How to move to another state without a job

5 steps to moving to another state without a job

Here are five steps to help you relocate to another state when you don’t have a job lined up:

1. Prepare financially

When moving unemployed, you’ll need a much larger safety net.

“I recommend having eight to 12 months of living expenses (saved) versus the standard three to six months,” said Linda Ta Yonemoto, founder of financial resource center Good For You Money. This longer timeline accounts for today’s job market, where searches often take six months or more.

Besides having healthy savings, Yonemoto said you should budget for two types of expenses:

• One-time costs: Moving fees, security deposits, utility setup and vehicle registration
• Monthly costs: Rent, groceries, utilities, transportation, insurance, internet and phone services

These costs get tricky when you’re moving between states. “Moving without a job means you’re dealing with extra overlapping costs (such as) paying partial rent in two places while balancing longer job search timelines,” Yonemoto said. Surprise expenses, such as temporary housing delays, can also hurt your budget.

To help manage these costs, Christopher L. Stroup, a certified financial planner and president of Silicon Beach Financial in Santa Monica, California, suggested exploring freelance work or remote gigs before moving. “(This will help) reduce the pressure of finding a job immediately,” he said.

If money is tight, there are some things you can do to reduce the cost of your move. You can rent a truck instead of hiring movers and sell items you don't need before packing. You'll get extra cash for your move and minimize what you need to transport.

» NO SAFETY NET? Ways to move with no money

2. Research your new location

Understanding both the job market and the housing market in your new city will help you plan your move realistically.

Research the job market

Start your job market research using these sources:

• Use federal data: Reference the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for unemployment rates, job growth trends and salary data.
• Check local sources: “Check your new city’s economic development website, chamber of commerce and local business journals to find major employers, growing industries and companies getting tax incentives,” Yonemoto told us. “This can be a sign they’re hiring.”
• Scan community forums: Reddit threads, Facebook groups and industry-specific spaces often share real-time insights about hiring freezes, layoffs or growth spurts. “Locals will tell you about hiring freezes, company layoffs or growth spurts that haven’t made national news yet,” Yonemoto said.

Research the housing market

Once you understand the job climate, turn your attention to housing research. This is crucial since you won’t have proof of income.

Use these strategies to understand your rental market:

• Follow realtor social accounts. These provide real-time updates on new listings and rental requirements before properties hit major listing sites.
• Join neighborhood Facebook groups. Residents share insider tips about upcoming vacancies and which landlords are flexible with job requirements.
• Monitor rental listings for several weeks. This helps you understand typical pricing, how quickly properties rent and what paperwork landlords often ask for.
• Research tenant rights and rental laws. Some states have different income requirements and are more tenant-friendly than others.
• Look into local nonprofit organizations. These may help with housing placement. And they often know about resources not advertised, Yonemoto told us.
• Consider cities that will pay you to move there. Some areas offer relocation incentives. These can offset your moving costs and give you more financial cushioning while you look for work.

3. Network and search for jobs

Start your job search at least six months before your planned move date. This gives you the best shot at finding a job quickly. “Some companies will wait for the right candidate, especially if you’re a strong candidate for the open role,” Yonemoto said. If you’re able to secure a remote position, that’s even better, since you’ll have a job lined up before you arrive.

But applying to job postings alone likely won’t be enough in a competitive market. You’ll also need to build relationships to find job leads. Yonemoto recommended using LinkedIn to make these connections. Here are four ways to get started:

• Target local professionals. Start by engaging with people in your new city on LinkedIn — comment on their posts or join local groups. Once you’ve built some rapport, reach out for a short conversation about their experience. These chats can give you insider knowledge about company culture and hiring practices that job postings don’t reveal.
• Participate in city-specific and industry groups. Local professionals often share job openings and market insights here before they’re posted publicly.
• Comment thoughtfully on others’ posts to build visibility. This positions you as an engaged industry professional rather than just another job seeker.
• Attend free LinkedIn Live events. “These often have lower attendance than RSVPs suggest,” Yonemoto said. “(As a result, you get) more interaction time with hosts and participants.”

While LinkedIn is powerful, don't limit yourself to traditional professional circles when growing your network. According to Yonemoto, local parent groups offer surprising networking value. They can connect you with professionals who understand the job market and can share insights about local employers.

Professional organizations with local chapters also welcome members through virtual events, job fairs and networking mixers. For instance, SCORE — a nonprofit that connects people with experienced business mentors, often retired professionals — has groups in most major metropolitan areas. “They host networking events and provide small business support,” Yonemoto said. These opportunities can introduce you to well-connected professionals who know the local landscape and have experience in your field, giving you insights and introductions you might not find on your own.

4. Secure housing without a job

Finding a place to rent without a regular paycheck takes some creativity, but it’s possible. “Offer a larger security deposit or use a guarantor (someone who agrees to pay rent if you can’t) to strengthen your application,” said Stroup. Yonemoto recommended offering two to three months of rent upfront to demonstrate financial stability and commitment.

Being honest with landlords can work in your favor more than you might expect. So, don’t be afraid to let them know about your job search timeline. “Highlight savings, freelance income or other resources to demonstrate your ability to (pay rent),” Stroup said. Put together a packet with bank statements and income records to back up your claims.

If traditional rentals seem too risky, start with flexible housing options that don’t require long-term commitments:

• Subletting from someone else
• Short-term rentals through Airbnb
• Extended stay hotels and furnished apartments
• Sharing a house with roommates (also known as house hacking)

» MORE: Reliable moving services near you

5. Get involved with the community

“Giving back and forming genuine connections can translate into recommendations, job referrals and other opportunities,” Yonemoto said. Choose volunteer roles that match your career goals. For example, if you’re after a project management position, volunteer to coordinate events or fundraising campaigns.

Networking and volunteering open doors to job opportunities and can help you feel less isolated after a move.

These experiences fill employment gaps while showing your initiative to keep learning.

Volunteering isn't your only option for community involvement, however. Other activities can also expand your network and help you integrate into your new city:

• Join professional associations. Many have local chapters that host networking events with industry professionals.
• Participate in community events. Attend local festivals, business mixers and neighborhood gatherings to meet residents and business owners.
• Take classes or workshops. Community colleges and libraries often host professional development sessions. Here, you can pick up new skills and connect with others.
• Join hobby groups. Book clubs, sports leagues and interest-based meetups help you build relationships in a relaxed and fun setting. Faith-based organizations and affinity groups can also provide community if they align with your background or interests.