{"id":9005,"date":"2021-08-09T21:01:39","date_gmt":"2021-08-10T03:01:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/?p=9005"},"modified":"2021-08-09T21:01:39","modified_gmt":"2021-08-10T03:01:39","slug":"move-los-angeles-california-no-money","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Move to Los Angeles, California With No Job or Money"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Considering moving to the Los Angeles area with no money or job lined up?<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019ve ever wanted to just pick up and move without much of a plan, you\u2019re not alone\u2026<\/p>\n<p>For many young people, the idea of starting over in a new place is an appealing one. It\u2019s a great chance to grow as an individual and maybe reinvent yourself a bit along the way.<\/p>\n<p>Even just the process of preparing to move to a new city can help you learn more about what you value and what you\u2019d like your future to look like.<\/p>\n<p>In fact, that desire to move to a new city was what sparked the financial epiphany that motivated me to get my own personal finances in order and eventually start this blog.<\/p>\n<p>I posted a question on the Personal Finance subreddit that was something along the lines of:<\/p>\n<p><i>Is $2,000 enough to move to another state?<\/i><\/p>\n<p>The Redditors replied with some helpful tactical advice\u2013much of which will be covered in this post\u2013and one user commented asked this question:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHow are you single, earning a comfortable salary, living in a modest apartment\u2026 and have zero savings? Several hundred dollars a month are going somewhere, do you know where?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Up to this point, I hadn\u2019t realized how big of a mess my personal finances were.<\/p>\n<p>Although I\u2019d just graduated from college, I definitely wasn\u2019t <a href=\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/how-to-adult\/\">managing my money like an adult<\/a> yet.<\/p>\n<p>I wasn\u2019t necessarily struggling to pay my bills, but all of my money was going toward eating out and traveling. I had nothing saved for a rainy day\u2013\u2013much less a move across the country!<\/p>\n<p>At this point, I realized that if I wanted to move to a new city\u2013soon or in the future\u2013I would need to get my personal finances in order.<\/p>\n<p>If you want to know how to move with no money or job, you could soon be facing a similar realization.<\/p>\n<p>In this post, you\u2019ll learn exactly what it takes to make your big move and how to maximize your chances of a successful relocation to California.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_49 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Jump to...<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"ez-toc-toggle-icon-1\"><label for=\"item-647a0cef656e1\" aria-label=\"Table of Content\"><span style=\"display: flex;align-items: center;width: 35px;height: 30px;justify-content: center;direction:ltr;\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><input  type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item-647a0cef656e1\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-visibility-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/#Reasons_you_may_move_to_Los_Angeles_without_money\" title=\"Reasons you may move to Los Angeles without money\">Reasons you may move to Los Angeles without money<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/#So_is_LA_a_good_place_to_move_to\" title=\"So is LA a good place to move to?\">So is LA a good place to move to?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/#Before_you_start_in_a_new_place_with_no_money\" title=\"Before you start in a new place with no money\">Before you start in a new place with no money<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/#Cost_of_living\" title=\"Cost of living\">Cost of living<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/#Moving_costs\" title=\"Moving costs\">Moving costs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/#Housing_security_deposit\" title=\"Housing security deposit\">Housing security deposit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/#Your_first_paycheck\" title=\"Your first paycheck\">Your first paycheck<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/#Other_%E2%80%9Chidden_costs%E2%80%9D_of_moving\" title=\"Other \u201chidden costs\u201d of moving\">Other \u201chidden costs\u201d of moving<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/#Is_it_time_for_you_to_pick_up_and_move\" title=\"Is it time for you to pick up and move?\">Is it time for you to pick up and move?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/#How_to_move_with_no_money_or_job\" title=\"How to move with no money or job\">How to move with no money or job<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/#Take_care_of_your_debt\" title=\"Take care of your debt\">Take care of your debt<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/#Save_as_much_money_as_possible\" title=\"Save as much money as possible\">Save as much money as possible<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/#Sell_your_stuff\" title=\"Sell your stuff\">Sell your stuff<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/#Update_your_resume\" title=\"Update your resume\">Update your resume<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/#Minimize_your_expenses\" title=\"Minimize your expenses\">Minimize your expenses<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/#Find_an_affordable_place_to_stay\" title=\"Find