It’s finally happened — you’ve outgrown your childhood bedroom, and it’s time to move out. But, alas, you have no cash.
If you want to know how to move out with no money, you’ve come to the right place. While it may seem daunting at first, there are plenty of ways to make it happen.
Here’s what you can do.
Before You Start Packing
Before you even start packing, there are a few things you need to do.
Weigh All Affordable Housing Options
If you have somewhere to stay, that’s great. If not, then start thinking about all the possibilities. For example, you can find cheap room rentals on sites such as Airbnb or VRBO, or you can try couch surfing.
However, these options are only short-term solutions. A long-term solution is to find a roommate or two and split the rent. You can also look for an apartment with a low-security or no deposit.
Decide Where You Want to Move
I need to move out but have nowhere to go. What should I do?
You need to have a general idea of where you want to live before you can start making any concrete plans. On that note, do some research and narrow it down to a few options.
For example, Mississippi is the most inexpensive state to live in. Its typical housing expenses are 33.7% lower than the national average, while the median price of a single-family house is $140,818.
On the other hand, the most affordable cities to live in are:
- Sioux Falls, SD metro area
- Reno, NV metro area, and
- Provo-Orem, UT metro area.
Make a Budget
If you’re moving out at 18, you probably don’t have a ton of money saved up. That’s okay. Make a budget for what you will need for the move. This includes things like rent, utilities, food, and transportation.
On that note, before moving out, you should save up enough money to cover 3–6 months’ worth of living expenses. That is, you should have between $3,000 and $5,000 in savings.
How to Move Out with No Money or Job
In order to leave your current residence despite the fact you don’t have a job, or the so-called fuck you money, you’ll just have to find ways to get one or the other, or both. Here’s what you can do to make the transition less hurtful to your wallet.
Sell the Things You Don’t Need
If you need money to move out, you can sell the things you don’t need. For example, if you have old clothes, furniture, or electronics that you’re not using, sell them online or at a garage sale.
Move to a Place With a Relocation Program
Consider moving to a city with a robust relocation program. These programs are often implemented by businesses or organizations that want to attract new talent to their area.
Typically, they’ll provide a stipend to help with moving-out costs. For example, if you’re interested in moving to West Virginia, the state will pay you $12,000 to live there for two years. The package also includes free outdoor activities such as downhill skiing and whitewater rafting.
Other states that offer relocation programs are Vermont (up to $7,500), Northwest Arkansas ($10,000 in cash or cryptocurrency), and Oklahoma ($12,500 for moving to Tulsa).
Set Up a Fundraising Page
When it comes to getting help for moving out, one of the best things you can do is to set up a fundraising page. You can share your story and explain why you need help, then allow friends and family to donate if they can.
You can use many fundraising and crowdfunding platforms, such as GoFundMe and Fundly.
Get Housing Assistance
You could qualify for low-income moving assistance programs from local and national charities and grant organizations. Some of these programs include:
- Federal Relocation Assistance Program
- Rural Housing Service
- Veterans Affairs Relocation Assistance Program
- Emergency Solutions Grants Program
If for some reason, you’re not eligible for the mentioned programs, you can reach out to local religious organizations or local charities.
Find a Local Emergency Shelter
How to move out of a toxic home with no money? If you’re in an abusive or toxic home environment, your priority should be to get out and find a safe place to stay.
Local emergency shelters can provide a safe haven for you as well as resources and support to help you get back on your feet.
Become a Driveaway Driver
I need to move out, but I have no car or money. What are my options?
The good news is that there are companies that will pay you to transport vehicles from one location to another. This is often referred to as a “driveaway” service.
By becoming a driveaway driver, not only will you get paid an average of $25 an hour, but you’ll also get to use the car for free and check out different parts of the country or use it to move your own stuff.
Make a Home-Sharing Agreement
How to move out with no money at 18? You can make a home-sharing agreement with someone.
A home-sharing arrangement is when you live in someone else’s house for little to no rent. Often, this involves elderly homeowners who need help around the house and younger individuals seeking affordable (or free) housing.
There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all HomeShare Agreement. This means that the contract will vary based on the individuals concerned and the specifics of the living arrangement.
Moving to Live Outside of the U.S.
How to move out of the U.S. with no money? If you have your heart set on living abroad but don’t have the funds to do so, there are a few options.
Become an Au Pair
Becoming an au pair involves working as a live-in nanny for a family in another country. In exchange for your childcare services, the family will provide you with food, lodging, and a small stipend (in Europe, an au pair earns between $375 and $485 per month).
With the newfound popularity of this job, a quick Google search will bring up dozens of useful websites, such as Au Pair World. The only thing left for you to do is purchase a plane ticket.
Teach English Abroad
How to move out of state with no money? If you have a college degree, or simply due to the fact you are a native English speaker, you can easily find a job teaching English abroad. Many websites list teaching English abroad jobs, such as Teach Away.
Your teaching salary will vary based on your qualifications, position, and the country you teach in. However, you can typically earn between $2,000 and $5,000 per month. Just make sure to use an international debit card to avoid high fees.
Volunteer
One way to get free housing is by volunteering. For example, organizations like WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) offer free accommodation and food in exchange for volunteer work on organic farms.
Conclusion
Moving out with no money is perfectly possible. The above are just a few tips you can try out if you are lacking funds at the moment. The most important thing is to start planning and saving as early as possible, though. And remember, if at first you don’t succeed, try again.
Good luck!
FAQs
At what age should you move out?
You may legally leave your parent’s home at the age of 18. However, most people move out of their parents’ houses by 24.
How do I move out without being broke?
There are many ways to move out without being broke. For example, you can move to a place with a relocation program, set up a fundraising page, get housing assistance, or become a driveaway driver. You can also make a home-sharing agreement with someone.
How much money should you have saved before moving out?
Ideally, you should have saved enough money to cover your living costs for three to six months — anywhere between $3,000 and $5,000. This will give you a cushion in case you have any unexpected expenses or financial difficulties.
Is it possible to move out with no money?
Yes, it is possible to move out with no money. However, you should first come up with a plan. In other words, consider all low-cost housing options, choose where you want to live, and save enough money to cover your living costs for three to six months.
You should also try to downsize your belongings as much as possible. The less stuff you have to move, the cheaper it will be.
And lastly, if you want to know how to move out with no money, you can always ask your family and friends for help. They may be able to lend you money or help you with the actual move.
