At one point in time, you’ve probably heard someone say, “I need to get out of my place but I can’t afford to move out”, “I can’t afford to move out but I need to”, or maybe you’ve uttered those words before.
In any case, if you know someone who needs to move out but can’t afford to or if you’re stuck in this particular pickle, I’ve got you covered.
I left my family home at 18 and since then, have moved countries six times and lost count of the number of times I have moved houses!
The nomadic life is something that now comes naturally to me, so, I want to share some tips in the hope it will help you if you are thinking of moving out.
Maybe you think it’s time to spread your wings and get away from your parents.
Maybe your housemate crunches their chips too loudly.
Or your home is filled with toxic mold and you really need to get out of there.
I’m not here to question your reason but I can offer you solutions galore if you can’t afford to move out.
I’ll tell you what you need to know before you plan your move out, and some of the other options you can consider if you can’t afford to move out!
11 Can’t Afford to Move Out Tips and Solutions in 2023
Solutions:
- 1. House Sitting
- 2. Rent-For-Work
- 3. Do Chores In Exchange For Rent
- 4. Live-In Nanny Or Pet Sitter
- 5. Manage An Apartment Building
- 6. Couch Surfing
- 7. Relocate To A Town With Low Living Cost
- 8. Move In With A Friend
- 9. Stay At A Hostel
- 10. Move To Places That Give You Relocation Benefits
- 11. Join A Homesharing Program
Tips:
- 1. Stop And Assess Your Situation
- 2. Set A Date
- 3. Know Your Moving Expenses
- 4. Track All Spending
- 5. Plan And Budget
- 6. Save Money
- 7. Get A Job
- 8. Start A Side Hustle
- 9. Be Persistent
DISCLAIMER
Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.
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Can’t Afford to Move Out? 11 Effective Solutions in 2023!
Is the situation urgent and toxic mold in the walls isn’t the only toxic thing in your house?
If your health or safety is at stake and you really don’t have a choice but to move out, here’s how to move out with no money:
1. House Sitting
Some may think of housesitting as a temporary thing to do while on holiday but if you’re really in need of a place to stay then I suggest looking into this.
You can bounce from house to house and stay in people’s houses free of charge.
All you’d really need to do is some light upkeep like taking care of their plants. There are plenty of house-sitting opportunities out there and some of them are even long term.
Maybe someone has a vacation home and that they rarely frequent but they don’t like the thought of it being vacant.
If you have experience with boats, it would be a good time for me to mention that instead of house sitting, you could boat sit!
The boats are usually docked at a location near shore or at a bay and for fear of theft or vandalism, the owners don’t like them being left unattended; that’s where you come in.
Here are some websites that list house and boat-sitting opportunities:
2. Rent-for-Work Jobs
This is a cool one if you can’t afford to move out. Rent-for-work is exactly as the title states, you work in return for housing or rent.
Property owners, farm owners, understaffed businesses, or people whose businesses are on the same land where they live often look for people to work in exchange for housing.
I once lived at a co-living building for free because I taught the staff English and managed the night shift at reception.
If you can’t afford to move out of parents house, do consider short-term rent-for-work jobs to cover your rental.
The number of hours you would work won’t add up to a typical 9-5 or a full-time job, which means you’ll still have a lot of time to focus on your other side hustles.
Here are some places that will let you stay rent-free in return for labor:
- Couchsurfing
- BeWelcome
- Global Freeloaders
- Hospitality Club
- Hermail – For female travellers
3. Do chores in exchange for rent
Maybe your parents are driving you insane or your roommate steals your food and pretends they don’t; either way if you’re caught up in the “can I afford to move out,” daydream, it might be time to actually move out.
In a perfect world, you’d be able to pack your bags and make a dramatic exit but alas, the world is not perfect.
If you have a cool aunt or a relative that’s willing to let you live with them in exchange for doing house chores, I say why not?
If you need to move out but can’t afford it, do consider doing chores in exchange for rent.
You could be their very own personal assistant. Maybe they need help with cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping, or even chauffeuring.
Think of it as a less formal work-for-rent agreement.
This can help with your “I have to move out but can’t afford it” situation.
4. Become a Live-In Nanny or Pet Sitter
Ever heard of an au pair? Or more commonly known as a live-in nanny.
If you have a way with children and know how to care for them, then this could be a job for you.
If you are thinking that “I want to move out but can’t afford it”, there are plenty of working parents that are looking for quality child care by someone who they can trust.
