Moving To Another State With No Money? Here’s How to Make It Work

While it may not be preferable, moving to another state with no money doesn’t have to be a total nightmare. Plan ahead, and you should be able to figure out how to move out with no money sooner rather than later.

We’ve all heard stories of people who move to new states or new countries with just $5 in their pockets. Somehow those people found a way to make it work. Whether you’re feeling optimistic about your prospects or just don’t have any other choice but to find a way to make it happen, keep in mind that your situation and your potential solutions are unique to you. Let’s go over the process of how to move out with no money.

How to move out with no money — start with these tips

Figuring out how to move with no money, especially to another state, isn’t an impossible task. What it does require, however, is plenty of research and a plan that you can put into place immediately to get on more solid ground. This isn’t something that you just want to wing unless you have a safety net to fall back on or are willing to cut your losses and move back home if things don’t work out.

In either case, here are some things you should do if you’re moving with no money.

1. Do your research

   Moving to another state without money isn’t a decision that should be made on the fly. You need to take a look at both the cost of living in the city or town you’re intending to move to. Also, look at your prospects for securing affordable housing and a job. Use our free online cost of living calculator to compare cities based on finances and other quality-of-life factors that will matter when you’re moving on the cheap.

2. Assess your finances

   It doesn’t matter whether you’re moving with $100 or $1,000. You need to know what you’re working with so that you can plan accordingly.

   Plan a budget for your move that accounts for packing costs and travel costs (including gas and food on the road). You can start by using Themoveme.com moving cost calculator to get an estimate for your move and the packing and moving box calculator to get an idea of what packing supplies you’ll need. And here’s our take on how much moving out of state will cost and how to prepare.

3. Save for emergencies

   Even if you are living on a tight budget it’s important to save what you can in case of an unexpected cost around the time you’re moving. What if there’s a medical issue or your car broke down right before moving day? Try to plan for that by setting aside some money so you can move without delays and going into debt.

4. Consider all affordable housing alternatives

   If you already have a place to stay, great. If you’re going to need to secure one post-move, determine exactly how much you have to spend. You can usually find room rentals on the cheap through sites like Airbnb or VRBO, which will allow you to keep costs at a minimum while you get yourself settled. Consider couch surfing (here’s an app), a sublet or a home-sharing arrangement. You can try Airbnb’s monthly rentals section to find temporary housing. With home-sharing, you will likely be paired with an elderly homeowner who needs a little extra help in exchange for low rent. Check out this directory to find home-sharing opportunities in your state.

   Living in a house or living in an apartment aren’t your only options. Manufactured-home living is seeing a bit of a resurgence in popularity now as young Americans are ditching the McMansion for a more minimalistic living. As of last year’s data reported by the Manufacturing Housing Institute, 22 million Americans lived in manufactured homes. Manufactured homes are more affordable than standard, site-built homes. And, if you’re heading to the South or the Midwest, in particular, you’ll find an abundance of them.

   Another option, if you don’t mind sharing the space, is to get a roommate. Or 12 of them. With fewer affordable options in many major U.S. cities, some renters are looking for alternative housing solutions. The median price for a one-bedroom apartment in New York is $3,420 and $2,900 in San Francisco. Few can afford this. So if you’re moving to a city with a high cost of living, why not consider a pod share? Those are co-living spaces where individuals rent a bed (usually a bunk bed) in a shared room, with access to other community spaces like a bathroom and kitchen. If it’s a good fit, not only you’ll have an opportunity to live in a high-priced major city but also to enjoy a unique communal environment.

5. Sell what you can…

   You don’t need to sell all of your belongings if you’re moving to another state with no money, but you should absolutely sell off the things that you no longer want or need. In addition to helping you get some extra cash, selling these items will also lighten your packing load so that you don’t have to spend as much on supplies. This will be especially important if you just have a car to get your items from point A to point B.

   To get started, check out our guide to getting rid of your stuff before you move. In it, we go over the most popular marketplaces for offloading unwanted belongings and turning them into cash. If you have the time and inclination, you could also host a pre-move garage sale either on your own or with your neighbors.

