Buzz
The pandemic has reshaped many areas of life, including our work habits. In May, 35.2% of employees worked remotely, up from just 8.2% in April. Depending on your viewpoint, this shift could be seen as either beneficial or challenging. A positive outcome of remote work, however, is the chance to work from a different location.
With international travel on pause, remote workers might seize the opportunity to work from any location within the U.S.—or even opt to become digital nomads, giving up a permanent address. While the idea of a change of scenery may be enticing, it's important to consider a few key factors before making the move.
Consult with your employer
Before diving into short-term rental listings, it's important to discuss your travel plans with your employer. If you’re still working full-time as a W-2 employee, ensure that both the company and your supervisor are comfortable with your remote work arrangements. While this may not affect the quality of your work, there could be other issues—such as tax implications. For example, working from another state might establish your company’s presence there, potentially requiring state-level payroll tax registration or corporate income tax payments, as noted in a CNBC report.
Think about your income taxes
Where you choose to work from may also have personal tax consequences. Certain states might begin withholding income taxes immediately, which would require you to file a non-resident tax return. However, this depends on your location—and whether your earnings surpass the state's minimum income thresholds. It’s even possible you could owe taxes in two states. Some states, like New Jersey and Pennsylvania, have reciprocity agreements that allow you to work in both without double taxation, so it’s important to research the rules carefully.
Choose your new destination
Once your employer gives you the green light, it’s time for the exciting part—selecting a new city. There are numerous lists that highlight the best big cities for remote work, but you might also be considering smaller towns. A new study by Hire a Helper ranks the top remote towns based on factors such as cost, amenities, wifi access, and outdoor features like air quality and green spaces. The number one town—Gatlinburg, Tennessee—is nestled just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Find a place to stay
Before you begin your search, create a list of your must-have features for your temporary home. Essentials like high-speed internet and basic furniture might be non-negotiable, while factors like living alone, proximity to laundry facilities, and good public transportation could be nice additions. You can explore short-term rental options on platforms such as Airbnb, Craigslist, Trulia, Apartments.com, VRBO, and Sublet.com. (It’s probably best to avoid couch-surfing arrangements during the pandemic.)
Decide what to do with your belongings
Whether you're subletting your place or moving out completely, you'll need to figure out where to store your belongings while you're away. If you don't have a friend's or relative's basement to use, consider a short-term storage solution, like a storage unit.
“Portable storage containers are ideal because you don’t have to drive a large moving truck, and you can rent them on a month-to-month basis,” explains Mike Glanz, co-founder of HireAHelper and president of moving services at Porch.com.
Glanz suggests that a studio may require around 50 square feet of storage space, while a 3-bedroom apartment might need up to 150 square feet. Here’s a useful chart to help you estimate how much storage space you might need.
Be adaptable
One of the key lessons of 2020 is that circumstances can change unexpectedly. Travel plans might fall apart, particularly if you're transitioning into a digital nomad lifestyle and constantly moving. However, by staying flexible, you could take advantage of great last-minute deals or uncover a new destination you hadn’t considered before.