As a live-in nanny, you wouldn’t only be provided with a rent-free living arrangement but you’re also entitled to extra pay.
Here are some websites that connect au pairs or live-in nannies with families:
- Au Pair World
- AuPair.com
- Top Au Pairs
- Match Au Pair
If you don’t like kids or don’t want to spend your time caring for them, how about caring for pets? Most pet owners are also fickle when it comes to choosing someone to care for their beloved pets.
Maybe they travel often and can’t bring their fur-baby but instead need someone to care for their little one from the comfort of their home.
Want to take care of someone’s fur baby and get paid for it? Here are some websites just for that:
You can also look for local job agencies that hire live-in nannies or pet sitters and apply there. Alternatively, you could look up local ad listings in your city.
5. Manage an Apartment Building
This is a good one for the handymen and women out there.
If you don’t mind getting phone calls from strangers and you know how to fix appliances, then why not manage an apartment building?
Apartment building managers are usually given one of the apartments in the buildings they manage in return for a place to live rent-free.
All you need to do is be available 24/7 to address the tenant’s issues.
That’s right my dear readers, a place to live in and a job all in one go but unlike the rent-for-work arrangement, you’d actually get paid for this position.
If you’re interested in becoming a building manager or an on-site property manager, here’s a quick read on “How to Become an Apartment Property Manager,” to get an idea of the requirements and steps you’ll need to take to get into this field.
And if you’re looking for buildings to manage, here are a few websites with vacancies:
“I want to move out of my parents house but I can t afford it” shouldn’t be an issue anymore with this solution!
6. Couch Surfing
“You have friends all over the world, you just haven’t met them yet.” That’s the company slogan for couchsurfing.com
Couchsurfing is a service that connects members to a global community of people who are looking for a place to stay.
If you’re really in a difficult situation, then this is a quick fix.
There are registered members on the website and the company itself has safety guidelines in place before you start couch surfing but ultimately, I say go with your gut and trust your instincts.
If you’re not comfortable with staying on a stranger’s couch or you don’t particularly want to sign up for a website to do so, call a friend up and ask if you can sleep on their couch.
7. Relocate To A Town With Low Living Cost
Want to move out but can’t afford it?
A town with a low living cost can take a lot of financial stress off your shoulders.
If you are looking to move out but you can’t afford to, do consider a town with a lower living cost than where you are staying now.
Not only the rent will be cheaper, but the other costs like public transport and groceries could also be more affordable as well.
8. Move In With A Friend
If you have a friend who is also currently looking to move out, you can consider moving out with him/her.
Living with a friend not only helps you to save on your house bills but also helps to overcome loneliness.
If you’re thinking that “I don’t feel safe where I am and I can’t afford to move out of my parents house”, do consider moving out with a friend for company.
With a roommate and housemate, you can save on utility bills and groceries by cooking together. It will definitely help to make you feel a lot less lonely moving out with a friend.
9. Stay At A Hostel
“I want to move out of my parents house but I can’t afford it.”
You may be staying your family right now and you are wondering how to move out of a toxic home with no money.
If that’s the thought you are having right now, staying at a hostel is an alternative to consider if you don’t mind staying with a crowd.
Maybe your situation is urgent and you haven’t found a good place to move out to. Do consider a short-term stay at a hostel as you plan out your move-out.
Hostel rooms are designed to host a small group of people. While it may not be ideal if you want privacy, it can be a good short-term option since hostels are usually a cheap option for a weeks-long stay.
10. Move To Places That Give You Relocation Benefits
Do you know that certain places or states actually pay you to relocate?
Ascend West Virginia pays you $12,000 to move to West Virginia from any other state in the United States.
As long as you are 18 years old and above, stay in West Virginia for 2 years, and have a remote full-time job outside of West Virginia, you are eligible to apply!
Not only that, Ascend West Virginia also provides you with an outdoor recreation package worth $2,500.
Other relocation programs include:
- Choose Topeka pays you $5,000 to $15,000 to move to Topeka and Shawnee County, Kansas.
- Tulsa Remote grants you $10,000 for moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma.
- Think Vermont pays you up to $7,500 for you to move to Vermont.
“I wanna move out but can’t afford it”
This shouldn’t be a roadblock with the attractive incentives to relocate to other towns or cities.
11. Join A Homesharing Program
Homesharing Program is a program that allows two or more unrelated people to share a household.
