a good understanding of the expected lifestyle at their destination.
- XONEX takes data protection seriously. They have a SOC Type II status audited by a third-party accounting firm.
- Because of their alliance with GRS, XONEX is a relatively small relocation company with a large reach. Clients get the benefit of personalized service that can handle complicated international transfers.
- XONEX does cost-of-living comparisons so relocating employees have a good understanding of the expected lifestyle at their destination.
CONS
- The XONEX website offers little insight into their services and tools. Multiple broken links also make it challenging to navigate.
- Based on customer reviews, XONEX can be slow to respond to queries and claims.
- The XONEX website offers little insight into their services and tools. Multiple broken links also make it challenging to navigate.
- Based on customer reviews, XONEX can be slow to respond to queries and claims.
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 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.
Use Cases: Why Use Relocation Services
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:
- Business growth opportunity: Many businesses benefit from the relocation of an employee. For example, if they’re opening a new location in a new city and need a reliable employee to help generate new business there.
- Keep valuable employees: If a high-performing employee expresses interest in moving to a new location and you don’t want to lose them as an employee, you could offer relocation benefits so they don’t formally resign.
- Attract out-of-state candidates: For some roles, like executive or highly-specialized positions, you’ll need to look for candidates outside your immediate market. If you end up finding the perfect candidate out-of-state, you can include relocation services as part of their benefits package.
- Reduce your HR team’s workload: HR teams are typically the ones in charge of managing an employee’s relocation benefits. To alleviate their workload and let them focus on their other responsibilities, consider using a relocation company to manage everything for you and your relocating employee(s).
- Leverage cost-savings: RMCs have relationships with an extensive network of service providers, from real estate agents to moving companies to freight services, and more. Because of these relationships, they can usually get discounts that they then pass onto to you, giving you more cost-effective relocation options.
- Expand benefits: If you offer relocation benefits in addition to other employee benefits, you can set yourself apart from the competition and attract top talent. What’s more, you’re more likely to retain employees if you’re able to help them relocate.
Considerations & Common Mistakes When Engaging Relocation Companies
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 and free up time to focus on other relocation priorities, such as employer of record companies for international moves.
- Create a policy before you need one: Being proactive about your employee relocation needs will lead to less stress and better planning when you actually have an employee to relocate. So if your company is expanding to a new location and/or if you anticipate needing to hire an executive or other highly specialized role that might involve relocating a candidate, set up your relocation policy first.
- Define eligibility requirements: Some companies create relocation tiers to help cut costs. In other words, offer a full suite of relocation benefits for executives, but stick to a more limited set of benefits for lower-level employees (for example, just reimburse moving expenses). Or, create tiers based on someone’s years of experience or tenure at your company.
- Know how RMCs pay third-party service providers: To maintain transparency with your relocation company and have a solid understanding of what fees they’ll charge, ask them how they pay their third-party service providers, like real estate agents and moving companies.
Pricing: What Relocation Companies Cost
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.
Features: What You Can Expect from Relocation Companies
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:
- Dedicated account manager: You’ll have a dedicated account manager from the relocation company who will run point on your relocation program. As experts in everything from relocation trends and best practices to taxes and legal, they’ll monitor your account, manage policy consulting and benchmarking, oversee third-party service providers, and more — all to ensure you are offering the best possible relocation benefits at the best cost to you.
- Relocation counselor for relocating employees: As an employee begins a relocation, they are assigned a relocation counselor who will serve as their single point of contact for the entire relocation process. At the start, this counselor will get an understanding of the needs of the employee and, if applicable, their family, and will provide support where necessary and as it aligns with your relocation policy and benefits. The counselor then manages each relevant service, whether it’s sourcing appraisers for a home sale, finding temporary housing in the new location, scheduling movers, etc.
- Policy development: A relocation company will design a relocation policy that fits your organization’s needs and budget. What’s more, they’ll proactively monitor your policy to see how it compares to your competitors’ policies. This applies for domestic relocation packages as well as international relocation.
- Moving planning and costs: RMCs will manage and pay for all moving services, from hiring and coordinating a moving company or van line, packing and shipping of an employee’s goods, helping with a home sale, finding a new home, and covering costs associated with buying or selling, or breaking a lease for renters.
- Travel: Relocation companies will cover relocation-related travel costs, like an employee’s flight to their new location. In some cases, they’ll also cover travel for an employee’s family.
- Temporary housing: In some cases, a relocated employee will need to stay in temporary housing while they’re getting settled. In that case, RMCs will help find temporary housing and cover the costs.
- Spousal support: For certain positions, relocation benefits can extend to an employee’s spouse. For example, an RMC will help an employee’s spouse find a job in their new city.
- Tax and legal: RMCs understand the tax and legal implications associated with an employee’s relocation, both domestically and internationally. As such, they can ensure that all tax and legal requirements are met and understood by all involved parties.
- Group moves: If you're setting up a new office, you might want to move a team of existing employees to work out of that space. In that case, moving management services can help you manage the associated logistics of relocating a handful of people.
Vetting Questions: What to Ask Relocation Companies
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:
- How does your process work?
- What service providers do you have relationships with? What kind of cost savings can you pass on to your clients?
- Do you focus on relocations within the United States only, or both domestic and international?
- Do you provide immigration services for international assignments?
- Is there a tech component that will require integration with our existing tech stack?
- What will you need from us to get our relocation program off the ground?
- What ongoing maintenance do you provide as it relates to growing/sustaining our relocation benefits?
Implementation: Launching a Relocation Program
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.
Corporate Relocation Company FAQs
What is a corporate relocation company?
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.
Why use a corporate relocation company's services?
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.
How much do corporate relocation services cost?
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.
Next Steps for Your Employee Relocation Efforts
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.
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