an affordable place to stay\">Find an affordable place to stay<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/#Create_a_budget\" title=\"Create a budget\">Create a budget<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/#Live_within_your_means\" title=\"Live within your means\">Live within your means<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/#Find_work_immediately\" title=\"Find work immediately\">Find work immediately<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/#Have_a_backup_plan\" title=\"Have a backup plan\">Have a backup plan<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/#Making_the_most_of_California_with_no_money\" title=\"Making the most of California with no money\">Making the most of California with no money<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reasons_you_may_move_to_Los_Angeles_without_money\"><\/span>Reasons you may move to Los Angeles without money<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Let\u2019s face it\u2026<\/p>\n<p>Making a big move to a new city or state without money or a job lined up isn\u2019t the ideal situation.<\/p>\n<p>That being said, you may find yourself in this position under a few different circumstances.<\/p>\n<p>Maybe you want to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Move out of your parents\u2019 house?<\/li>\n<li>Leave behind your college town after graduation?<\/li>\n<li>Respond to an unplanned life event such as divorce or the poor health of a loved one?<\/li>\n<li>Escape from an unhealthy relationship?<\/li>\n<li>Enjoy a fresh start and change of scenery?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"So_is_LA_a_good_place_to_move_to\"><\/span>So is LA a good place to move to?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Maybe you\u2019re not trying to escape from a boring or unhealthy living situation where you\u2019re at now\u2026 Perhaps you\u2019re just drawn by what Los Angeles has to offer.<\/p>\n<p>There are lots of reasons why people choose to move specifically to the Los Angeles area, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Warm weather all year long with beautiful beaches<\/li>\n<li>The glitz, glam, and culture of Hollywood<\/li>\n<li>Lots to do with great music venues, sports teams, and restaurants<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Is Los Angeles a good place to move to? It depends!<\/p>\n<p>With perhaps a few exceptions, there\u2019s no such thing as a \u201cgood place\u201d or \u201cbad place\u201d to live. Every city offers its unique set of advantages and disadvantages.<\/p>\n<p>Whether you enjoy living in this part of California works for you will depend on your values, ability to develop relationships and a sense of community, and unique life circumstances.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Before_you_start_in_a_new_place_with_no_money\"><\/span>Before you start in a new place with no money<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019ve already shared your decision to move with others\u2013especially if you don\u2019t have a job offer lined up\u2013perhaps you\u2019ve been met with some level of doubt or skepticism.<\/p>\n<p>While you don\u2019t owe others an explanation of your decision, you do owe it to yourself to put yourself in the best situation possible for this exciting next stage of your life.<\/p>\n<p>After asking Reddit if I had saved enough money to move across the country, I discovered there were many factors for moving to a new state that I hadn\u2019t really considered.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, moving to a new city isn\u2019t as easy as just packing up your most important belongings and driving to your new home. There are lots of factors to consider.<\/p>\n<p>If you haven\u2019t already considered, keep the following in mind:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cost_of_living\"><\/span>Cost of living<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>How much does Los Angeles cost in comparison to where you currently live?&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re trying to make the move into a big city, you may be shocked by how your rent jumps in comparison to what you\u2019re paying right now (especially if you were living in a college town before).<\/p>\n<p>You can plug your current income into a cost of living calculator to compare how much you\u2019ll need to end up earning to enjoy a similar quality of life in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Moving_costs\"><\/span>Moving costs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It isn\u2019t cheap to move all of your possessions across the country.<\/p>\n<p>Depending on how much you own and how far you plan to move, your moving costs could be anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll need to spend money on:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Moving supplies like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap<\/li>\n<li>A rental truck to haul any furniture<\/li>\n<li>Gasoline (rental trucks only get 10-12 miles per gallon)<\/li>\n<li>Hotel\/Airbnb accommodations for each night of your move<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Some employers will cover these moving expenses and even bring in a service to help pack and haul boxes. Unfortunately, when paying for a move on your own dime, you may need to be selective about what you can afford to bring.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Housing_security_deposit\"><\/span>Housing security deposit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Moving into a new apartment without a job or much money isn\u2019t an easy process.