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Graebel uses a people-first approach to create humane, yet strategically scalable and customizable employee relocation solutions for their corporate clients.
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PROS
- 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
- 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.
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Graebel offers a highly customizable, yet sophisticated corporate relocation service. Their clients can choose what departure, moving and arrival services they need, as well as the level of access a mobility team and relocating employees may have. The client also gets to customize how much control they want to maintain within their user dashboard, hosted by the Graebel globalCONNECT online system, and how much they want to be managed by a Graebel consultant.
Graebel globalCONNECT offers integrations and APIs with various HRIS and payroll solutions to ensure reasonably seamless data management. It also uses predictive analytics to monitor trends in ongoing relocations.
Relocating employees are allowed equal autonomy when using Graebel’s CitySwitcher service - a lump-sum management and self-move support platform. Each move is overseen by a moving coach, yet fully within the employee’s control via the app which is accessible from any device. The CitySwitcher app, powered by mobility technology company Shyft, connects users to preferred service providers, various relocation tools, and reminders throughout their move.
CitySwitcher's vendor list includes obvious must-haves like packing, moving and auto-transport services. In addition, it covers helpful services surrounding an employee’s relocation, such as temporary accommodation during transit, assistance with their new government’s regulations, and local area tours. They can even help the employee open a new bank account at the destination.
These services are offered by the global network of Graebel partners who offer their services at discounted rates to CitySwitcher users. Because Graebel only partners with companies that have shown to be reliable and reputable, using their recommendations relieves a lot of the angst surrounding a corporate relocation.
One of the biggest advantages of their partnership with Shyft is the virtual move assessment. This allows the employee to get estimates from various movers without the inconvenience and delay of an agent doing a physical walkthrough of their home.
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.
Since their service structure and dashboard are highly customizable, any size company can make use of Graebels relocation solutions. For a smaller company that only relocates employees on an occasional basis, a plug-and-play solution would probably be more efficient.
- Customizable interactive dashboard: Graebel’s globalCONNECT technology allows them to create a service dashboard according to their client’s management style and priorities. This includes who can access data, and how much is controlled by the client's mobility managers vs. a Graebel consultant.
- Predictive analytics: The Graebel globalCONNECT dashboard collects and reports on past moves, and monitors the expected health of a relocation through predictive reporting.
- International relocation: With a global network of service providers in 175 countries, Graebel can move employees anywhere and assist with local government compliance.
- CitySwitcher self-move service with Shyft app integration: Graebel’s CitySwitcher service includes access to the Shyft online app. This integration allows users access to a network of vetted vendors and relocation tools including a virtual costing assessment.
- Graebel Business Travel Manager: A solution for monitoring and managing employees who are often on the road.
- Office relocation: In addition to moving employees, Graebel can assist with building decommissions and whole- office moves.
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.
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.
Getting started with Graebel requires a consultation on what services you want, how much you want to be handled by your mobility managers, and how much autonomy you want to give to their mobility experts.
Relocating employees can either be completely guided by a moving coach, or they can manage their own move via the CitySwitcher service, powered by the Shyft online app.
Grabel offers 24/7 global support to relocating employees, including allowance administration for moves that are allocated a lump-sum budget.
Graebel, a subsidiary of Graebel Companies, is family owned and family-run business. It was founded by David Graebel as a household goods hauling service in 1950. Leadership has since transferred to his son Bill Graebel.
The company has been exclusively focused on global talent mobility and workplace relocation services since 2014. Today they are recognized as the largest privately-owned relocation management company in the world. According to their website, 300 of the Fortune 1000 companies, including Amazon, rely on them for employee and office relocations.
Company HQ
Denver, Colorado
Number of Employees
1300+
Year Founded
1950
Amount Raised
FAQ
How do Graebel’s relocation options for employees work?
Companies can assign a lump-sum budget to the employee. The employee then uses the CitySwitcher service (powered by Shyft) to select services and vendors from a vetted list. Alternatively the company can contract for a relocation package that is completely managed by Graebel on a set timeline. This is ideal for executives or large family moves that are best left in the expert hands of a mobility coach.
