MakeMyMove.com: Your Ticket to a Fresh Start?

My guilty pleasure? Browsing through Travel + Leisure, particularly for their articles where “this X country will pay you to move,” and fantasizing about what if. Italy, Spain, Ireland, Chile, and even Japan have had incentive programs to entice people to move and revitalize specific areas. 

But what if you don’t want to deal with the complicated process of moving abroad? It’s daunting, and sounds more like a retirement option than now. So if you’re interested in stateside possibilities, I came across MakeMyMove, a platform that helps you “find your happy place, and get paid to move there.” Let’s take a closer look and see if it could be your ticket to a fresh start.

What is MakeMyMove.com?

MakeMyMove is America’s first and only online marketplace that connects fully remote workers with U.S. towns offering relocation perks like cash, memberships, local benefits, etc. It’s kind of like a dating app for remote work relocation. You’re swiping for communities that interest you, applying, and maybe relocating with a sweet incentive.

It launched in December 2020 with 25 incentive programs and now, after 5 years, it’s featuring over 178 programs to attract remote workers. So far, they’ve helped over 4,000 people make the move! On their marketplace, you can explore programs, get personalized help to find the right community for you, meet the locals, and get support to make your move as simple as possible.

How it Works

MakeMyMove aggregates relocation programs offered by communities, everything from cash offers to memberships to housing support, and puts it all in one place for people to easily browse.

Users can explore these communities, “heart” programs that appeal to them, and complete a brief application to see if they qualify. If pre-approved, applicants submit verification like tax returns or W-2s, and wait for the community to make a formal offer that goes over the incentives and expectations. 

Here are what some programs look like:

And each program will have details that explain what the incentives are and why they are considered that “value.”

These are the current states you can browse through:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Michigan
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• Texas
• West Virginia

About 71% of the states listed above are politically red, which can also influence your choice.

Why it’s Worth Checking Out

With costs rising, you might be considering savings in a different state. If you could work from anywhere, then why not?

1. Maximize your income and quality of life:

On average, movers who have used MakeMyMove have saved $20k/year. This means your rent money can go towards savings, investments, fun stuff, and more.

2. Real support and benefits:

The communities often offer coworking memberships, outdoor clubs, local tours, and even coffee with the Mayor. Some even offer more bonus cash if your partner lands a qualifying job.

3. Legit and free for users:

MakeMyMove is community-funded, so it’s at no cost to you. You apply, get a quick response within one business day, and get help from Mover Guide (a rep who helps with housing, providing local contacts, and moving service discounts) along the way.

The Flipside

Not every offer is pure cash, so be sure to read the fine print, which may include terms that inflate the perceived value. Maybe you don’t need membership perks or event passes to things you’re not interested in. 

Think about what else you’d be leaving behind. Family, friends, your favorite cafe, or local activities. Some of these communities posting incentives could be smaller rural towns, so if you’re not ready for a potentially slower pace of life, this might not be it for you…yet.

Is MakeMyMove Legit?

While MakeMyMove isn’t BBB accredited, they do work with local government offices, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC, a non-profit organization), and regional organizations to launch programs to attract the remote workers they want to support local community growth. They also aggregate programs run by municipalities and development organizations.

With that said, if you do find a program you’re seriously interested in, here are some recommendations:

• Double-check what’s in the offer – What’s the detailed breakdown of cash vs memberships vs services, etc?
• Document the process – Keep track of all communications, approvals, and follow-up timelines so your incentives can be redeemed.
• Verify independently – Check city websites or official programs to confirm the offer.
• Follow up – Reach out if the process stalls or ask your Mover Guide for updates.
• Network with Locals or previous Movers – Talk with locals or those who’ve moved there, as that can give you a better understanding than promotional materials.

The Money Move

For remote workers looking to relocate, especially if they’re aiming for affordability, community charm, and financial help, MakeMyMove is a great first step. Of course, there are pros and cons to moving, but maybe you’ll find your fresh start. 

If you’re considering a change of scenery, the platform is definitely worth exploring. Just make sure to read the fine print and verify with the city before packing! Good luck!