<\/p>\n<p>First of all, many landlords will require proof of income as part of their rental application process. The monthly income needed to qualify for an apartment will vary by the property, but it\u2019s typically around three times the rent.<\/p>\n<p>Moving into a new apartment also typically requires more cash than just the rent payment.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll likely be required to cover the first month of rent, last month of rent, and a security deposit before you\u2019re allowed to move in.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>This means you\u2019re probably looking at 3-4x the rent payment to actually secure a place to live.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Your_first_paycheck\"><\/span>Your first paycheck<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Let\u2019s say you\u2019re ready to hit the ground running in Los Angeles. You\u2019ve got a strong resume and are eager to find work anywhere you can get it.<\/p>\n<p>Realistically, even in the best of scenarios, it can take several weeks to go from submitting your application to starting your first day in your new job.<\/p>\n<p>It takes time for companies to complete each round of interviews, decide on a candidate who\u2019s the right fit, process the paperwork, and prepare for a new hire to start work.<\/p>\n<p>Even after starting a new job, most employers may every other week or twice per month which means you\u2019ll be waiting for a couple of weeks after you start until you see any of the money you\u2019ve earned.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Other_%E2%80%9Chidden_costs%E2%80%9D_of_moving\"><\/span>Other \u201chidden costs\u201d of moving<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The main expenses of moving\u2013a moving truck, packing supplies, and a place to stay when you arrive\u2013are pretty obvious.<\/p>\n<p>However, there are lots of little expenses that are often overlooked and these can really start to add up when you\u2019re trying to move without much money or without a job lined up.<\/p>\n<p>These little expenses will vary based on where you\u2019re moving to and what your new living arrangement looks like, but here are a few examples of what you might encounter:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Freeway tolls as you drive across the country<\/li>\n<li>Fees for register your car or apply for a driver\u2019s license in your&nbsp; new state<\/li>\n<li>Fees for a parking permit application<\/li>\n<li>Paying for help or renting a truck to deliver new furniture you buy<\/li>\n<li>Replacing household items that shared with past roommates that you couldn\u2019t take with you (internet router, vacuum))<\/li>\n<li>Replacing the many little household items you chose to leave behind to save space<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_time_for_you_to_pick_up_and_move\"><\/span>Is it time for you to pick up and move?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>So you\u2019ve already set your eyes on warm, sunny California and you know more about some of the hidden costs of moving\u2026 what next?<\/p>\n<p>You may be ready to start a new life in Los Angeles as soon as possible, but before making this major decision, make sure you take some time to ask yourself:<\/p>\n<p>Do you really need to make the move <i>right now?<\/i><\/p>\n<p>While making the move immediately may sound like an exciting adventure, starting over with a new city with no money is going to be a difficult life challenge.<\/p>\n<p>Waiting even just a few months can make a huge difference in building a financial safety cushion that will give you the emotional peace of mind to better transition this big life change.<\/p>\n<p>Rather than just up-and-moving now, if your current situation allows it, consider setting a \u201ctarget date\u201d down the road that will let you build your savings or find a job first.<br \/>\nHow to move with no money or job<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_move_with_no_money_or_job\"><\/span>How to move with no money or job<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Alright, you\u2019re still asking yourself, \u201cHow can I move with no money?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Here are 10 tips that will help you move to a new city\u2013whether you end up in Los Angeles,&nbsp;San Francisco, or San Diego. You can take action on many of these ideas immediately. A few may have to wait until after you make the move.<\/p>\n<p>While your personal circumstances may not allow you to have a completely \u201ceasy move,\u201d implementing as many of these strategies as possible will enable you to make your big move a reality.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Take_care_of_your_debt\"><\/span>Take care of your debt<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Moving to a new city is a great way to enjoy a fresh perspective on life.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, unless you\u2019ve been lucky enough to avoid debt or pay it off already, then credit card debt and student loans are something that will pack their own bags and follow you no matter what city you call home.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re planning to move without a job lined up, realize that you\u2019re still going to be accountable for your monthly payments. Missing your monthly payments can incur late fees, hurt your credit score, and rack up additional interest.