Relocation agencies come in all sizes and descriptions and can handle a variety of chores connected with a corporate move. Most large realty firms have a relocation arm, although the size of that unit varies. When it comes to private relocation companies, some specialists may be a one-person shop, operating in a small community that sees a lot of turnover of transferees. Such individuals work on a freelance basis for one or two large companies in the area.

The relocation company first talks to the transferee, at the request of the transferee's corporation, to learn her needs in the new community — for example, neighborhood, size and style of housing, nearness to schools, housing budget — so it can put her in touch with real-estate agents in the new town. The relocation person spells out company benefits and policies regarding moves and explains the tax picture, too. He introduces the employee to the community — its cultural attractions, educational facilities, shops, and the like — and in general helps make the whole experience for the transferee run as smoothly as possible. The employee's corporation pays for all of this handholding.

Some companies immediately turn over the transferred employee to one of these agencies. Others provide these services in-house and have no need of an outside company.

If your employer leaves you to fend for yourself in a move (perhaps just reimbursing you for your expenses), you should know the larger relocation companies work only through corporations — they don't take on individual clients. That may not apply to the very smallest, one-person outfits, however.

To find an agency willing to take you on individually, check the Yellow Pages under “Relocation Services.” You should investigate, at least minimally, any company you are thinking of engaging on your own by checking with your local consumer protection agency and Better Business Bureau. Ask the company or individual for references, and then call those references.

If you are paying, costs for a relocation service will vary. A specialist may charge you a flat fee for one or two days' work or it may be an hourly fee or a package charge for however long it takes the expert to see you settled. Most services spend ten to fourteen hours with a client.