Do you hate giving up a big chunk of your paycheck every month to pay rent? It doesn't have to be this way.
Whether you decide to live the nomadic life in a van, volunteer on an organic farm, or live with a host family in another country for free in exchange for chores, living a rent-free life doesn't have to be such a castle in the sky.
You can couch-surf from city to city, or even country to country, via couchsurfing.org, and you can house-sit or find work abroad that gives you accommodation in exchange for your labor. If you want to stay in your neck of the woods, you can look for roommate-bartering situations where you can "pay" for your rent through housework and chores instead of your own savings.
And if you're already living a rent-free life with your parents, there is no shame in that: almost one-third of all 25 to 34-year-olds in America share this experience.
Got your own experiences with living a rent-free (or almost rent-free) life? Do you have advice for people who wish to live in a yurt? Share with us by commenting below!
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7 Comments
I slept on someone's couch for an entire year and only paid 100 bucks a month. It was either that or chores, but I didn't want to clean up after them, so I paid the 100. Not rent-free, but not that bad either. :)
$100 a month compared to usual rent prices is definitely not bad at all!
I stayed with a girl I broke up withs best mate & boyfriend my X & her fell out over it. I lived in his sisters old bedroom at his parents for 6 months RENT FREE They would not take a cent of me. his parents were lovelly people But when I finaly got a place & moved out my X/s mate and boyfriend they fell out with me. .... I think as wen I stayed with them we all smoked A LOT OF GANGA and I felt obliged to buy it so Me leaving meant they had to cut down. I STOPPED and got back to normality wot ever that is and eventualy i went overseas for a good few years and lost touch with them.I speak now and then on facebook with the boyfriend they too broke up since i reconnected with him after almost 8 years
I moved to China and became an oral English teacher. I make the equivalent of $1,650 USD per month and have no expenses!
Do you know Chinese?
Live in a renovated bus and camp on "free" beaches for refreshing morning views :)
If your goal is to travel and you are very low on cash then I recommend hitchhiking. It's not for the timid or those who don't want to make effort to ensure they are safe.
Be sure to carry a knife, a folding razor blade isn't a bad idea either, and a cover knife such as a quarter covert knife would also be a good idea. I have not had to use any of these but I would rather be safe than sorry in case something does happen. Alright enough of the possible risk. You can say at truck stops and trucks will occasionally buy you a shower. My suggestion is to watch when there are several truck drivers inside the store ask how much a shower would be. I have had truckers offer me a shower when i have done this. Also you could just ask them but be respectful and don't ask the same driver twice. Far as finding rides stick to freeways and major highways. Freeways are the easiest but be prepared to wait for hours sometimes. I have travel across an entire state in less than a day. During the ride the ride tell your story for example where you've been and some of the cool things you've seen. People find it interesting and actually inspiring that someone has found a way to travel even thought they are "Flat Broke". Before you get out of the car ask if they could spare couple bucks or buy you a meal. Often times people will support you. I've been handed $60 a few times. It helps if you don't let your self fall apart and maintain some sort of hygiene because it greatly influences how readily people are will to give you rides. When staying in truckers lounges just sit back, watch some tv, sleep but please let the truckers alone as much as possible or you'll just be making life harder for other travelers alternatively you can stay in the stair wells of hotels which often offer free wifi that you'll be able to access. Be prepare to leave the hotel if caught they will call the cops if you are thought of as staying without paying so be alert. Good luck!
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