<\/p>\n<p>Preferably, you\u2019ll pay off all of your debt before making the financially risky decision to move without a job. At the very least, you\u2019ll want to plan ahead so you\u2019ve saved up around three to six months of worth of payments so you can stay current on your debt.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Save_as_much_money_as_possible\"><\/span>Save as much money as possible<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Moving to a new city is a great reason to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/start-saving-more-money\/\">start saving more money<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, you\u2019ll have saved at least six months\u2019 worth of your projected living expenses to help fund your move.<\/p>\n<p>You want to have enough money in the bank that you can move many or all of your belongings, find a place to live, and have a few months to line up a job without worrying about your next meal will come from or if you\u2019re going to have a roof over your head.<\/p>\n<p>The most reliable way to save?<\/p>\n<p>Automatically deposit a percentage of your current paycheck into a savings or checking account dedicated specifically to the move. If you\u2019re working with an aggressive timeline, you\u2019ll need to be saving 30%, 40%, or even more from each paycheck to stockpile cash for your move.<\/p>\n<p>Really in a bind?<\/p>\n<p>Your tax refund, performance bonus from your current employer, birthday or holiday gifts, or some gig economy income can all help boost your savings.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sell_your_stuff\"><\/span>Sell your stuff<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019re preparing to make a move, the benefits of selling some of your existing possessions are two-fold:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>You\u2019ll have fewer items to pack and haul with you<\/li>\n<li>You can collect some additional money to boost your moving fund<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>A lot of your extra items\u2013clothing, furniture, and electronics\u2013can be quickly sold through a yard sale, classified ads, or Facebook Marketplace (as long as you don\u2019t mind putting up with some hagglers).<\/p>\n<p>Many short-term rentals (one of the safest options for making a move with no job) are fully furnished rooms or apartments. If you\u2019re going to be staying in furnished housing for the first few months, you won\u2019t have room to bring your current furniture with you anyway. It may also make the difference between needing to rent a truck or just hauling what you own in your car.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking of which\u2026 You may have a moment of realization before your move when you ask yourself, \u201cDo I need to take your car with me?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>This can be a complex decision based on where you\u2019re moving, whether you own the car or have payments, etc. However, in some large cities with reliable public transportation, ditching your vehicle may be an effective way to reduce your expenses or give your savings a big boost.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Update_your_resume\"><\/span>Update your resume<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Finding a job in your target city is the simplest, most financially stable way to relocate.<\/p>\n<p>As soon as moving to a new city or state becomes your goal, you\u2019ll want to make finding a job (if you can\u2019t transfer offices or work remotely) your #1 priority.<\/p>\n<p>It might be easier to find a new job after you\u2019ve relocated as you\u2019ll be able to do in-person interviews and recruiters won\u2019t question whether you\u2019re serious about the move.<\/p>\n<p>However, that shouldn\u2019t stop you from taking what action you can right now.<\/p>\n<p>Take a few minutes to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/create-a-resume\/\">update your resume<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/\">LinkedIn<\/a> profile with your most recent skills, experiences, and certifications, and start immediately looking for new employment opportunities.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Minimize_your_expenses\"><\/span>Minimize your expenses<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If your budget looks like most people\u2019s, about half of your living expenses will probably fall under these big three categories: housing, transportation, and food.<\/p>\n<p>Nailing down those three main expenses will be your \u201cbig wins\u201d in creating a budget that works for your move.<\/p>\n<p>Outside of those areas, your spending will consist of dozens of small transactions throughout the month where you may need to trim until you get settled into your new home.<\/p>\n<p>Take a look at your checking account and credit card statements to see where you can cut back.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Do you need that music or video streaming subscription right now?<\/li>\n<li>Can you find free exercise alternatives to that monthly gym membership?<\/li>\n<li>Are there other recurring\/subscription expenses you can cut back on?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you\u2019re serious about moving, now is the time to challenge your current spending habits and practice living on a lean budget.<\/p>\n<p>Minimizing your expenses will help you save more money before you move, and help your savings last longer after you make the jump.