9 Tips To Move With Little To No Money (2024)

Last updated Oct. 27, 2022 by Charles Zemub

Moving house is one of the most stressful experiences in life. It requires a lot of planning and can be an expensive affair if you don’t plan. However, with a bit of forwarding thinking and budgeting for what you need, it’s possible to move without breaking the bank.

Tip 1 – Have a garage sale.

A garage sale is a great way to make some extra cash. You can sell your unwanted items, like clothes or tools, which would otherwise just be taking up space at home.

In addition to getting rid of old stuff you don’t need, there are other benefits to having a garage sale:

  • You will spend less time cleaning your house because you will only keep what you need and are excited about selling.
  • It allows people in the neighborhood to shop close by instead of driving across town or leaving town altogether to buy things they need (which helps support their local economy).
  • It allows people moving into your area to get fantastic furniture deals while buying it secondhand instead of new.

Tip 2 – Donate your unwanted items to charity.

Donating unwanted items to charity is one of the easiest ways to earn money. You may be wondering how this works and what charities are willing to accept donations. Below are some of the most common ways to donate:

  • *Donate* *your unwanted items* *to a thrift store.* There are several options available, including Goodwill and Salvation Army stores.
  • *Donate* *your unwanted items* *to a friend or family member.* If you have just one thing sitting around taking up space in your home, consider offering it up to someone who might need it more than you do

Tip 3 – Drop off your stuff at the donation center yourself.

Regarding moving, handing over your belongings and having them carted away can be scary. It’s understandable! You don’t want your stuff to get lost or damaged, but sometimes you don’t have the time or money for professional movers. And then there’s that whole reverse psychology thing about not wanting strangers in your home…

Tip 4 – Pack smart to save money.

Now that you’re done packing, it’s time to move. But before you do, set aside some time to pack any bulky items and list things you want to take. This helps keep your moving costs down by eliminating excess boxes and unnecessary stuff from being shipped across the country or overseas.

Pack heavy items in the middle of each box, rather than on top and bottom, where they will most likely be dropped during transit. Use bubble wrap or old towels to protect fragile items like vases, plates, and glasses. You can also use plastic containers (like Tupperware) for small items that may break during transport—be sure they don’t get too heavy at one point.

Tip 5 – Consider renting a moving truck instead of hiring movers.

Renting a moving truck is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to move. The best part about renting a truck is it’s your responsibility to load it, so if any items don’t fit or need more space than expected, that’s on you! You can also save money by packing yourself instead of hiring movers.

If you’re planning on doing it yourself, get extra hands for lifting heavy furniture and boxes—and make sure they’re strong enough! Also, be sure to bring tools like dollies and dolly wheels (if necessary), tape measurers, scissors, and trash bags because they’ll come in handy when loading/unloading items from your car onto the moving truck.

Tip 6 – Shop around for quotes before settling on a company.

If you’re going to entrust your belongings to strangers and move with them, they must be trustworthy and do the job right. But how do you find such a company? The first step is to shop around for quotes from different companies. This will allow you to compare rates and services offered as well as customer feedback so that when it comes time for you to make decisions about which company will be doing your moving, you’ll have all the information needed at hand.

Tip 7 – Shop around for good deals on supplies.

  • Check out your local stores. You usually find good deals, especially moving supplies like boxes and packing tape. If you’re not sure where to start, your local grocery store might be the place to go.
  • Look online for coupons and deals on moving supplies. A quick Google search will show you which sites have the best deals on shipping crates or other items you need for your move.
  • Keep an eye out for sales and discounts during this time of year; many companies offer discounts when it’s hot outside because people tend to stay inside more often than usual (it’s also easier for them to sell stuff).

Tip 8 – Keep your old moving boxes in case you move again.

If you have the time and patience, it’s worth keeping all your moving boxes. You never know when you might need them again! Even if your new place has plenty of boxes, you’ll want to keep a few when you need to move somewhere else. If you’re truly living on a budget, consider recycling any damaged or unusable boxes.

