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In this article, we’re covering some key steps, strategies, and tips on how to move out with no money. Moving out – whether it’s from your parents house, from property you can no longer live in, or away from a circumstance not serving you any longer – can be one of the most stressful experiences you ever go through. Add in low funds to the mix and we’ve got chaos.
However, you’ve got this. It may be difficult to move out with no money – but it’s not impossible. Planning – like reading this article – is your first step.
Are you 18 and looking to move out of your parents’ house? We’ve covered tips more specific to a young person moving out of your parents’ home here.
WHAT DO I NEED TO CONSIDER BEFORE MOVING OUT?
Before taking the plunge, consider:
- Your financial stability
- Support system (friends, mentors)
- Job or steady income
- Proximity to essential services like health care, groceries, and transportation
Below, we’ve covered 16 tips, steps, considerations, and strategies to help you move out with no money.
Let’s dive in!
1. Start Generating An Income
Here’s the bottom line: if you don’t have money, you will not have a place to live. Your initial focus should be on finding ways to earn money.
This could be through traditional employment, part-time jobs, freelancing, or any legal means of generating income.
Consider your skills, interests, and the job market in your area. Be open to various opportunities, even if they’re outside your preferred field or comfort zone.
Remember, the goal is to establish a reliable income stream that can support your basic living expenses.
We’ll cover a few more money-generating tips below, but this list of ways to make money from home has a diverse range of ideas to start from. Don’t be picky – if you need to move out as soon as possible, any job will do.
Also read: No Money, No Car, No Job: What Are Your Options?
2. Make A Plan
Set yourself a target for when to move out – ideally, if your circumstances allow, you’ll give yourself a longer period of time such as 6 months or even a year to build up your savings, and get a steady stream of income.
However, that may not be possible for some – be realistic but make a plan for the time frame that works for you.
Ideally, you’ll go even deeper into this plan: when will you start looking for places? When will you start boxing up your stuff and find the furniture you need? When will you have enough money for a deposit?
Put this stuff down in writing and, most importantly, stick to it!
3. Consider Other Bills You’ll Need To Pay
Taking charge of your bills, whether it’s for your cell phone, gym membership, or online subscriptions, marks a significant step towards financial independence. If you don’t already pay your own bills, start now.
Get an idea of whether or not you’re living within your means and how you’ll budget your money.
When you move out, you’ll have to pay more than just rent: it’s important to be aware of these other bills and responsibilities now.
Tips for Managing Your Bills
- Tracking Expenses: Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to monitor your spending patterns.
- Prioritize Payments: Always prioritize essential bills like rent, utilities, and food to avoid going into debt or risking having your essential services shut off.
4. Save 2 Months Rent
Aim to save at least two months’ rent before moving out. This fund acts as a buffer, helping you manage initial expenses and unforeseen costs – for example, if you only find temporary work for now, or if you are required to put down a month or two in rent as a deposit for your new home.
This is separate to an emergency fund (which we’ll discuss later in this article), which should be your secondary savings goal.
5. Consider shared housing
Shared housing options, like roommates or hostels, can also significantly reduce your living costs.
If you don’t need to live alone, finding a roommate – or several! – can cut down on the cost of rent and other bills.
This can even be a good first step in moving out if you’re low on money and at least get you on the ladder.
6. Consider Jobs That Come With Accommodation
Jobs that include accommodation can significantly reduce your living expenses. These roles vary across industries, offering diverse opportunities to save on rent while earning an income.
Jobs with housing to Consider
- Live-in Caretaker: Providing care or assistance in a household can include accommodation as part of the compensation package.
- Seasonal Work: Some seasonal positions in tourism or agriculture include housing for employees.
- Military
- Au pair
7. Check Whether You’re Eligible For Financial Aid
Explore all avenues of financial aid, including grants, subsidies, and assistance programs. Eligibility can vary widely, so thorough research and timely applications are crucial.
Finding Financial Aid
- Government Programs: Look into government assistance programs that provide support for housing, food, and healthcare.
- Community Resources: Local community centers, non-profits, and religious organizations can offer aid or resources for those in need.
8. Adopt Frugal Habits Immediately
If you want to make a major life change but don’t have any money, you’ll need to make some drastic adjustments to your spending habits. Frugal living is key, here.
Embracing frugality doesn’t equate to a dull life. It’s about making smarter spending choices.Opt for second-hand items when suitable, scout for the best deals, and embrace the DIY spirit where possible.
Over time, these habits can lead to significant savings.
This means things like using coupons to your advantage, eliminating all unnecessary spending, and ultimately honing in on your financial goals.
Check out these 80+ eco-friendly frugal green living tips for some fun ways to save money while still looking out for the planet.
9. Getting a Loan
It’s not always the best option to borrow money, but sometimes it may be your only alternative if you need to move out immediately.
Always seek financial advice if you are planning to take out a loan or use credit cards to borrow money.
10. Reach Out To Your Support Network
Friends and family may be able to supply you with second-hand furniture and home goods, provide a sofa to sleep on during the transition, or even give a helping hand when it comes to moving your stuff into your new pad!
Don’t be embarrassed to reach out to your support network if you need help – most people will have been in the same position as you at one point, or may be in the future!
