As the second largest private employer in the U.S., Amazon is constantly relocating employees to offices and facilities across the globe. Whether you‘re a new hire or transferring within the company, Amazon aims to ease the financial and logistical burden of moving with a comprehensive relocation assistance program.
In this ultimate guide, we‘ll dive deep into everything you need to know about relocating with Amazon, including:
- An overview of the different types of relocation packages
- A breakdown of what typical relocation benefits include
- The application and reimbursement process
- Real stories and insights from Amazon employees who have relocated
- Expert tips for a successful move
By the end, you‘ll have a clear understanding of how Amazon can support you through the relocation process and be better equipped to make it a smooth transition. Let‘s jump in!
Amazon‘s Relocation Assistance Program at a Glance
First, let‘s cover some relocation basics. Amazon offers relocation assistance to many employees, primarily those in salaried corporate, tech and managerial roles. Eligibility depends on your specific job level, business unit and other factors like relocation distance.
There are two main types of Amazon relocation packages:
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Lump sum: A one-time payment to cover moving expenses. Amounts typically range from $5,000 to $20,000+.
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Managed relocation: A comprehensive package that includes moving services, temporary housing, destination support and more. Total value usually ranges from $20,000 to upwards of $80,000.
The option you receive generally depends on your job level and needs. Higher-level employees (e.g. senior managers and above) are more likely to get managed relocation. But even entry-level hires may be eligible for basic lump sum to help cover moving costs.
It‘s also important to note that relocation benefits are considered taxable income. However, Amazon does provide a tax gross-up to cover the taxes, so it won‘t come out of your pocket directly. We‘ll explain more about that later.
Digging into the Details: What Does Amazon Cover?
So what exactly does an Amazon relocation package entail? While specifics can vary, here‘s a general breakdown of what you can expect at each level:
Lump Sum Package
With a lump sum, you‘ll receive a set amount of money to use towards eligible moving expenses. The amount depends on factors like relocation distance, homeowner/renter status and family size. According to Glassdoor, lump sums at Amazon typically follow this range:
| Employee Type | Typical Lump Sum Range |
|---|---|
| Intern/Campus Hire | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Renter | $7,500 – $15,000 |
| Homeowner | $12,000 – $25,000+ |
(Source: Glassdoor)
Eligible expenses usually include:
- Moving company costs
- Rental trucks/self-moving equipment
- Packing materials
- Storage (up to 30 days)
- Transportation/final move travel
- Temporary lodging
- Lease break fees
- Utility hook-up fees
After you submit receipts for reimbursement, it typically takes 2-4 weeks to receive the lump sum payment. Any funds not used towards eligible expenses are yours to keep, but will be taxed as income.
Managed Relocation Package
With a managed move, Amazon will work with you directly to coordinate all aspects of your relocation. You‘ll be assigned a dedicated Relocation Coordinator who acts as your main point of contact and helps manage the process from start to finish.
In general, a managed Amazon relocation package includes:
- Pre-move planning/consultation
- Packing and unpacking
- Loading and unloading
- Shipment of household goods
- 30-60 days temporary housing
- Home finding assistance
- Rental tours/area orientation
- Spousal/partner career support
- Settling-in services
- Final move travel costs
The total value of these benefits can range widely, but is typically between $20,000 and $80,000 depending on level and situation.
So how does it work logistically? Your Relocation Coordinator will help you book movers, find temporary housing, arrange transportation and more through Amazon‘s approved suppliers. All costs are billed directly to Amazon. You‘ll also receive a small settling-in allowance (usually $1,500-$7,500) to cover incidentals and discretionary expenses.
One big perk of the managed option is that you don‘t have to front any of the major costs yourself. Amazon pays everything upfront. However, it does mean less flexibility and control over selections and services compared to the lump sum.
Relocating from Abroad: Amazon‘s International Relocation Support
For employees relocating internationally, Amazon provides an even more robust level of support. On top of the standard relocation benefits, international packages usually include:
- Visa/immigration assistance
- Language and cultural training
- Destination/settling-in services
- School search/education consultations
- International tax and financial planning
According to Amazon employees on Blind, the average international relocation package is valued at $80,000+. However, actual amounts can vary significantly based on origin/destination locations, family size, and employee level.
For example, senior-level employees relocating from India to the U.S. may receive upwards of $150,000 in benefits. On the other hand, more junior employees moving from Canada to the U.S. might be closer to the $20,000-$30,000 range.
Regardless of level, Amazon‘s goal is to make the international relocation process as seamless as possible so employees can focus on their new roles. That‘s why they provide such comprehensive destination services and on-the-ground support before, during and after the move.
Real Experiences: What It‘s Really Like to Relocate with Amazon
To give you a better idea of what relocating with Amazon is really like, we talked to several employees about their experiences. From the initial conversations with their recruiter to getting settled in their new city, here‘s what they had to say:
Emily T. – Relocated from NYC to Seattle for Product Manager role
I had a great experience with relocation! Since I was an experienced hire, I got a managed move. My relocation coordinator took care of everything – she found me a beautiful corporate apartment right by the office, booked my movers and flights, and checked in regularly to see what else I needed. It was so helpful to have that dedicated support so I could focus on wrapping things up in New York and preparing for my new role.
I didn‘t have to spend any of my own money upfront, which was a huge relief. Amazon covered all the major costs directly. I also got a $5,000 misc allowance that I was able to use for things like new furniture and exploring Seattle.