Tip 9 – Clean out your closet and wardrobe beforehand

It’s an instinct to want to take everything with you when you move, but sometimes that’s impossible. If you don’t have enough cash on hand or in your bank account to pack up every single possession, consider cleaning out your closet and wardrobe beforehand. This will help alleviate the stress of ensuring everything fits inside the moving truck and allow you to make some extra money on things that are still in good condition. You can sell them online, at yard sales or consignment stores like Plato’s Closet or Crossroads Trading Co., where they’ll likely fetch reasonable prices due to their age ranges (the clothes will either be vintage pieces from the past century or high-end contemporary designer labels).

How to move with no money

If you’re ready to relocate but need a little extra cash to get your moving process started, then we recommend the following tips and tricks.

  • Sell off any excess items you don’t need: cars, property, electronics, etc.
  • Don’t buy anything new: clothes, furniture, and food are all great examples.
  • Don’t go out to eat as much – or at all! Try cooking at home instead! This will save a lot of money in the long run!
  • Don’t go on vacation for at least another year or so – That way, when it comes time for winter break from school again (or later if you’re an adult) then, there won’t be any hesitation about whether or not it’s worth spending thousands upon thousands on travel expenses. Just so some person can see Yellowstone Park for two hours before heading home with nothing left over other than memories of how much money was wasted during the said trip.

How to relocate to another state

Before packing your bags, you should ensure that your finances are in order. If you’re moving out of state, it’ll be challenging to find a job unless you have a transferable skill or education that’s useful in the area. A quick internet search will help identify available jobs and how much they pay. Once you’ve made it through this challenging step, it’s time for some practical considerations: where will I live? What about my belongings? How do I get there? These questions can be answered by researching local resources online or talking to people who have already relocated themselves; they’ll know what services are available in their area and can point out any pitfalls along the way.

PAA

How do I move on and start a new life with no money?

If you’re moving to a new state and don’t have any money, here are some tips for getting started:

  • Move in with friends or family. If you can find a place to live with someone who already lives in your city, that’s the easiest way to save money on rent. This will also help ensure a support network once you arrive at your new home!
  • Look for apartments in college towns. College towns are less expensive than major cities, which means they’re also more affordable if you’re living paycheck-to-paycheck like many Americans do these days. Plus, since college students usually aren’t bringing their families with them when they move somewhere new (and therefore don’t need an entire house), there may be lots of empty apartments available right now.

FAQ

What state will pay you to move there in 2022?

If you’re moving to the United States for work, this list of states that pay people to relocate is a great place to start. Generally, these states offer tax incentives and other benefits in exchange for coming to their state. For example, if you move to Georgia and work in tech, you could get $10,000 back on your income taxes every year.

As a bonus: if one of these states doesn’t have an incentive program that works with your situation (for example, if they don’t have any tech jobs), look at what else they offer! Maybe they’ll still help cover moving costs or something else that would help you get started in your new life.

Where do I start a new life?

  • Start with a clean slate.
  • Use your resources.
  • Find a new job.
  • Find a new home, apartment, or house (and maybe even sell your old one).
  • Find a new school for your kids and yourself (if any).
  • Find a new church or synagog/temple (or perhaps an atheist group).
  • Find a bank, credit union, or ATM that works in your area; if you’re moving to another country, learn what type of banking system they use there! You must have access to cash since we don’t accept checks anymore, and not all countries have debit cards either! Some people rely on their debit cards as their primary source of income, so be careful not to get stuck without funds during this process–bring cash

How do I start over with nothing?

You can start over with nothing. You can do it if you want to. Just starting over is never easy. It can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, and there’s no way out. But I’m here to tell you that there is hope! You don’t have to be stuck in a life that isn’t working for you anymore. There are jobs out there if you know where to look, but first, we need to understand why we’re here in the first place:

Where do you go when you have no money?

