Moving vans and fedex are expensive. If you just have a few boxes and suitcases then the cost will be relatively low. But if you have furniture and stuff for a typical 1BR the cost could easily exceed $2k plus the aggravation of packing etc.
Originally Posted by
Often1
1. You say that the $5K is post-tax. If your combined federal + state taxes run 35%, that works out to $108.33/day. Not exactly a princely sum.
2. Your focus in a new job out of college is the job. The purpose of relocation packages is to take the stress out of the move and permit the employee to suceed from the start. Someone else will pack you, move you and unpack you. You, on the other hand, simply board a flight, get off and show up at work. If the moving truck driver gets arrested for DUI in Indiana on the way, that's not your problem. Someone at the relocation company will handle.
3. Seattle is a move-in friendly city. Especially for a single recent college grad. With a little research in advance, you should find a great place in 2-3 days at the most and then you can have what you want for breakfast rather than eating cr*p at a downscale extended-stay place.
4. On the other hand, if you want to spend the first 30 days exploring and need time to make up your mind, take the 30 days.
Agree with this analysis. If the OP has quite a bit of stuff, was planning to spend 30 days in the hotel, needs to show up at work on Monday, will be working long hours, he should take the relo package (and the Marriott points!)
However for your typical college student there is not much stuff of value that needs to move cross-country, and he has a great free lodging option. If it were me I'd take the cash, pack up a few boxes, and sleep on the couch until I found a place. $4-5k goes a long way towards security deposits, rent, etc.