Is it worth paying overlapping rent to move before a new job starts?

Quick answer

Sometimes, yes. Grant generally prefers a new graduate to move into the new city about 15–30 days before work starts, with roughly two weeks as a practical minimum when possible. If the old college lease and new apartment overlap briefly, he often considers that a reasonable trade when it creates a calmer move and a stronger start at work. A short overlap can provide time to move belongings, clean the old apartment, set up the new home, test the commute, and solve logistical issues before orientation. The goal is not zero overlap at any cost; it is a smooth transition into the first professional job.

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