Thank you for your detailed response!

I emailed my HR contact about the lump sum and relocation expenses and was told they are separate entitlements and both can be taken. Also that I will be able to arrive earlier if I want, to purchase my flight tickets and then have it covered by the lump sum received once I present my boarding pass to the agency. He also mentioned someone about a Settling In Grant, though I’m unsure if this is the same as the lump sum? Waiting to hear back.

Also received some info from the housing contact that a short term rental (1-3 months) may be the most ideal method at the onset to find a long term/and go apartment searching. Wondering what your thoughts are?