Can I get a loan to move out of state without a job?

While challenging, it's not impossible. Lenders need to see a reliable source of income to repay the loan. If you don't have a job lined up, you may be able to qualify if you have other sources of income (like freelance work), significant savings, or a co-signer with a strong financial profile. A signed job offer letter for a position in your new state is the most common way to secure a loan before you've officially started working.

How much can I borrow for an interstate move?

Loan amounts typically range from a few thousand dollars up to $20,000 or more, depending on the lender and your qualifications. It's wise to create a detailed moving budget first to determine exactly how much you need. Borrowing only what's necessary will keep your monthly payments manageable and save you money on interest.

What specific moving expenses can I cover with the loan?

A personal loan is very flexible. You can use the funds for virtually any cost associated with your relocation, including: hiring professional movers, renting a truck (like U-Haul for a long-distance move), paying for portable storage containers, shipping your car, security deposits and first month's rent, utility setup fees, travel costs, and even new furniture or initial living expenses.

How quickly will I receive the money for my move?

Funding speed is a major advantage. After you are approved by a lender, the funds are often deposited directly into your bank account via ACH transfer. This process can be very fast, with many borrowers receiving their money as soon as the next business day.

Will applying for a loan to move states hurt my credit score?

Checking your rate and seeing potential offers through our platform involves a soft credit inquiry, which does not affect your credit score. If you choose an offer and proceed with a full application with a lender, they will perform a hard credit inquiry, which may cause a temporary, small dip in your score. This is a standard part of any loan application process.

Is it better to get a loan or use a relocation package from my employer?

If your employer offers a relocation package, that is almost always the best option. These packages can come as a lump-sum payment or as a reimbursement for expenses. However, sometimes these packages don't cover all your costs, or you may need to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement. In that case, a personal loan can be a great way to bridge the gap and cover immediate expenses while you wait for your company's payment.

Loans for Moving Out of State

Secure the funds you need to cover all the costs of relocating to another state, from hiring movers to paying security deposits.

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Moving to another state is a huge step, filled with excitement and opportunity. But the logistics and upfront costs can be overwhelming. From professional movers and security deposits to transporting your car across state lines, the expenses add up quickly, often before you've even received your first paycheck in your new city. A loan to move out of state can provide the financial cushion you need to manage these costs without draining your savings or maxing out high-interest credit cards.

The Financial Hurdles of an Interstate Move

Upfront costs are due before your new job starts.
A personal loan provides a lump sum of cash so you can pay deposits and moving companies on their schedule, not yours.
You have too many separate expenses to track.
Consolidate all your moving costs—from truck rentals to utility setup fees—into a single, manageable monthly payment.
Using savings means you arrive with no emergency fund.
Keep your savings intact for the unexpected. A relocation loan lets you start your new life with a financial safety net.
Credit cards have high interest rates for large balances.
Personal loans often have lower, fixed interest rates compared to credit cards, saving you money over the life of the loan.

How a Personal Loan Simplifies Your State-to-State Move

Unlike a credit card or a line of credit, a personal loan for moving gives you a fixed amount of money upfront. This predictability is crucial when you're creating a moving budget. You'll know exactly how much you have to work with and can plan accordingly. This financing is unsecured, meaning you don't need to put up any collateral like a car or house. The approval is based on your creditworthiness and financial history, making it an accessible option for many people relocating for a new job or a fresh start.

The funds can be used for any expense related to your move. This flexibility is key for an interstate relocation, where unexpected costs are common. Whether it's for a long-distance moving truck rental, the cost of moving with PODS, shipping your car to another state, or simply covering living expenses for the first month, the money is yours to allocate as you see fit. This allows you to focus on the logistics of the move itself, rather than juggling multiple payment methods and due dates.

Breaking Down the Cost of Moving Out of State

Long-Distance Movers or Truck Rental Varies by distance & weight	$2,500 - $7,000
Portable Storage Container (e.g., PODS) Container size + mileage	$2,000 - $5,000
Shipping a Vehicle Distance + vehicle type	$800 - $2,500
Security Deposit + First Month's Rent Based on new location's market	$3,000 - $6,000
Travel & Temporary Housing Gas, flights, hotels	$500 - $2,000

Estimated monthly

$273/mo

Based on a $12,000 loan with a 5-year term at 13% APR. Your actual rate may vary.

Estimate Your Moving Budget and See Your Rate

Get a clear picture of your potential monthly payment. Checking your rate takes just a few minutes and won't impact your credit score.

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The Application Process: Step-by-Step

Getting a loan to finance an out-of-state move is a straightforward process designed to get you funds quickly. Here’s what you can generally expect when you apply through our platform.

How to Get Your Relocation Loan

1
Fill Out a Short Online Form
Tell us how much you need to borrow and provide some basic information about yourself. The form is secure and only takes a couple of minutes.
2
Review Your Loan Offers
If you pre-qualify, you'll see potential loan offers from our network of lenders. Compare APRs, terms, and monthly payments.
3
Choose Your Offer & Finalize
Select the best loan for your situation and complete the final application with the lender. You may need to provide documents like a pay stub or job offer letter.
4
Receive Your Funds
Once approved, the funds are typically deposited directly into your bank account, sometimes as soon as the next business day.

Loan amount: $4,000 – $18,000
APR: 8.99% – 35.99%
Term: 24 mo – 60 mo

Your actual Annual Percentage Rate (APR) will depend on your credit score, loan amount, term length, and credit history. All loans are subject to lender approval.