   Anything that doesn’t sell, you can donate. See https://www.allieddubaimovers.com list of charities that offer free donation pickup. Places like Salvation Army and Dress for Success will happily take your gently used clothing. And if you have unwanted items, a junk removal service can haul them away for you, even the heavy stuff like a mattress or an air conditioner.

6. … But hold on to the essentials

   There are certain things that you’re definitely going to need as you get your footing. For example, don’t sell all of your interview-worthy clothes, or pawn off your laptop just because it might mean a windfall for your bank account. Both of those things will be crucial if you have to hunt for a job. Have a resume updated and ready to go, and print out some copies too so that you have them readily available.

   Other things you’ll need to be sure to have along with you include important documents like your social security card and I.D. card, basic toiletries and a few changes of clothes (as well as a plan for getting them laundered); any cards, checks, documents or other necessities related to your banking; medications, if applicable; and anything else that you simply can’t live without. 

7. Figure out a way to make income right away

   The best way to move without money is to have a job ready and waiting for you when you get there. But don’t feel like it has to be a 9-5 or nothing. The gig economy offers you quite a few options if you need to make some fast cash and can help tide you over until you find something more financially sustainable. The gig economy concept isn’t new, but during the pandemic, it has morphed into a trillion-dollar industry with millions of people involved.

   Some examples of the jobs you could do include:

   • Rideshare driver
   • On-call delivery driver
   • Babysitter
   • Nanny
   • Admin temp
   • TaskRabbit worker
   • Seasonal retail employee
   • Online marketplace seller

   If you have a background or talent in something that lends itself to remote work — such as graphic design or writing — those could be good options too. You can become a freelancer, a consultant or an independent contractor in many industries these days.

   While you don’t need to have your entire career future set in place before your move, having some sort of plan for bringing in money while you iron out the rest of the details will take a lot of weight off of your shoulders and will give you some flexibility as you move forward.

8. Be realistic and set your expectations

   Even the best-case scenarios might leave you struggling for a little bit right after your move. Have a job lined up? You’re still going to need to account for the weeks https://servicebasketuae.com it could take to get onboarded and get that first paycheck. Staying with a friend? Be sure you’re both on the same page about how long your stay can last and what’s expected of you as a guest in terms of helping out with bills, food or other necessities.

   All of this isn’t to say that you should go into your move with a doom-and-gloom attitude, but it’s incredibly important that you get an accurate feel for what you’re facing so that you don’t make some mistakes early on that could come back to bite you. Moving to another state with no money means that you have to make any money you do bring with you last as long as it can. And for that, you’ll have to know what you’re in for.

   And what if you have no immediate opportunities in terms of jobs or housing prospects? You’ll need to be a realist there, too. Is it possible for you to hold off on the move until you have some prospects? If not, how do you intend to make an income? If your best option is to get in on the gig economy, start figuring out your steps forward as soon as you possibly can.

9. Set up a backup plan

   Speaking of being realistic, consider what your worst-case scenario might be and then plan for it. If you do find yourself without housing, what solutions does the town or city you are moving to offer? Are there organizations that you can turn to for meals and groceries while you job hunt? What about career service agencies that will provide you with free advice and/or assistance? Don’t be ashamed of seeking out and asking for help — it’s what these organizations are there for.

10. Live within your means and save money

    There’s no doubt that even DIY moving can get expensive, but even with high-cost activities, there are areas where you can keep costs down. Gather free packing boxes instead of purchasing new ones; camp out in your car instead of splurging on a hotel during your drive; and stock up on non-perishables so you have food without having to resort to the drive-thru.

11. Adjust your budget after you move

    Be cognizant of living within your means after the move. Don’t be tempted to spend your first paycheck on new household items or going out for entertainment. Until you settle and start earning enough money, you might have to be a minimalist consumer.