Sometimes, a home sharer might a senior citizen, a disabled person, or a single parent. You may provide support to them by cooking them a meal, driving to appointments, and doing house chores.
“I don’t feel safe where I am and I cant afford to move”
If you are thinking about that, this could be a perfect solution for you.
With a home sharing program, you will be living with someone, helping you to combat loneliness.
Not only that, you will feel safer with another person living in the same household as you.
You also get to interact with your housemate, to learn about their live experiences. What a way to move out and get to know new friends at the same time!
Can’t Afford to Move Out? Best Tips in 2023!
1. Stop And Assess Your Situation
“I want to move out of my parent’s house but I can’t afford it,” a tale as old as time. Maybe the urge to leave the nest is strong but the means are not there.
Your first step is to stop, take a look at your life, and assess the situation.
Leave the aforementioned house and go somewhere you can decompress and think clearly. Ask yourself:
- Do you have other options?
- What are your goals?
- Is the situation urgent?
You may be 30 and can’t afford to move out. Do ask yourself the real motivation for you to move out.
Be realistic about how much you can manage and what you can do in the timeframe you’ve given yourself.
2. Set A Date
They say, “a goal without a timeline is merely a dream.” This is true -after assessing your situation, you should choose a realistic move-out date and stick with it. No and’s, if’s or buts about it.
Setting a realistic date to move out creates the urgency for you to take action.
It eliminates the mental block of “I want to move out but I can’t afford to move out.”.
With a date set in place, you are more motivated to take action to achieve your goal.
Say you want to move out in 4 months, you will start to create a plan to move out accordingly.
Once you have a date in mind, you will be able to carry out your plan in a more organized way.
Remove the “I cant afford to move out” mental block by setting a date and carrying the plan step-by-step.
3. Know Your Moving Expenses
Let’s say you have assessed the situation and the best action is to move out. You now need to know some of the costs/expenses you will need to move out alone.
Depending on your living arrangement, you may need to consider the followings:
- Deposits: Most of the house owners require you to pay 2-3 months of rental deposits before you move in.
- Rent and utilities: Think about the house rental and utility bills (gas, electricity, etc.) that you will need to pay when you move out to a new place.
- Cost to move: Moving your personal belongings to your new home. Do consider asking help from your friends and family to save on moving costs.
- Insurance: To protect yourself in case your rental is damaged.
- Living costs: If you haven’t lived out of home before, you most likely will not be able to estimate the amount you need to spend on groceries. Do some research for the area you are moving to, to get a good gauge on the average living costs.
- Emergency fund: This is most often overlooked because no one likes an unwelcome financial surprise. Save up a few months of living expenses to ensure you are covered in case something happens.
4. Track Your Spending
So what now after you have figured out the expenses you need before you move out?
You should start to track your daily or weekly expenses so you know where your money is going.
Use budgeting tools like Mint and EveryDollar to help you understand which categories you spend the most on every month.
“I want my own place but can’t afford it”.
If you’re thinking about that now, maybe it’s time to cut down on your Starbucks spending each week.
5. Plan And Budget
You have a better understanding of your position now.
Maybe make a checklist and name it, “moving out of parents house checklist.”
Write down a list of things you need to achieve in order to meet your goals.
Stick that goal somewhere you can see every day and work towards it. If you want it bad enough, you can do it.
Let’s say your goal is to move out in 4 months, how can you get yourself one step closer to that goal?
You plan and budget. What are you spending? How much of it can you cut out?
If you have been living with your parents then I suggest putting away any extra money you have to build up savings.
Do some homework before you march into life, ask yourself:
- Where do I want to go?
- What can I afford (long term/short term)?
- I need to move but can’t afford it, what should I start to do?
- Will I have enough for other costs (utilities, food, etc.)?
Setting goals may be scary and sometimes it may even seem unattainable but start small and work your way up.
Start by setting a daily goal, move on to weekly ones, and then jump into monthly goals before moving out.
6. Save Money
How to afford moving out when you can’t afford to move out? The answer to that is: save money.
I’m not one to sugarcoat things.
If you’ve been living with your parents rent-free and they’ve been giving you some allowance.
Or you had extra pocket money to galavant through town, then ideally you should have some money to help you with the move.
Leaving the family home can be tough and if you haven’t familiarized yourself with budgeting, saving, or financial discipline, this is the time to do so.
To afford a move, it’s time to seriously think about saving money.
So what’s the quickest way you can save money?
