How to Live on Your Own on a Low Budget

Taking such a big step in life, like relocating to a whole new country, surely must be challenging. You’ll wonder how to live on your own, how much money you’ll need and whether that is really a good decision. Yes, it can be quite exciting and terrifying at the same time. However, with the right plan, everything will be just fine.

Once you get to the country you want to move to, you’ll have to make some plans regarding saving money. Start with finding an affordable apartment with a roommate. Then explore what is the cheapest way to stay abroad and what free options you have for learning a language (if needed), entertainment, and also help if you feel overwhelmed by all the things you’ve been dealing with lately.

How Much Does It Cost to Live on Your Own?

Thinking about all the tasks you need to do when hiring a reputable and trustworthy international moving company will take a lot of time and effort. However, you definitely have to deal with all of them, from securing relocation essentials to booking packing services. When you have that covered, you can pass on figuring out more real things. For example, how much money do you need to live on your own when moving internationally?

One of the best pieces of advice you can get is to start saving some cash before the move. Once you decide where you’ll move, you can start setting aside some cash (as much as you can). These kinds of undertakings usually require more finances than you think. For example, if you’re relocating abroad alone to one of the least expensive countries, you should have around $5,000. So, if that means working extra shifts, or cutting back on some other personal expenses, then be it. Everything helps in this case!

Is It Hard to Leave Your Parents and Childhood Home and Live on Your Own Financially?

Leaving the parents’ nest most people find very difficult. There could be many reasons for it, and each person should deal with it differently. However, you shouldn’t let fears and possible obstacles you’ll run into stop you from your long-dreamed wish, right? 

Yes, it will be hard in the first period, but once you realize you’re in one of the best places to live abroad, all the negative thoughts will disappear. And to ease yourself before you actually see all the benefits of relocation, start finding the right answer to a question you’ve been asking yourself: How much money do I need to live on my own?

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What Can You Do to Earn Some Cash Now?

Becoming independent means many things. Besides living on your own, you have to think about getting a job too. It won’t only get you the needed cash, but it will help you learn other skills and meet different people. And when you’re planning to live by yourself, money will be more than just needed. So, don’t wait for the perfect job. Take the opportunity you have now because this definitely doesn’t mean you’ll be doing the same job for years. But in the beginning, it’s crucial to have some kind of financial insurance.

No matter the reason for your move, whether it’s for an amazing startup opportunity or to have further education, earning extra cash will help you balance the cost of living. However, keep in mind that these gigs shouldn’t distract you from the real goal of this move. So, check some of the following ways to earn additional cash abroad.

  • Freelancing

Freelancing is a popular way to make extra cash or even start a full-time business. So, whether you’re a graphic designer, IT developer, or writer, you should check your options with freelancing. Create whenever you want a profile on sites like Upwork and get started right away.

  • Dog walking or babysitting

Think about dog-walking or babysitting if you’re a student or young professional. One of the best things these jobs can offer you is the opportunity to manage your schedule more efficiently.

  • Tutoring

When relocating to a place where English isn’t the primary language, why not take advantage of your knowledge? For example, if you’re relocating to Spain, try offering language tutoring. Put extra cash in your pocket while helping other people learn English.

How to Live on Your Own – Create an Expenses List

When doing something you’ve never done before, it’s completely normal to feel a bit disoriented. Perhaps you’re still recovering from planning an efficient move and creating a to-do list. Nevertheless, you can’t neglect the fact you’ll have to pay monthly for housing, transport, and other things. And the best way to stay organized is to create a “living on your own” expenses list.

When that is set, and you’re familiar with some of the most useful relocation hacks, you probably still wonder, “How can I live on my own with no money?” Well, it will be manageable, but you’ll have some proper budgeting to do. In fact, you should be true to yourself and set a realistic financial plan. It’s preferable to do this before the move to have a clear picture of all the expected expenses you’ll pay.

Check Some of the Money-Saving Tips

Knowing how to move overseas includes many things, from hiring a reliable international mover that will take care of every move segment to planning accordingly what to pack. However, don’t forget to think about your life after the move. After all, you’ll be the one who has to take care of everything. So, if you’re looking for some money-saving tips for your budgeting, ensure to include the following:

  • Rent,
  • Phone service,
  • Utilities with the internet,
  • Transportation,
  • Supplies for school or work,
  • Entertainment,
  • Dining out,
  • Groceries,
  • Personal expenses.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Live by Yourself Overseas?