    If you have friends in your new city and they want to welcome you to town by going out to a nice dinner, suggest you grab a slice of pizza and walk around your new neighborhood instead. If you’ve taken the time to budget, you’ll know what you’re working with and how much you can spare. Stay within that limit so that you can stretch your current finances as far as they can possibly go. Ideally, 50 percent of your monthly pay should cover all necessary expenses, 30 percent of your monthly pay should go toward things you want, and 20 percent should be used for debt repayment and long-term savings.

12. Ask for help and recommendations

    Sometimes this is even trickier for people to conceive of doing than the idea of moving with no money itself. Often though, there are resources out there — you just have to be willing to make the first move and ask. This could mean asking some friends and/or family members for a loan or asking for an advance on a job payment. It doesn’t hurt to make the request. Even if you don’t get everything that you need you may be able to make a dent in the right direction. Other things that are worth asking around for are referrals for cheap apartments, free furniture requests and moving help.

13. Get housing assistance

    You might qualify for low-income moving assistance in some cases. One of the first places to look when you’re in need of help with moving expenses is local and national charities and grant organizations. There are quite a few that offer moving cost support and that may be able to assist you in your relocation, like Catholic Charities and the Housing Industry Foundation’s (HIF) Emergency Housing Fund. There are also local, state and federal grant programs that offer help with moving costs, and there are even some moving companies that offer free public assistance/HRA moving programs for those who qualify.

Saving money on your move

When you’re working with a limited budget or no money at all, it’s worth looking into anything that you can do to cut down on moving expenses and make your relocation more manageable. In addition to pursuing low-income moving assistance as noted above, consider these additional ways of reducing expenses for a more affordable move.

Source free moving supplies wherever you can

You can often get free boxes if you know where to look. Ask around, including a call to your local grocery stores and other retail stores. As for other free packing supplies, you can ask your family and friends if they can spare any.

Use alternative packing supplies

You can also use other items as “boxes,” such as laundry hampers and dresser drawers. Plastic bins are another great choice if you have them, and will come in handy later on too. Towels, bedding and clothes all make for excellent alternatives to packing paper and padding, and it’s a two-for-one win since they are items you’d be bringing along anyway.

DIY as much as you can 

By choosing a DIY move, you’ll likely save thousands of dollars. A full-service company can cost anywhere between $4,000 and $9,000 for an interstate move. A truck rental is considerably more affordable, however, at $1,200-$2,000. If you pack yourself (before paring down your stuff ruthlessly), you can save a lot of money on your move.

Consider renting a portable moving container

Can’t move all of your stuff with just your car? One of the most popular interstate moving options is renting a portable moving container. It can also double as a storage container before and after moving. In general, renting a moving container for a long-distance move costs anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000 per month, which is still considerably cheaper than hiring a professional cross-country moving company.

Avoid peak moving dates

When you move impacts the cost of relocation. A few peak moving dates to avoid (if your moving timeline allows) include weekends, the months between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and the first and last weeks of the month. Your ideal choice would be a mid-day, mid-month move between October and April.

Ship your stuff

Don’t have room in your car but can’t part with some essentials? Ship it. In addition to shipping items via Movers and packers Company In Dubai USPS, FedEx and UPS, you can also ship larger objects through various service providers online, such as uShip.com.

Have your company pay for the move

If you’ve already secured a new job, ask about the company’s relocation policies. Many companies will pay for all or part of the move, so it’s certainly worth asking the HR department. They may even have their own preferred list of interstate movers. If your company does pay for the relocation, be sure to save all moving receipts (even your receipts for moving supplies). This way, you’ll be able to document your expenses and get properly reimbursed for the move.

Look for moving discounts

Member of AAA? You can save on moving services at Atlas Van Lines, Extra Space Storage and Penske. PODS, U-Pack, Budget, Penske and North American Van Lines offer military discounts. Need moving supplies? Find deals and discounts through our box center.

Become a driveaway driver

Car relocation companies like Auto Driveaway are often hiring drivers who can take a rental car one way. Not only you can get where you need to be but you will also get paid for it.