Your priority should be finding a safe place to stay. A shelter or a friend’s couch will suffice in the short term, but if you can afford it, find an apartment with all the utilities and maybe even some furniture. This makes starting over that much easier.

Once you’ve got somewhere to live and a place for your things, start looking for work. It doesn’t matter what kind of job—a grocery store bagger is fine, A McDonald’s cashier! Anything will do as long as it pays enough so that when bills come around on time every month, then there’s enough left over for food, too (which should also be purchased from one of these places). And remember: whenever possible, avoid credit cards because

9 Tips To Move With Little To No Money (1)

they’re dangerous. How else are we supposed to track whether we’re spending too much money on frivolous expenses like rent?

How can I start over at 50 with no money?

If you are 50+ years old, you probably have a career. If you don’t have a career, it may be time to start one. But let’s say that even though you’re in good health and still have some fight left in your bones, the idea of getting another job is exhausting. What if there was another option? What if I told you there were ways to make money without working for someone else?

Here are four ideas:

  • Start your own business
  • Work part-time as a freelancer or contractor (often called an independent contractor)
  • Sell stuff on eBay/Amazon/Craigslist/Kijiji etc…
  • Get hired by friends who need extra hands around their house (think babysitting their kids while they go shopping).

Summary

Moving doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Moving doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With the right tips and tricks, you can move on the cheap.

  • Use the internet to find free moving boxes. There are several sites where people offer up their empty boxes for others to use. It’s also an excellent way for people who want to see how much stuff they have or plan on getting rid of it all before moving out of their current home, which can help them get organized when preparing for their next move.
  • Use the internet to find free moving services like Craigslist or Kijiji in your area and inquire about any jobs that may be available within your field. Other companies nearby might need assistance with things like paperwork or organizing documents after an employee has left without notice due to downsizing policies being implemented across industries nationwide. (this means more people will be looking for work outside their industries as well). If they do not hire you, they may know someone else who does!

Moving can be stressful, especially when you don’t have the money to hire movers. But there are ways to save money on your move without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for new tips, check out our blog post about how much it costs to move.

9 Tips To Move With Little To No Money (2024)

FAQs

How to move if you have no money? ›

Here are seven tips on how to move out with no money:
  1. Create a Budget.
  2. Downsize and Declutter.
  3. Secure a Place to Stay.
  4. Look for Free or Low-Cost Moving Supplies.
  5. Seek Financial Assistance.
  6. Utilize Public Transportation or Ridesharing.
  7. Find Side Gigs.
Nov 14, 2023

Where can I move to start over with no money? ›

10 Best Places to Move With No Money
  • Cattaraugus County, New York. Cattaraugus County offers cheap small-town amenities alongside beautiful natural scenery. ...
  • Detroit, Michigan. ...
  • Flint, Michigan. ...
  • Gary, Indiana. ...
  • Youngstown, Ohio. ...
  • St. ...
  • Camden, New Jersey. ...
  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

How do you survive with little to no money? ›

Here are a few other tips and tricks for surviving on a low income:
  1. Look for free and low-cost activities. ...
  2. Ask for a raise. ...
  3. Start a side hustle. ...
  4. Replace costly habits with inexpensive ones. ...
  5. Plan sequenced reward opportunities. ...
  6. Create accountability. ...
  7. Seek out low-cost alternatives to your hobbies.
Sep 14, 2022

Is $5000 enough to move out? ›

The answer depends on various factors, such as your location, lifestyle, and personal circ*mstances. While $5,000 can be a good starting point, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of the costs associated with moving out and living independently.

What state pays you to move there? ›

Alaska. Alaska has one of the longest running incentive programs in the country: the Permanent Dividend Fund. Started in 1976, it pays every resident an annual stipend as long as they lived in Alaska during the previous calendar year. The amount depends on the state's annual revenue, but averages around $1,600.