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Find_an_affordable_place_to_stay\"><\/span>Find an affordable place to stay<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019re moving with no money or job, then paying a large security deposit and locking yourself into a 12-month lease is a huge gamble (and one that most landlord or property management companies aren\u2019t willing to take).<\/p>\n<p>Consider alternative housing options that provide a more affordable place for you to stay while you settle into your new city.<\/p>\n<p>One of the easiest options would be to stay with a family member or friend. This type of arrangement may depend on the relationship, but you can:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Make it clear that it\u2019s only a short-term solution<\/li>\n<li>Offer to help out with chores, food, or household supplies<\/li>\n<li>Be willing to pay what you can afford to help out<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If staying with family or friends for free (or reduced rent) isn\u2019t an option, your best bet is to find a short-term rental for a furnished room. Look for month-to-month contract options or book a room for 2-3 months on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.airbnb.com\/\">Airbnb<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>This gives you time to find a stable income, better research the neighborhoods where you may like to live, or if needed, change your relocations plans and pivot in a new direction.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Create_a_budget\"><\/span>Create a budget<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/start-budgeting-adult\/\">Budgeting like an adult<\/a> will play a key role in whether your move is a financially successful one.<\/p>\n<p>If you have a few weeks before making your move, then budgeting carefully can help you pay down your debt and build up your savings.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019ve been mindlessly spending on food or entertainment, now is the time to tighten up and start making more intentional decisions with your money.<\/p>\n<p>Creating\u2013and following\u2013a budget will be especially critical after you arrive in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n<p>Regardless of how much money you were able to save before making the move, it\u2019s your job to make that money last until you find a steady income. Build a budget, and give every dollar a purpose in making your move a successful one.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Live_within_your_means\"><\/span>Live within your means<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Imagine this:<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ve moved to Los Angeles looking for a fresh start.<\/p>\n<p>You decide to rent your own apartment near the beach.<\/p>\n<p>You buy a brand new wardrobe and spend your days and evenings at coffee shops, restaurants, and bars trying to meet new people.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ve taken a big risk in moving\u2026 Now is the time to live the life you\u2019ve always dreamed of, right?<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, if this is your mindset, your big move is at for an abrupt and costly end and it may not be long before your crashing on the couch at your friend\u2019s or parents\u2019 house.<\/p>\n<p>Now is the time to live within your means.<\/p>\n<p>To make the most of every dollar, you may need to settle for renting a room instead of an apartment, trading your car for a bike or bus pass, and choosing to meal prep at home rather than eating out frequently.<\/p>\n<p>These don\u2019t have to be permanent lifestyle decisions but don\u2019t underestimate the power of a few short-term sacrifices to reach your long-term goal.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Find_work_immediately\"><\/span>Find work immediately<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No matter how much you\u2019ve saved in preparation for your move, you\u2019ll find that your money drains quickly out of your checking account if you don\u2019t have a source of income.<\/p>\n<p>Moving supplies\u2026 Security deposits\u2026 Professional attire for job interviews\u2026<\/p>\n<p>It all adds up.<\/p>\n<p>One of the keys to successfully moving to a new city is to find work immediately. Until you accept an offer, searching for employment needs to be your full-time job.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019ve accepted the risk of moving to a new city without a job, you may not have the luxury of waiting until you find \u201cthe perfect job.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Part-time or temporary work can help keep your finances afloat until you\u2019re able to find a better long-term opportunity.<\/p>\n<p>Even a small source of steady income\u2013working as a barista, bartender, or retail associate\u2013can help extend how long your savings will last and buy you time to find the right fit.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Have_a_backup_plan\"><\/span>Have a backup plan<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You\u2019ve sold your extra belongings, found a cheap room for rent, and already starting applying for jobs in your new city. For now, it looks like your move is off to an okay start&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>But what if things don\u2019t go according to plan?<\/p>\n<p>Having a clear backup plan can provide you with peace of mind even when faced with the prospects that your move might not work out.<\/p>\n<p>This backup plan will not only bail you out if the move goes poorly but also help provide an anchor of emotional support if you face difficult times during the move.