Personal Loans vs. Other Options for Interstate Moves

When planning how to finance an out-of-state move, you have several choices. While using savings or credit cards are common, a personal loan offers unique advantages for a large, one-time expense like relocating. Here’s a comparison to help you decide.

Comparing Your Moving Finance Options

Feature	Personal Loan	Credit Cards	Using Savings
Interest Rate	Fixed, often lower than cards	Variable, typically 20%+	N/A
Payment Structure	Fixed monthly payments	Variable minimum payments	N/A
Funding Speed	1-3 business days	Instant (if you have one)	Instant
Best For	Large, planned expenses with a clear budget	Small, unexpected costs during the move	Covering costs without taking on debt
Impact	predictable repayment plan	Can lead to revolving, high-interest debt	Depletes your emergency fund

Example scenario

Getting one loan to cover the movers, the deposit on our new place, and shipping our car made the whole process so much less stressful. We could focus on the actual move instead of worrying about which card to use for what.

Jessica R.·Relocated from Ohio to Texas

Qualifying for a Relocation Loan

What Lenders Look For

Credit Score: Most lenders prefer a score of 600 or higher. A better score can help you secure a lower interest rate.
Verifiable Income: You'll need to show you can afford the monthly payments. Pay stubs from your current job are standard.
New Job Offer Letter: If you're moving for a new job and don't have pay stubs yet, a signed offer letter can often be used to verify future income.
Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI): Lenders look at your existing debt payments relative to your income. A lower DTI ratio improves your chances of approval.
Positive Credit History: A history of on-time payments demonstrates responsibility to lenders.

If you're concerned about qualifying, consider applying with a co-signer who has a strong credit profile. You can also take steps to improve your credit score before applying, such as paying down existing balances.

Find Out What You Qualify For

See potential loan offers without any commitment or impact to your credit score.

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Your Moving Out of State Checklist: Financial Prep

A successful interstate move requires careful planning. Beyond packing boxes, preparing your finances is a critical step. Here are some tips to ensure you're financially ready to cross state lines.

Create a Detailed Moving Budget: Don't just guess. Research costs for everything: movers, packing supplies, utility connection fees, new driver's licenses, and a buffer for unexpected expenses.
Get Multiple Moving Quotes: Whether you're using a full-service mover, a U-Haul, or PODS, get at least three quotes. Prices for long-distance moves can vary by thousands of dollars.
Notify Banks and Credit Cards: Let your financial institutions know about your move to avoid having your cards frozen for suspicious activity when you start using them in a new state.
Secure Funds Early: Don't wait until the week before your move to apply for a loan. Start the process 3-4 weeks in advance to ensure you have the cash in hand when you need to pay deposits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Out-of-State Moving Loans

Can I get a loan to move out of state without a job?
While challenging, it's not impossible. Lenders need to see a reliable source of income to repay the loan. If you don't have a job lined up, you may be able to qualify if you have other sources of income (like freelance work), significant savings, or a co-signer with a strong financial profile. A signed job offer letter for a position in your new state is the most common way to secure a loan before you've officially started working.
How much can I borrow for an interstate move?
Loan amounts typically range from a few thousand dollars up to $20,000 or more, depending on the lender and your qualifications. It's wise to create a detailed moving budget first to determine exactly how much you need. Borrowing only what's necessary will keep your monthly payments manageable and save you money on interest.
What specific moving expenses can I cover with the loan?
A personal loan is very flexible. You can use the funds for virtually any cost associated with your relocation, including: hiring professional movers, renting a truck (like U-Haul for a long-distance move), paying for portable storage containers, shipping your car, security deposits and first month's rent, utility setup fees, travel costs, and even new furniture or initial living expenses.
How quickly will I receive the money for my move?
Funding speed is a major advantage. After you are approved by a lender, the funds are often deposited directly into your bank account via ACH transfer. This process can be very fast, with many borrowers receiving their money as soon as the next business day.
Will applying for a loan to move states hurt my credit score?
Checking your rate and seeing potential offers through our platform involves a soft credit inquiry, which does not affect your credit score. If you choose an offer and proceed with a full application with a lender, they will perform a hard credit inquiry, which may cause a temporary, small dip in your score. This is a standard part of any loan application process.
Is it better to get a loan or use a relocation package from my employer?
If your employer offers a relocation package, that is almost always the best option. These packages can come as a lump-sum payment or as a reimbursement for expenses. However, sometimes these packages don't cover all your costs, or you may need to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement. In that case, a personal loan can be a great way to bridge the gap and cover immediate expenses while you wait for your company's payment.

Ready to Plan Your Move?

Start by seeing what you could qualify for. It's fast, free, and won't hurt your credit.

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Start Your Next Chapter with Confidence

Personal loan disclosure

Money Savvy is not a lender. We are a marketing service that connects consumers with participating lenders. Rates, amounts, and terms vary by lender, your credit history, and other factors.

Loan amounts: $1,000 – $100,000
Repayment terms: 3 – 84 months
Min APR: 5.99%
Max APR: 35.99%
Origination fees: 0% – 10% of the loan amount
Late fees: May apply; vary by lender

Representative example: A $10,000 loan with a 36-month term at an 18.99% APR would have an approximate monthly payment of $366.39 and a total cost of $13,190.04, including interest and a $500 origination fee.

Your actual APR depends on your credit score, income, and other factors. Only borrow what you can afford to repay.

California residents: California Financing Law disclosures available upon request.