How to Move to a New City Without a Job

You’ve got your eyes set on your dream city – but you haven’t exactly landed a job there yet. There are still several ways to make your goals a reality, so don’t feel discouraged! You’ll have to work extra hard and plan each step, but it’s possible. You’re not the first person to set out on this adventure, and you won’t be the last.

Here are a few tips on how to move to a new city without a job.

1. Research the City Thoroughly

Before you save any money, it’s crucial to look into your chosen city so that you know what to expect financially. The cost to live where you do now may differ from where you want to move. This research can help you set up a realistic budget, which makes your eventual move a lot more straightforward. You’ll want to ask yourself these questions about your future city:

• What’s the average rent for an apartment?
• How much should I set aside for utilities and other necessary expenses?
• Do I need a moving truck? If so, what would that rental cost me?

The average cost to move depends on a few factors, like where you want to relocate to and how many items you have. You’ll save money if you plan to pack up your car and drive two hours away. However, if you need to rent a van to haul 50 boxes across the country, you can expect to pay more. You should also think about the odds that you’ll find a job. You may need to save more money if you don’t think you’ll find a position for a few months. 

Consider your personal situation so that you can run the numbers accurately. Then, you’ll have a figure to work toward over time.

2. Save Enough Money Beforehand

Now that you’ve created your financial plan, it’s time to save! This step may be the most important. After all, you can’t move if you don’t have enough money to allocate for future expenses. A timeline for your financial goals can motivate you to save enough by a specific date. This calendar should vary for everyone since these numbers depend on your current income, as well as how much you need to save.

Do you currently have a job? If so, it’ll be easier to put away cash every two weeks. You may need to cut back on extra expenses like your Netflix subscription and takeout orders – every bit makes a difference. You could also pick up a part-time job or side hustle so that you have an income strictly for your move. A little sacrifice goes a long way.

3. Look for a Job

When figuring out ow to move to a new city without a job, you should start your job hunt as soon as possible. Again, it’s not always easy to navigate this situation. If you find a job, how can you guarantee that you’ll show up for the first day if you don’t have any money saved? Your new company may have a budget for employees who want to relocate, but try not to bet on a paid-for move. That said, you should look for jobs sooner rather than later.

Once you’ve established how much you need to save, it’s time to set up a current resume and cover letter. You should briefly mention that you intend to move to X place by Y time. This detail lets recruiters know that you have a plan. Then, update your online profiles. You can alert your contacts about your move so that they know to send you relevant jobs. Don’t tell your current co-workers unless you’ve already submitted a two-weeks notice.

There are a few ways to navigate potential interview requests as your job hunt becomes more lucrative. You can suggest a video or phone call, too. If you absolutely need to travel to do an interview, try to schedule multiple for the same day.

4. Find an Affordable Rental

An affordable apartment can offset many costs for your move. You should set aside any expectations you have to find a high-end, one-bedroom apartment. Unless you want to move to a city that offers those places for cheap, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to live by yourself immediately. That’s a downside that you’ll have to deal with until you find a new job.

Still, it’s generally easy to find like-minded people who need roommates. Many like to use Facebook or Twitter to post a little about their current situation. It may be beneficial to post to a community board with some details. This way, others will know that you’re available as a potential roommate. You’ll want to research neighborhoods throughout the city as you search for roommates.

It can be tricky to find a balance between how much you need to save, and when you expect to move. You’ll want to jump quickly if you find the ideal apartment and roommates, but it’s impossible to do so if you don’t have enough cash. Therefore, you should only put out feelers for both when you’ve saved a decent amount. You don’t want to have to pass on a perfect situation because you’re short a few hundred dollars.

Navigate Your New Life in a New City

Do you want to know how to move to a new city without a job? Though this journey may seem stressful and uncertain, you can make your dream move happen. These tips can help you set yourself up for success.