When you’re moving out for the first time and settling in a new home internationally, you don’t want it to be a disaster, right? But how to move to another country and live comfortably even if the budget is low? Renting an apartment and everyday things you’ll have to buy might turn out to be way expensive for your planned budget. So, check some things you can do and reduce spending cash.

  • Look for affordable ways to eat

Since you’re moving overseas, know that many local restaurants usually offer meal discounts for students in almost every country. So, that’s good news if you’re a student. On the other hand, these are some options for young professionals too. Check for happy hours that could offer special meals at lower prices.

  • Find a suitable apartment for your financial plan

Give yourself some credit because embarking on a completely different life can be quite challenging, especially when you have to find a suitable apartment that will meet your needs and financial plan. For starters, it’s a good idea to check a smaller apartment out of the city center. It will surely be more affordable, and you’ll probably have more renting options.

  • Research shopping options

Spending rationally on buying groceries will help your financial plan. That’s why you should explore your options and try to be careful where you shop. Try to find discount grocery stores and markets with fresh vegetables and fruits at lower prices. Plus, try living communally and split the costs for ingredients when cooking meals.

  • Find some low-cost or free entertainment abroad

When you settle in, you’ll see that your place (like almost all cities) hosts some amazing free events. Whether it’s a music, art, or food festival, the best thing is that you get to enjoy fun things without spending cash. Additionally, check if the local museums offer free or discounted days.

  • Discover transportation options

Thinking about transportation will have much to do with the decision about where you’ll live. In fact, the location of your apartment will probably have the greatest impact on the transportation options. So, if you can use a bike or go on foot for everyday errands, do so. It will surely be more affordable. However, if you have to use public transportation, check whether getting a monthly pass is more suitable than getting a single-day ticket.

Cancel Old and Unused Subscriptions When Changing Your Address and Forwarding Mail

Another way you could save up some cash would be to cancel your subscriptions before leaving your parents. This could be an extra expense to pay when relocating across the world. So, when changing the address, ensure all subscriptions are routed to the correct one or canceled in case you don’t want them anymore (which could be a great way to save some extra cash).

Find Free Online Courses for Learning a New Language

When you want to change your life and leave the home nest, be aware of all the challenges you might face. For instance, if relocating to Berlin is your dream that’s finally coming true, besides everything we mentioned before, there’s another thing to consider – the time you’ll spend learning the language abroad.

We all know that some people will break the language barrier more easily than others, but surely everyone will struggle (more or less) at the beginning. Luckily you can take some super helpful tips for learning another language completely free. All you have to do is surf the internet. One of the greatest approaches indeed is with videos, so check one below for amazing hacks.

Can I Survive Living on My Own – What Are the Psychological Sides of the Move

Besides figuring out how much money you need to live on your own, deal with the psychological effects, as living all by yourself in a foreign place could also bring some negative effects and feelings. You have to leave the life you’re used to and try to fit in in a completely different country and at the same time balance your finances. So, you get the idea why some of us could feel a bit overwhelmed after the move. And not to mention the possible culture shock. 

One of the ways to deal with it better is to discover as much as you can about the country and city you’re relocating to. Pay attention to their local customs, food, drinks, and festivals. The more you know, the more prepared you’ll be for a big change.

Motivate Yourself to Deal With Upcoming Change and Make Yourself Feel at Home Without a Budget

How can I start to live on my own? It is often hard to motivate yourself to start unpacking. You must feel exhausted and worried at the same time because making your apartment feel like home will require some extra cash. Good news! All you have to do is unpack the coffee maker first and make yourself a cup of your favorite cappuccino for starters. You’ll start feeling better and motivated to proceed with your tasks, and you’ll see how adjusting to a new country will come around by itself.

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Try to leave all the negative feelings behind after the relocation

Choose the Right International Movers for the Job for Smooth Experience

One of the biggest challenges and relocation mistakes is not finding the right international movers that will handle a majority of things related to the relocation process. So, keep an eye on relocation scams and try to find reliable information about the international moving services before booking them. Only then will you be in professional hands with all the moving tips only the experienced movers are aware of. And what’s probably the most important – you’ll have the effortless experience that will help you start a new chapter in your life.

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