- Cut frivolous expenditures from your budget
- Needs have to be prioritized over wants: only buy essentials
- Save money by eating in for a while
- Set up a meal plan (even better: base it around items on sale at the supermarket)
- Shop at cheaper stores or the farmers’ market
(Tip: if you go at the end of the day, most vendors will just give away their produce for a very cheap price)
- Get around for free: start walking to your destination and if you don’t want to walk, think about cycling, skateboarding, and even carpooling
- Whatever you save on rent, deposit it into the bank
Do consider preparing your own meals to replace eating out.
If you want to move but can’t afford it, you should consider replacing your eating out habits with some healthy home-cooked food.
Before I moved out on my own last time, I learned to cook with basic ingredients to avoid eating out all the time.
Not only was I able to save money, I also managed to cut my future living expenses by cooking my own meals!
The bottom line is, the more costs you cut from your budget, the more money you’ll save, and therefore the quicker you will be able to move out.
Can I afford to move house? Definitely, with the money that you slowly save.
Remember that, a dollar you save is a dollar closer to moving out!
7. Get A Job
This one is pretty straightforward. If you don’t already have a job or any source of income, we need to re-evaluate the steps because this is now your first and only mission.
“I want to move out but I can’t afford it”. This should be a strong motivator for you to find a job.
Even if it’s not the job of your dreams, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get it done.
There’s no shame in getting an interim job when you need the money fast.
Wanting a move out is not enough, you should start to take action towards achieving that.
If you already have a job and it doesn’t pay enough to get you out of your living situation then you can do a few things:
- Ask for a raise
- Get a second job (if you can)
- Switch to a company that pays more
8. Start A Side Hustle
If you have some free time to spend, consider taking on a side hustle to move closer to your moving out goals.
Some side hustle jobs like virtual assistant, freelance writer, and teaching English online may not require specific hours and are beginners-friendly.
By taking on side hustle jobs in the beginning, you get to save towards your target amount faster.
I still remember writing for a client with my crappy laptop on my bed when I needed some extra income.
Don’t let the “I want to move away but have no money” thought to cloud your brain and start doing something now.
While you may get tired and very busy, do remember that this is a temporary way to help you move out faster!
9. Be Persistent
While you may get demotivated by the amount of work you need to work on before you can move out, do remember that whatever you are doing now helps towards your moving out goal.
For every instance you are able to achieve a small milestone (cutting out Starbucks for 2 weeks, resist the temptation of buying non-essential item, etc.), give yourself a pat on your shoulder for achieving them!
Do remember that this is temporary, once you have saved up the amount of money needed to move out, you should be able to relax your goal to enjoy your living out of home life.
“I need to move out but can’t afford it.” Hopefully, this will be resolved as you follow along with the tips.
You just have to keep at it for a while!
FAQs On Can’t Afford To Move Out:
Is It Possible To Move Out With No Money?
Yes, it is possible to move out with little to no money but I’m going to be honest, it isn’t going to be glamorous.
Let’s say you have finally made a decision and you are moving out! YES. It’s happening. You have been waiting for this moment.
But is it actually possible to move out with no money?
How to afford to move out when you don’t have any money?
Don’t worry if you can’t afford to move out, because there are definitely ways for you to do so without spending a dime. I’ve heard people say, “my wife wants a divorce should I move out?”
To them I say, look at step one and maybe try relationship therapy –but if you’re really at your wit’s end (or your wife’s at the end of her rope) then here are a few completely free options to help you move out without spending a buck, below.
How To Move Out Without Any Money?
“Can I afford to move out on my own?” If you don’t have the money to move out and you follow the steps below then the answer is yes, you can afford to move out on your own.
You can take these steps:
1. Fewer things = Less packing materials
When you move out, you’re tempted to just dump everything in a box and be done with it but that is not the way to go.
Sort through your items and keep what you need or cherish because less things mean less boxes, less tape, and probably even a no truck.
2. Sell, recycle, donate, or toss it out
One man’s trash is another’s treasure, right? If you can sell some of your personal belongings then you’re able to cover moving costs or put it in the bank for a rainy day.
What you can’t sell, you can recycle -this could also be a way to make money as some recycling plants pay for properly recycled material.
And if you really just want to get rid of your things, why not make it count for something?
Donate your things to your local charity and if it’s not in the right state for that, then toss it out.