<\/p>\n<p>A few options to consider:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Mark a specific \u201ccheck-in date\u201d to evaluate your new situation and explore your options<\/li>\n<li>Determine what amount of debt you\u2019d be comfortable taking on to fund the move (should be a short-term last resort!)<\/li>\n<li>Set aside enough money to make a return drive or flight back home if needed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Making_the_most_of_California_with_no_money\"><\/span>Making the most of California with no money<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Of course, moving to your new city doesn\u2019t have to be a total drag. Finding cheap or free ways to enjoy your time in Los Angeles will help you maintain a positive attitude, develop new relationships, and create amazing memories.<\/p>\n<p>Here are a few popular free or cheap attractions you\u2019ll want to check out when you\u2019re looking for cheap things to do in Los Angeles and other nearby areas in California.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Venice Beach:<\/b>&nbsp;The warm weather and beaches are one of the biggest draws to California, so this one will come as no surprise. Enjoy the entertainment by street performers, play a pickup game of basketball, or walk the nearby canals.<\/li>\n<li><b>Hollywood Forever Cemetery:<\/b> Some of LA&#8217;s biggest icons have been laid to rest in this cemetery including actress Judy Garland.<\/li>\n<li><b>The Getty Center:<\/b>&nbsp;This billion-dollar campus features acres of art, architecture, gardens, and breathtaking views that will keep you busy exploring for hours.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Should you move with no money or job lined up?<\/p>\n<p>If you have a choice, your smartest move is to postpone the move for as long as possible. You can begin taking action right now to improve your situation and increase your chances of a successful move.<\/p>\n<p>Start searching for a job immediately. Build up your savings. Pay down your debt. Develop the habit of living on a budget.<\/p>\n<p>If life circumstances force you into moving immediately, it\u2019s important to keep your expenses low, accept help from family and friends if you can, and have a backup plan in place.<\/p>\n<p>Moving to a new city like Los Angeles without a job is difficult\u2026 But not impossible!<\/p>\n<p><i>Have you ever moved to a new city with little or no money? What was your experience, and what advice do you have for others considering a similar move?<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Considering moving to the Los Angeles area with no money or job lined up? If you\u2019ve ever wanted to just pick up and move without much of a plan, you\u2019re not alone\u2026 For many young people, the idea of starting over in a new place is an appealing one. It\u2019s a great chance to grow [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9001,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[38],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Move to Los Angeles, California With No Job or Money<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Move to Los Angeles, California With No Job or Money\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Considering moving to the Los Angeles area with no money or job lined up? If you\u2019ve ever wanted to just pick up and move without much of a plan, you\u2019re not alone\u2026 For many young people, the idea of starting over in a new place is an appealing one. It\u2019s a great chance to grow [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"largeflare\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/personalfinanceforbeginners\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-08-10T03:01:39+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/move-los-angeles-beach-california.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"563\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Aaron\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@PFforBeginners\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@PFforBeginners\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Aaron\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"18 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/\",\"name\":\"How to Move to Los Angeles, California With No Job or Money\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2021-08-10T03:01:39+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2021-08-10T03:01:39+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/#\/schema\/person\/87121b928997f68b80eb866cb102a820\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/move-los-angeles-california-no-money\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How to Move to Los Angeles, California With No Job or Money\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/\",\"name\":\"largeflare\",\"description\":\"Take the First Steps Toward Financial Independence\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/#\/schema\/person\/87121b928997f68b80eb866cb102a820\",\"name\":\"Aaron\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.personalfinanceforbeginners.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d1e2dbe8833523ed455493ad871d5428?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d1e2dbe8833523ed455493ad871d5428?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Aaron\"},\"description\":\"Aaron is a personal finance lover and lifetime entrepreneur who graduated with a marketing degree from the University of Utah in 2016. 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