11. Look At Locations With A Lower Cost of Living
Relocating to an area with a lower cost of living can dramatically reduce your expenses. Consider the trade-offs in terms of job opportunities, lifestyle, and community support when choosing a new location.
Considerations When Evaluating Low-Cost Locations
- Research: Investigate the cost of living, employment prospects, and quality of life in potential locations.
- Remote Work: If you have the option to work remotely, broader relocation options may be available.
12. Look for Weekly Rental Agreements
Short-term rental agreements can provide a greater level of flexibility while you establish stability. However, be aware of the potential higher costs that may come with this and ensure that the terms align with your financial and living situation.
Weekly rental agreements can be ideal if you have low funds or a less traditional form of income (where you’re paid a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly salary, for example).
13. Build Up Your Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is crucial for financial security. Start small, and gradually build a fund that can cover several months of living expenses. This safety net can be a lifesaver during unexpected financial challenges.
While you should focus on building up your savings for a month or two of rent first so you have a deposit to move out with, your next crucial savings goal should be your emergency fund.
Tips for Building an Emergency Fund
- Consistent Savings: Even small, regular contributions can grow into a substantial emergency fund over time. Read how to save $5,000 in 12 months.
- Access: Keep your emergency fund in a readily accessible account, ensuring you can use it when needed without penalties.
By configuring your bank account to automatically transfer a portion of your income into savings, you can help to remove the temptation of unnecessary spending and instead, grow your savings pot on auto-pilot!
Look into exactly how much you should save here.
When you don’t have much money, it can feel hard to set anything aside for the future – but the sooner you get into this habit, the better. Read about saving money on a low income.
14. Sell Your Belongings
Selling items you no longer need or use can be a quick and low-effort way to generate extra income to go towards your moving out efforts.
Organize your belongings, and identify those with resale value – this could be anything from clothes and accessories to books, games, and even furniture you don’t need or use anymore.
Online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are good places to start selling. Look at our round-up of the best places to sell second-hand clothes, too.
15. Find Free Furniture Online
Furnishing your new place doesn’t have to be expensive. Many people give away furniture and household items for free. Use online platforms and community groups to find these opportunities, ensuring you can transport the items as needed.
Finding Free Items
Online Marketplaces: Regularly check platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for free listings.
Community Groups: Join local community groups or forums where people often post available free items.
16. Side Hustle
Generating income is your number one biggest hurdle if you want to move out but don’t have any money.
If you’re eager to boost your income (either alongside or in place of a regular, traditional job), side hustles can provide the necessary bump.
Platforms like Fiverr or Upwork open up freelancing opportunities based on your skill set.
Alternatively, local opportunities such as babysitting or pet sitting might suit others. And if you’re digitally inclined, starting an online blog or a YouTube channel is an avenue worth exploring.
We’ve got a huge host of side hustles (linked above), including:
- Making money as a freelance writer
- Becoming a virtual assistant
- Starting your own niche affiliate site
- Become an online friend
HOw Much Should I have Saved If I wANT tO mOVE oUT wITH nO monEY?
Ideally, you should have at least three months of living expenses saved. This gives you a safety buffer in case of unexpected challenges.
However, you will also need to consider other immediate costs involved with moving out, such as:
- A deposit for your property (if renting)
- Home Insurance
- Moving costs
- Installation costs for wifi
- Acquiring any furniture you need
As you can quickly see, moving out isn’t a cost-free experience. Carefully calculate exactly what you’ll need to be paying out for and ensure you can afford it – ideally, you’ll still have savings left over after moving out, too.
Tips For How To MovE Out With No Money & Living On Your Own On A Budget
1. Set A Clear Budget & Savings Plan
One of the foundational steps for financial independence is establishing a solid budget. Use apps or traditional pen and paper to track every dime you earn and spend, plus an app like Acorns to automatically build up your savings pot.
Monthly reviews allow you to see where your money goes and adjust your habits accordingly. A tight budget doesn’t just keep your finances in check; it offers peace of mind knowing you’re in control.
2. Choose An Affordable Area
The allure of city centers with their bustling life can be tempting. However, often, suburbs or areas a bit away from major commercial zones offer much more affordable housing options.
Research neighborhoods extensively, balancing cost with safety, transportation ease, and proximity to work or school.
3. Meal Plan
Eating out or last-minute grocery trips can quickly add up. Planning your meals a week in advance not only ensures a healthier diet but also leads to substantial savings.
By making a list and sticking to it, you avoid impulse purchases. Additionally, bulk buying and looking for discounts can further slash your food expenses.
Check out these free grocery list & meal plan templates to help you build better habits.
4. Adopt Frugal Habits
Living frugally isn’t about depriving yourself, but rather making smart, conscious decisions.
This could be as simple as turning off lights when not in use, mending clothes instead of discarding them, or using public transport instead of taxis.
Over time, these habits compound, leading to considerable savings without compromising on quality of life.
Find out: what’s the difference between being frugal and stingy?
5. Plan For The Future
While immediate challenges might demand your attention now, it’s vital not to lose sight of your long-term objectives. You don’t want to end up right back in this position, reading this article, a year from now.
Whether it’s higher education, traveling, or investing in a property, having clear goals can keep you motivated.
Regularly setting aside a fraction of your income, no matter how small, towards these goals can make seemingly impossible dreams achievable over time.
You’ve got this! Good luck with your move.