Tips for finding remote work

One of the pandemic’s most notable impacts on the moving trends has been the massive shift to remote work for a large portion of the American workforce. If you’re one of those people who want to take advantage of remote work benefits, like living somewhere more affordable, check out our tips for finding remote work.

Move to a state that’s great for both working and living

If you want to work remotely, consider relocating to one of the states with good working and living environment. Things to look for are excellent Wi-Fi availability, affordable real estate and plenty of co-working spaces for those looking to work outside the house.

Know the terminology when looking

When you search for remote work, don’t limit yourself by searching the “find remote work” keywords. Companies also use terms like “work from anywhere,” “work at home,” “work from home,” “distributed workforce,” “virtual job,” “online job,” “telecommute,” and so on.

Adjust your keyword search accordingly

Even better, pair your search keywords with relevant jobs. For example, instead of “project manager” use “remote project manager” or “work from home product manager.”

Create remote job alerts

Most popular job sites (as well as places like LinkedIn) allow you to create job alerts. That way, you’ll get notified of any new job listing based on your preferences. Create several alerts for your specific keywords so you can be the first to apply.

Read the job description carefully

If you’re looking for a 100 percent remote job, make sure you find exactly that. For example, If you see “hybrid” mentioned, that means the job is part in-office and part remote. And many remote jobs have legal, tax, client base and travel restrictions so they have location requirements. For example, a company may only pay employment taxes in certain states, or requires its employees to meet clients in person sometimes and travel for business.

Be aware of the common scams

Stay away from any job description that mentions rebate processing, secret shopping, product testing or reshipping. Those are most likely scams. These are all red flags:

• The ad mentions “quick money,” “investment opportunities” or “unlimited earning potential”
• You’re asked for sensitive personal information at the early stage of your application process
• You’re not asked for references
• You are asked to pay expenses upfront (like pay to attend a seminar or buy training materials)

If the job listing looks suspicious, trust your instinct. Research the company before applying or accepting the job. You can search the company name with the word “scam” and see what comes up. Check the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission websites too. 

Know where to look

Thousands of companies hire remote workers, from giants like Amazon to small online startups you’ve never heard of. Remote IT, customer service, healthcare opportunities abound. Use job search platforms that specialize in remote and flexible work, like FlexJobs or We Work Remotely. Ask your friends who work remotely where they’ve looked. Pore over LinkedIn and local help wanted sites.

Include your remote skills when applying

You have to convince your potential employer that you’re the best applicant not just for the job but for the remote job. That includes highlighting your remote skills and experiences in your resume and cover letter (and a job interview if it comes to that). If you have worked remotely before, definitely mention that. But even if not, if doesn’t mean you don’t have the necessary skills. So mention anything that might apply to remote work, like requiring minimal direction or training, excellent time and task management skills, self-motivation, a high level of comfort with technology, and so on. List all remote-specific programs you’re familiar with, like web and video conferencing programs, online database systems and document repositories.

Create or update your online presence

If you haven’t done it yet, create (or optimize) your LinkedIn profile as potential employees will be looking you up (you can also easily apply for jobs via LinkedIn). If you are using social media for professional networking, update and clean up your accounts. If not, make sure they are private or don’t contain anything that might prevent you from getting the job. Consider creating a website for yourself, where you can showcase your skills, services and experience. You can also put your resume and your portfolio of work there. To grow an audience, consider writing a blog in your area of expertise.

Ace the remote interview

Now is a good time to show off how comfortable you are with technology. Test your connection and the equipment you’ll be using. Download any necessary programs and set them up in advance. Obviously, dress professionally and be on time. Speak clearly and watch your body language. Think about the questions you’ll likely be answering and practice your answers (preferably, on camera). Some questions will be the questions asked during any job interview: “Tell me about yourself” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Others might focus on the remote aspect of the position, such as “Why do you want to work remotely?” and “How do you stay focused?”