How do I restart my life with no money? ›

  1. Shift Your Mindset: From Scarcity to Abundance. ...
  2. Assess Your Skills and Talents. ...
  3. Set Clear Goals and Prioritize. ...
  4. Create a Budget and Reduce Expenses. ...
  5. Explore Alternative Housing Options. ...
  6. Generate Income with Creative Solutions. ...
  7. Seek Support and Leverage Networks. ...
  8. Invest in Continuous Learning and Personal Growth.
Jul 11, 2023

What's a good state to start over? ›

#1: Raleigh, North Carolina. #2: Austin, Texas. #3: Virginia Beach, Virginia. #4: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

How can I live peacefully without money? ›

How to Live Without Money
  1. Making Your Plans.
  2. Arranging Accommodation.
  3. Finding and Growing Food.
  4. Supplying Other Needs.
  5. Planning Transportation.

What to do when you have no income? ›

Here are five steps to take immediately if you've lost your income:
  1. Do a financial review.
  2. Apply for unemployment benefits.
  3. Look for ways to cut expenses.
  4. Find extra ways to supplement your income.
  5. Start looking for a new job.
Jan 16, 2023

What is the best thing to do when you don't have money? ›

Whatever your situation, here are 13 fun things to do that don't cost money with friends and family:
  • Go on a picnic. ...
  • Go to no-cost museum and zoo days. ...
  • Give geocaching a try. ...
  • Leverage your chamber of commerce. ...
  • Take a historical city tour. ...
  • Visit a farmers market. ...
  • Go camping. ...
  • Do a photography challenge.
Feb 14, 2024

How to move out when you're broke? ›

Move with a friend.

You'll still need to pay rent, but your original costs are split in half (or by however many roomies you get on board). Look for a place where the rent is already reasonable, so you pay even less per month. The median rent in America is a little less than $1,100.

How much should 2 people save to move out? ›

A general rule of thumb is to have three to six months' worth of living expenses saved up in case of an emergency. As movers with 30 years of experience, we can say for sure that sticking to your budget is crucial when living on your own for the first time. We've seen many people overspend and struggle financially.

How much should I have before moving? ›

To help you get a good plan in place and make your dream a reality, keep reading. Before moving out, ideally save six months' worth of living expenses, though some manage with less. Calculate all potential upfront and ongoing costs to ensure affordability.

Is it possible to move out with no money? ›

Moving out at 18 with no money may be an intimidating prospect, but all hope is not lost. Embarking on the journey of independence is a thrilling but often daunting venture, especially when you're only 18 and have no money. But don't fret; it's entirely possible with some careful planning and persistence.

How do you move on if you lost money? ›

7 Ways to Cope With a Financial Loss
  1. Do not take any impulsive action. ...
  2. Consider taking professional help for emotional support. ...
  3. Assess the situation impartially. ...
  4. Cut back on your expenses for some time. ...
  5. Increase sources of income. ...
  6. Take measures to avoid similar losses in future. ...
  7. Take a Personal Loan.
Sep 5, 2022

How do I move on and start a new life with no money? ›

  1. Shift Your Mindset: From Scarcity to Abundance. ...
  2. Assess Your Skills and Talents. ...
  3. Set Clear Goals and Prioritize. ...
  4. Create a Budget and Reduce Expenses. ...
  5. Explore Alternative Housing Options. ...
  6. Generate Income with Creative Solutions. ...
  7. Seek Support and Leverage Networks. ...
  8. Invest in Continuous Learning and Personal Growth.
Jul 11, 2023

How do you relocate when you're broke? ›

How to Move Out with No Money
  1. Prepare for the Move.
  2. Create a Moving Budget.
  3. Research Towns and Cities with Low Cost of Living.
  4. Make the Move.
  5. Look for Free or Discounted Ways to Move.
  6. Ask Friends and Family for Help.
  7. Find Affordable Housing.
  8. Prepare an Emergency Fund.
Jun 4, 2024

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