One tip I‘d give is to be proactive and clearly communicate your needs/preferences from the start. It‘s a very fast-paced process, so the more info you can provide upfront, the better they can accommodate you!
Vik P. – Relocated from India to Seattle for SDE role
Applying and interviewing for my role at Amazon was a long process, but once I got the offer, things moved very quickly! I worked with an India-based relocation team who helped me with every step of the process. From booking flights to finding an apartment to getting my visa paperwork together, they made it so easy.
My package included a lump sum of around $20,000 to cover moving costs and help get settled. I also got 4 weeks of corporate housing while I looked for a permanent apartment. It was definitely an adjustment moving from India to the U.S., but the relocation team connected me with other recent hires and expats at Amazon which made a huge difference.
The whole process took about 2 months from offer to start date. So my advice would be to start preparing as early as you can! There‘s a lot to coordinate and the sooner you get the ball rolling, the smoother it will be.
Sam R. – Relocated from Austin to NYC for Account Manager role
When I first got my offer for an account manager role in NYC, I wasn‘t sure if it would be feasible to relocate from Austin. But once I saw the relocation package Amazon was offering, it made the decision a lot easier!
As a homeowner, I got a lump sum of close to $20,000. At first I was a little overwhelmed at the idea of planning the whole move myself. But my recruiter shared a ton of great resources, including sample budgets and moving timelines. She also put me in touch with a relocation consultant who gave me personalized guidance on everything from hiring movers to changing my driver‘s license.
In the end, the lump sum actually ended up being more than enough to cover all my major expenses. I was even able to put some toward a security deposit on my new apartment. It was definitely a whirlwind few months with lots of long to-do lists. But looking back, I‘m so glad I took the leap!
As these stories show, no two Amazon relocations are exactly the same. But the common threads are dedicated support, comprehensive benefits, and a fast-paced process. Whether you opt for a lump sum or managed move, Amazon aims to provide the financial and logistical assistance to make relocating as painless as possible.
Tips for a Smooth Amazon Relocation
Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the idea of relocating? You‘re not alone! Moving is always stressful, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can set yourself up for success. Here are some expert tips for before, during and after your Amazon relocation:
Before You Move
- Research your new city thoroughly. Learn about different neighborhoods, cost of living, transportation options and more. Amazon provides great tools like neighborhood guides and cost of living calculators to help with this.
- Make a moving budget. If you‘re getting a lump sum, create a spreadsheet to allocate funds and track expenses. If it‘s managed, work with your coordinator on estimates and preferences.
- Start the visa process ASAP (if applicable). If you‘re relocating internationally, be sure to communicate with your immigration team early and often to avoid delays.
- Leverage your network. Try to connect with teammates or other Amazonians in your new city. They can often provide helpful tips and recommendations.
- Stay organized. Create a master to-do list and timeline leading up to the move. Break tasks into manageable chunks so you don‘t get too overwhelmed.
During the Move
- Keep all receipts if you‘re getting reimbursed. Make digital copies and stay on top of submitting expenses promptly to avoid delays in payment.
- Communicate openly with your relocation team. If any issues or questions come up, don‘t hesitate to reach out to your assigned coordinator for help.
- Be flexible and patient. Even with the best laid plans, moving is unpredictable. Try to stay calm and focus on the most important priorities.
- Prioritize self-care. It‘s easy to neglect basic needs when you‘re in the chaos of moving. But make sure to take time for things like healthy meals, exercise and quality sleep.
After the Move
- Get settled at your own pace. Don‘t feel pressured to have every single box unpacked right away. Focus on the essentials first and then take your time getting fully set up.
- Explore your new city. Building a routine and sense of community is so important after a move. Use tools like Amazon Explore to find local events and hot spots.
- Take advantage of employee discounts. Many apartments, moving companies and service providers offer special rates or perks for Amazon employees. Don‘t forget to ask!
- Check in with your Relocation team as needed. If any issues come up after the move, know that you still have access to support and resources.
- Embrace the change! Relocating is a big transition both personally and professionally. Stay positive and look for opportunities to grow and try new things.
Making the Move: Is Amazon Relocation Right for You?
We‘ve covered a lot of ground in this guide, but you might still be wondering – is relocating for Amazon the right move for you? Only you can answer that question, but here are a few key things to consider:
- Career Growth: How will this role and location change fit into your overall career goals and trajectory? Weigh the potential risks and rewards.
- Finances: Take an honest look at your budget and expenses. Will the relocation benefits cover your needs sufficiently? Create some forecasts.
- Timing: Is it a good time for you (and your family) to make a big move? Consider any current obligations or life circumstances that could make it extra challenging.
- Location: Do your research and make sure you‘d feel comfortable living and working in the new city. Consider factors like climate, cost of living, culture, etc.
- Support System: Who do you know in the new location? If you don‘t have built-in support there, are you prepared to build a new community? Make a plan.
At the end of the day, relocating for a job is a highly personal decision with lots of factors at play. But hopefully this guide has given you a much clearer picture of how Amazon can support you through the process with financial assistance, logistical support and employee resources.
With the right preparation, benefits and mindset, relocating with Amazon can be an exciting opportunity to advance your career, explore a new city and embrace a big change. Wishing you all the best with your relocation journey!