Here are some sites you can sell your clothes at :
- Carousell
- Facebook Marketplace
- Ebay
- Varagesale
- Listia
3. Check the calendar
Did you know that it’s actually cheaper to move out during winter than it is to move out in the summer?
Forget the seasons, factor in the day of the week or the time of the month. Avoid peak hours and weekends.
If you can move in the middle of a month, do it -it’s cheaper than moving out at the beginning or end of the month.
What’s a little inconvenience in exchange for moving out without loosening the purse strings?
4. Do not hire a moving company
This will cost a lot more than it’s worth.
Moving companies will charge you for additional services like packing, the number of people needed to move larger items, dismantling, hoisting, and so much more.
Why pay a bunch of people to carry your things when you can have other people do it for free?
This brings us to our next money-saving tip.
5. Get friends and family to help
Can’t move all your things on your own? Ask your mom for the minivan, get your cousin to carry your couch.
Need to move but can’t afford it?
Enlist the help of your friends and family by bribing them with favors or edible food in return for their help.
6. Source for free packing boxes
Instead of buying expensive boxes, try finding some for free ones on Craigslist, Facebook, or even your local grocery stores.
The produce they order comes in boxes and they probably won’t be reusing them either, so they’re more likely to give them away at no cost.
7. Don’t spend your money on bubble wrap or packing peanuts
If you’re not going to spend money on boxes, why spend money on packing peanuts and bubble wrap?
Consider using old newspapers or rags, sheets, or even your clothes.
This not only saves you from spending unnecessary costs but you save money by using fewer boxes. It’s a win-win situation.
How Much Money Should Someone Have Before They Move Out?
You should have between $6,000 and $12,000 ready before you move out.
You should allocate some money to cover moving expenses, buying furniture, renting a place, paying bills, and buying groceries.
Do make sure that you also save up an emergency fund before you move out to cover any unexpected scenario.
Am I Ready To Move Out?
You are ready when you feel financially ready to pay rent and pay your bills on time
To know if you are truly ready to move out, ask yourself if you are ready to take on new challenges and responsibilities, and experience personal growth on your own.
Move out when you feel you are comfortable with it!
What Is The Average Age To Move Out Alone?
The average age to move out is between 24 and 27.
There are a lot of factors involved when you want to move out alone.
You want to save up an amount of money before you move out to ensure you can support yourself.
Don’t let others dictate when you should move out!
Is It Stressful To Move Out?
Yes, moving house is considered one of the most if not THE most stressful life event the average person goes through.
You may experience insomnia, panic attack, or anxiety leading up to the date of your move out.
Do write down your worries and tackle them slowly as you embark on your moving-out journey.
Does Moving Out Mature You?
Yes, moving out alone definitely matures you as a person!
You will have to take care of yourself, manage your own finances, do your chores on your own, and much more.
It will help you mature and grow as a person as you learn to be completely self-sufficient and independent.
Is Living On Your Own Hard Financially?
Yes, living on your own can be hard financially, especially at the beginning!
You will have to pay the bills and buy groceries yourself, which can be financially taxing if you haven’t done it before.
Managing personal and household finances by yourself is often the biggest stumbling block for first-time independents.
Is It Better To Live With A Roommate Or Alone?
It depends. Having roommates is a financially beneficial solution if you are struggling financially.
While living alone gives you more privacy, staying with a housemate allows you to share rent and utility bills, as well as groceries, reducing your living expenses.
You would also feel less lonely in the company of a housemate.
Is It Safe For A Woman To Live Alone?
It can be safe, with necessary precautions.
Women who live alone often require an extra level of safety and security.
Do consider getting security equipment like a door camera, window locks, and alarms to protect yourself.
Avoid going home too late and make sure that no one is tailgating you before you enter your building.
What’s It Like Moving Out For The First Time?
It is an emotional rollercoaster that twists ruthlessly between joy and horror, massive excitement and deep anxiety.
At times, you would be relieved that you are finally moving out.
You may also be wondering if you will be able to live on your own without any issues.
It’s definitely a “growing up” process for most of us!
Conclusion
If you can’t afford to move out, there are plenty of alternative solutions for you
By the end of this article, you should have found at least one solution to your “can’t afford to move out,” conundrum.
If you stick to your budget, cut costs, and save up, you’ll be moving out in no time. And if you don’t have the cash or time for it, then I hope you found some comfort in the rent-free options I’ve provided.
I always think if you want it enough, you can achieve it. So you say you can’t afford it, I say, you can’t afford it right now. Till next time, happy moving!
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