Best places to move to with no money

Some localities are a better choice than others when you’re looking for how to move to another state with no money. And in fact, there are even cities and states that offer financial incentives to attract new residents — meaning they’re willing to pay you to move there.

States

• Alaska – Get a yearly payout from the state’s Permanent Fund Dividend, which can add up to an extra thousand dollars annually — or more. The 2021 amount was $1,114.
• Northwest Arkansas – The Northwest Arkansas Council offers the Life Works Here initiative, which gives people who moved to the area a $10,000 cash incentive and a bicycle.
• Maine – Enjoy student loan tax credits based on your graduation year and degree if you move to the state after graduating from a U.S. college or university from 2015 on.
• Vermont – Vermont has not one but two grants. The New Relocating Worker grant offers up to $7,500 in relocation expenses if you move to Vermont and get a full-time job there. The New Remote Worker grant ($10,000) is for remote workers who move to the state.

Cities and towns

• Bemidj, MN – The 218 Relocate incentive package includes up to $1,000 reimbursed moving expenses, one-year membership to the LaunchPad co-working space in the historic Mayflower Building ($1,500 value) and other perks.
• Chattanooga, TN – The Geekmove program is designed to incite developers and system administrators to move to Chattanooga. It offers a $10,000 forgivable second mortgage and $1,250 for relocation expenses.
• Hamilton, OH – Hamilton, located 20 miles north of Cincinnati, offers resident incentives of up to $10,000 to college graduates who relocate to the town.
• Lincoln, KS – The town offers free lots for homebuilders who relocate there.
• New Haven, CT – The town offers a $10,000 interest-free loan to new residents toward the purchase of a home, and the loan is forgiven in its entirety if you reside in the home for five years or more.
•  Newton, IA – Get a $10,000 cash incentive as a new homebuyer of a home valued at $190,000 or more.
• Niagara Falls, NY – Reside in one of the Downtown Housing Incentive Program’s designated neighborhoods for two years and you’ll be reimbursed for your student loan payments for each of those two years (up to $3,492 per year and up to $6,984 total).
• Topeka, KS – Choose Topeka program offers up to $15,000 to those who move to Topeka and the Shawnee County community.
• Tulsa, OK – The Tulsa Remote incentive offers remote workers $10,000, a free desk at a co-working space and other perks.

This list should give you an idea of some of the different types of incentive programs that are available in cities, towns and states around the country. Do your research to see if any incentives apply directly to you so that you know which ones you can take advantage of.

Cheapest cities and towns to live in

Another option if you’re wondering how to move to a new state or how to move out of your parents’ house with no money is to look at the cheapest towns to live in. While cities like New York City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., are notorious for high rents, other places are known for the opposite, making them a smart place to look if you’re moving with limited funds.

Here are the 10 least expensive urban areas in the country, according to the latest study by the Council for Community and Economic Research.

1. Harlingen, TX
2. Kalamazoo, MI
3. Amarillo, TX
4. McAllen, TX
5. Tupelo, MS
6. Pittsburgh, KS
7. Joplin, MO
8. Jackson-Madison County, TN
9. Muskogee, OK
10. Richmond, IN 

If you have big-city dreams on a small town budget, remember that no move has to last forever. If you’re really set on moving to a new state with no money, it can help to be flexible. Move somewhere with a low monthly rent and cost of living where you can save up until you’re financially sound enough to relocate to your preferred location. 

Final takeaways

We’ll be honest: Moving out with no money is not easy. If you’re dead set on it, you’re going to have to be willing to make some sacrifices. That could mean moving to a less than ideal apartment or location until you can save up, moving in with a roommate, or living on a shoestring budget (and maybe even all three).

Always consider all of your options. If you can postpone an interstate move until you have more money, do it. If you have a friend offering a couch you can stay on for free, say yes. By weighing all of your options — and saying “yes” to help when it’s offered, even if it’s out of your comfort zone — you can make your move just a little less tough. Every situation is different. But your best bet is always going to be to proceed cautiously. Always have a clear picture of what is and is not possible. Best of luck and happy moving!