Moving out of state without a traditional plan—including already having a job—might initially sound like a bad idea. However, it may be one of the best decisions you ever make.
Sometimes you have to take risks to reap the rewards. Moreover, the move could ultimately help you become more independent and self-assured in the long run.
Regardless, try to save as much money as you can beforehand, and formulate a plan—and a backup plan. You may be thinking of all the reasons why relocating to another city without a job won’t work out, but we’re here to help you learn how to move to a new state with no job.
Where to Find a New Job in a New City
Much of the worry about relocating to another city with no job has to do with obvious financial uncertainty. To relieve some of your concerns, begin your job search before your move, not after. Remember, it may be weeks or months before applications yield a job offer, so start early.
If telecommuting or transferring isn’t an option, you need to quickly get a sense of your new location’s employment and business landscape. Research the following:
- Work culture
- Skills in demand
- Hiring industries
- Job opportunities
- Prospective employers
You can quickly get the information you need by browsing local business papers, company websites, and employment websites.
Consider using a local address and contact information on applications to improved your chances of landing an interview. Employers often prioritize local applicants. See if you can use the address of a friend of relative living in the area. Put down the address of the place you’re moving into. Or leave the address off your resume altogether.
Switch your LinkedIn profile geographic location to your new home. This will help you find potential job openings in the area you’re moving to. Leverage LinkedIn further by joining groups in the new geographic area. Do your research, find several companies in the area you’d like to work for and start getting noticed. Be sure to mention your new proximity in cover letters.
Living on a Budget While Waiting for the Right Job
If things don’t come together as quickly as you anticipated, you’ll need some money to fall back on. Research the cost of living in the city that you plan to move to, and then calculate your monthly expenses.
It’s recommended to have money for three to six months of living expenses so you can get by without income while you’re searching for the perfect job. If you’re planning on downsizing, sell some (or all) of your stuff to avoid clutter and earn some extra money. Opt for a furnished place if you’re planning on renting when you get to your new city.
Moving to a new area could bring anxiety and stress if you run out of funds before landing a new job. As you work out how to move out of state with no job, avoid throwing caution to the wind.
Realistically speaking, supporting yourself financially after a move can be challenging. However, advance planning and proper preparation can help to make a smooth transition, especially if you’re not expecting to bring in any income for some time. Don’t forget that aside from living costs, you also need to factor in the cost of relocation and unforeseen expenses.
If you can find a place to rent short-term—perhaps one that has utilities included—this allows you to calculate exactly how much you need to pay for rent and shows your landlord that you’re trustworthy. Additionally, this allows you to check out the area and make sure it’s a good fit.
Airbnb has a trove of monthly listings and doesn’t require you to sign a lease. If you can, pay for your entire stay upfront so that all you have to worry about are your other living expenses. Sublet is another great resource for finding short-term listings.
Be sure to keep track of your expenses. Differentiate essential from nonessential expenses, know as best you can how much you spend month-to-month, and don’t be afraid to explore monetary assistance programs if necessary.
If your life is in a state of flux and you’re unsure whether you’ll be able to cover bills at a new place, ask someone you know if you can stay with them. If you think your stay may be longer than a week, consider splitting your time between multiple friends or family members while you get on your feet. No one wants to feel like they’re overstaying their welcome, and people will appreciate it if you give them an end date when you ask if you can temporarily crash.
Working on Your Side Hustles
While finding a new job, you can (and should) take advantage of any skill sets you currently have as side hustles. Find ways to earn supplementary income as you search for a full-time position. These can include:
- Pet sitting
- House hitting
- Selling art
- Food delivery
- Rideshare driving
- Selling old possessions
Side hustles can be something as simple as monetizing a hobby you enjoy doing, so don’t spend too much time worrying over which side hustles to tackle—just jump right in!
Networking in a New City
Once you have moved to the new location, it’ll be important and useful to get out there and meet people that could potentially connect you to local jobs. Building a social network early on is especially important when you’re starting a new career in a new place because it makes finding suitable job leads easier.
Plan how to spend your time during the first few days of arrival. If you have friends or relatives, maybe you could invite them for a get-together. Visit places of interest and take in the sights and sounds of your new home.
If you’re not sure how to meet people, volunteering for a cause that means something to you is a fantastic way to connect with like-minded people.
Turn to Colonial Van Lines for Moving Help
Moving to a new state with no job may seem daunting, but with the help of friends, family, community, and hard work, it’s entirely possible to do it successfully.
While you’re thinking about how to move out of state with no job, don’t forget to check out the costs of hiring professional movers. When you need some help with your move, we offer a multitude of options. We also offer free quotes to give you an idea of what your move will cost, without any pressure to use our services.
Relocating without a job can be daunting, but it can also be one of the most rewarding things you ever do.