How to live in Manhattan (or any other major city) for FREE! (or very cheaply!)

You've come to that place in your life where you can no longer stand living with your parents, or maybe you are in a BAD roommate situation, or perhaps you are just sick and tired of living where ever it is that you are living! You want to get into Manhattan (arguably the slickest city on this planet!) or some other major city, but the rents are exhorbinant and you can't swing 3,000.00 a month when all you make a month is 1,600. at the local burger and brew or even less if you're working in publishing. Well have no fear, I am here to show you how to live in New York City without having to lay out any cash, or maybe laying out very little cash. So follow my steps and away we go!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Ambition
• Good walking shoes
• Upbeat personality
• Some basic skills (housecleaning, painting, etc)
• A positive spirit
• Excellent References

1. First step, decide where it is that you'd like to live. Do you want to live in Gramercy Park (my personal favorite) or would you like to live in the Flatiron district or the village or the upper east side or the upper west side. Whatever city you are thinking about, decide which neighborhood you'd like to get into.
2. HUMILITY. If you're going to live somewhere for free or cheaply, you need to swallow all of your pride. So let's get that straight right now, don't go in with attitude. Be as humble as possible.
3. TRAVEL LIGHT. If you're living somewhere for free you can't have too many belongings. I know it's sad, but until you can afford to fork over the 3 - 5k yourself, you better just bring your bare essentials.
4. Canvas the area where you would like to live. Are there any churches, synagogues, supermarkets. These are key. Once you scout these out the next step is making up your index cards and online advertisements. Post these cards anywhere there is a board in the neighborhood you want to live in (in the supermarket, library, church bulletin board, clubhouse bulletin board, etc).
5. Okay, now we write the cards. In order to get an apartment for "free" in New York City you have to offer some kind of service. I recommend housekeeping or taking care of Nana or the children. You write on the card what it is you are willing to do and for how many hours a week in exchange for whatever service it is you can provide. You also specify how many hours a week - For example, your ad could read, "Young Publishing Professional with excellent references looking for room (and board - if you want food) in exchange for light housekeeping (10 hours a week) and childcare (four hours a week). Please contact me at: 212-555-5555." You get the idea. You could also say that you'd be willing to do painting or light carpentry. I knew a guy who lived in a swell place for 1.00 a year. The trade off was that he had to paint all 25 rooms. He lived there for five years! Alone! This could be your story.
6. List yourself in any free neighborhood papers, and also on sites like "Craig's List." In Manhattan I know that there are a lot of elderly people in rent controlled 14 room apartments who need someone to check up on them every so often, but who do not have the income to pay for outside help. In this way you help each other and you get a great place to stay, usually for free or very cheaply (you might have to buy the raviolis once in awhile). Also get involved in the local churches/religious affiliations, and post your cards on their bulletin boards and on the boards of supermarkets and the local HIP centers, or health care centers and anywhere else that seniors or young mothers might hang out. I once got a woman a place by getting her into Gramercy Park and she spoke with a few of the nannies and was able to get a part-time childcare gig in exchange for the maid's quarters (a full apartment mind you) in one of the Brownstones on the park. She lived there until she finished her degree at Barnard. Now she has a building of her own! She actually made friends with the master of the house who helped her later to intern at a Law Firm (where he worked) and he eventually got her into another firm and she made partner. So there is no end to where this might lead for you!

Tips & Warnings

• Be positive
• Check everywhere
• Be friendly
• Be outgoing
• Respect the rules of the house and your host's wishes
• check out my site: www.richardsmiraldi.tv
• Be prepared to move at a moment's notice (you never know with old people)
• Don't get too familiar with your hosts. Keep it professional
• If possible, draw up a "roommate agreeement" (found online) so that you both know what the terms of the agreement are and what you are willing to do in exchange for the space
• Keep your options open in case something better comes along (unless you are involved with child care in which case you should get a replacement before you bolt!)
• If they offer you cash as well, TAKE IT! Afterall, it's worth it. But bear in mind, your share of the rent would be between 2,500 and 3,000, so even most part time jobs wouldn't pay you that, it's definately a good deal