How to move with no money

5 steps to moving with no money

Moving on a shoestring budget requires a different approach than a typical move. You’ll need to be more strategic about timing, costs and resources than someone with robust savings.

Financial experts recommend these five steps to relocate successfully:

1. Evaluate your decision to move

Before you start packing boxes, “pause and think about your reason for moving,” Linda Ta Yonemoto, a financial wealth coach and founder of financial resource center Good For You Money, said. “Without a job offer and start date, most moves are postponable.” Differentiate between a “want to” and a “need to” move.

The distinction matters because moving without money creates serious long-term consequences. Yonemoto has seen clients get stuck in cycles of debt after underestimating expenses in tight rental markets. Understanding the current income needed to live in a major city will help you grasp the financial pressure you’ll face without adequate savings.

Christopher L. Stroup, a certified financial planner and president of Silicon Beach Financial, warned that moving without funds can create financial strain. Emergency expenses, such as medical bills or car breakdowns, become impossible to handle when you're already stretched thin.

Yonemoto said, “If you have a choice, every month you delay the move gives you more financial runway.” She recommended saving eight to 12 months of expenses specifically for relocating, since job searches now average six months or longer. “When you move from a position of financial security, you can also be more selective about job opportunities.”

2. Secure employment before or after the move

Finding work in a new city takes longer than many people expect. “Even experienced professionals are struggling to land roles after searching for six months or more,” Yonemoto said. “And salary ranges are lower due to the number of available candidates.” This reality makes job planning just as important as packing.

Building your job search foundation before you move goes a long way in reducing stress. Here are a few ways you can do that:

• Research local job boards and LinkedIn groups for your target city. This shows you which skills employers actually want.
• Check salary ranges on sites such as Glassdoor. Compare them to your current market since you might need to adjust expectations.
• Join city-specific Reddit forums and industry Facebook groups. People share candid insights about the local hiring climate there.

If you do need to move before you have a job lined up, focus on immediate income opportunities. “Connect with local temp agencies before you arrive,” Yonemoto advised. “You could also target call centers, customer service, [home health] aide and gig work while you continue your primary job search.”

“Be flexible in job titles and responsibilities when relocating since you’re racing against the clock on your financial burn rate,” Yonemoto said. You may need to accept lower-paying work in the beginning.

» MORE: Lowering cross-country moving costs

3. Leverage support networks

Moving without money may require swallowing your pride and asking for help from people who care about you. Family and friends can provide temporary housing, lend moving equipment or cover gas money. They might also connect you with job opportunities in your new city. Being specific about what you need works much better than making vague requests.

“Don’t assume people know how to help you or that they know what you need,” Yonemoto said. Instead of saying, “I’m moving and stressed out,” try: “Do you know anyone in Las Vegas’s tech scene who might grab coffee with me? I’m relocating and looking for roles as a data analyst or project coordinator.” Clear requests make it easier for people to help you.

Also, don’t forget about your extended network. Reach out to college alumni, former coworkers and professional associations with local chapters in your target city. “Your second- and third-degree connections often provide the most valuable support,” said Yonemoto. Even strangers on city-specific Reddit forums share surprisingly candid insights about living costs and job markets.

Also, stay in regular contact with people who offer to help. “I’ve coached clients to send bimonthly email updates to their support network during job searches,” Yonemoto noted. “It keeps you top-of-mind and shows you're working toward your goals.”

4. Minimize moving costs

Here are six things you can do to reduce your moving costs:

Avoid the most expensive times to move, which are during the summer and toward the end of each month.

• Research: “Get [several] quotes from different moving companies,” Yonemoto told us. Prices can vary between companies for the same service. Don’t forget to ask about discounts for off-peak dates, military service or student status to save even more.
• DIY when possible: “Moving pods or portable containers are often more than 50% cheaper than full-service movers,” said Yonemoto.
• Time your move: Avoid relocating during peak periods. The summer months and the end of the month have higher demand, which drives prices up.
• Recycle packing materials: “[Get] free moving boxes from grocery stores or community groups,” Stroup recommended. People who have just moved often give away supplies on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist.
• Use what you have: Stroup suggests packing fragile items in towels, blankets and clothing instead of buying Bubble Wrap.
• Sell what you don’t need: “Downsizing lightens your load, reduces transportation expenses and frees up funds for essentials [such as] rent and utilities,” Stroup said. He recommended selling furniture, electronics and duplicate kitchenware to raise cash.

Before packing, apply the “cost to replace versus cost to move” calculation. “Very heavy items may not be worth moving,” Yonemoto said. That dining table might cost $200 to ship across the country, but only $150 to replace at your destination. Leaving behind items that are expensive to transport can significantly reduce your moving bill.

» FIND OUT: Our top pick for affordable movers

5. Adopt economical habits post-move

Your first few weeks in a new city will test your financial discipline. Everything costs more than expected — security deposits, basic groceries, even utility setup fees — and you'll be tempted to spend money on comfort purchases. This is when strict budgeting becomes your lifeline.

“Stick to a bare-bones budget that focuses on the essentials versus wants,” Yonemoto said. This means housing, utilities, groceries, transportation and debt payments only. Cook at home instead of ordering takeout, walk or bike instead of driving when possible and cancel streaming services and gym memberships you can live without.

Your new city offers plenty of free resources if you know where to look. “Start by visiting your local library,” Yonemoto suggested. “They have free Wi-Fi, job search resources, community bulletin boards, counseling services and more.” Check city government websites for no-cost events, parks and community programs that help you stay active without spending money.

As you adopt these frugal habits, remember that any income — even temporary gig work — helps you stay afloat.

Organizations that can help with basic needs

• Affinity-based groups
• Community assistance programs
• Libraries
• Local food banks
• Religious and spiritual outreach groups

Go through every line item in your budget and ask yourself if it’s necessary for survival. If you’re struggling to cover basic needs, look to food banks, community programs, and religious or spiritual outreach groups. Affinity-based groups, such as Black community organizations, senior networks, veteran groups and LGBTQ+ centers, may also provide support. Even small savings on basic needs can add up when you’re short on cash.