Tips for Finding Temporary Housing Solutions When Moving

Moving to a new apartment or city can be an exciting, yet stressful experience, especially when you’re in between leases or waiting for your permanent home to become available. Whether you’re relocating for work, taking a gap year, or dealing with an unexpected transition, finding temporary housing can provide you with the flexibility and convenience you need during this time of change.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best strategies for securing temporary housing solutions, helping you stay comfortable while searching for your long-term home.

1. Short-Term Rentals: Flexibility Without the Long-Term Commitment

One of the most popular options for temporary housing is short-term rentals. Many property owners and landlords offer apartments, houses, or rooms for rent on a month-to-month basis or for specific time frames (e.g., 3 to 6 months). This allows you to live in a fully furnished space without committing to a year-long lease.

Popular platforms to find short-term rentals:

• Airbnb: Known for vacation rentals, Airbnb also has a wide selection of long-term stays that can range from a few weeks to several months.
• Vrbo: Similar to Airbnb, Vrbo offers short-term rental homes, apartments, and condos that you can rent for a month or more.
• Furnished Finder: A great resource for those in need of temporary housing due to work, especially for traveling professionals like nurses or contractors.
• Zillow and Craigslist: While traditionally known for long-term rentals, these platforms often have listings for short-term rental options, including sublets or temporary housing.

Why short-term rentals are a good option:

• Furnishings and utilities included: Many short-term rentals come fully furnished and include utilities like Wi-Fi, electricity, and water, which simplifies the moving process.
• No long-term commitment: You can rent the space for as little as a few weeks or a couple of months, giving you flexibility while you search for a permanent home.
• Prime locations: Short-term rentals are often located in desirable areas, making it easier for you to explore your new city while you settle in.

2. Corporate Housing: Ideal for Relocation and Work Transitions

If you’re moving for work or have a temporary job assignment, corporate housing is another great option. Corporate housing refers to fully furnished apartments or homes that are rented out to professionals on a short-term basis. These accommodations are typically designed to meet the needs of business travelers, offering amenities like high-speed internet, on-site gyms, and access to transportation.

Benefits of corporate housing:

• Turnkey solution: Most corporate housing providers offer fully furnished units with everything you need, including kitchenware, bedding, and furniture.
• Convenient locations: Corporate housing is often located near business districts or major transit hubs, making it ideal for professionals.
• More space: Compared to a hotel room, corporate housing provides more space, including living areas, kitchens, and sometimes even home offices.

How to find corporate housing:

• Furnished Finder and CorporateHousing.com are popular websites that specialize in corporate rentals.
• Ask your employer if they offer relocation assistance, which may include access to corporate housing or temporary housing stipends.

3. Subletting: Renting from Another Tenant

Subletting is another option for temporary housing where you rent directly from a current tenant who has to vacate their apartment before their lease ends. Sublets are typically available for a few months, and you might find them in areas with high demand for housing or in neighborhoods with expensive rent prices.

Benefits of subletting:

• Lower rent: Sublets often come at a lower price than direct rentals from a landlord, as tenants are looking to cover their rent while they are away.
• Flexibility: Subletting agreements can be more flexible than standard leases, as they can be tailored to meet both your and the subletting tenant’s needs.
• Existing furnishings: Many sublets come furnished, so you can avoid the hassle of buying or moving furniture.

How to find sublets:

• Craigslist: A great resource for finding local sublet listings in many cities.
• Facebook Marketplace and Facebook Groups: Many local groups are dedicated to finding sublets and temporary housing.
• Apartments.com: Some listings on this site offer sublets or temporary rental options.

Be sure to thoroughly vet the terms of the sublease agreement and communicate directly with the original tenant to ensure you’re comfortable with the arrangement. You may also want to check the landlord’s approval of the sublet to avoid any complications.

4. Extended Stay Hotels: Convenience with Added Amenities

For those who need a place to stay for a short time and prefer hotel-like amenities, extended stay hotels provide a great alternative. These hotels are designed for longer stays (often 30 days or more) and offer features like kitchenettes, laundry facilities, and larger living spaces compared to regular hotel rooms.

Why choose an extended stay hotel:

• Convenience: Extended stay hotels are fully furnished and offer services such as cleaning and on-site dining, which can make your transition much easier.
• No lease required: These hotels operate on a more flexible basis, allowing you to stay for as long or as short as you need.
• Amenities: Many extended stay hotels include perks such as fitness centers, free Wi-Fi, and business centers, which can be especially useful for those working remotely.

Where to look for extended stay hotels:

• Marriott Residence Inn and Extended Stay America are two of the most well-known chains offering long-term accommodations with flexible booking options.
• Booking.com and Hotels.com also allow you to filter for extended stay options.

5. Roommates and Shared Housing: Affordable and Social

If you’re on a budget and want to keep your housing costs low while you search for a permanent apartment, consider roommates or shared housing. Renting a room in a house or apartment with other tenants can be a more affordable and social way to find temporary housing.

Why roommates and shared housing work:

• Lower rent: Renting a room is usually much cheaper than renting a whole apartment or house, which can help you save money during your move.
• Social environment: If you’re new to a city, living with roommates can provide a chance to meet people and make connections.
• Furnished spaces: Many shared housing options come fully furnished, so you won’t have to worry about buying furniture or setting up utilities.

How to find a roommate:

• Roomster and SpareRoom: These platforms specialize in roommate matching and shared housing options.
• Facebook groups: Many cities have groups specifically for people looking for roommates or shared apartments.
• Craigslist: Another place to find roommate listings or shared housing opportunities.

Before committing to a roommate situation, be sure to clearly define expectations for shared spaces, responsibilities, and bills to avoid misunderstandings.

6. Stay with Friends or Family: The Most Cost-Effective Option

If you have friends or family in the area you’re moving to, staying with them for a few weeks or months can be the most cost-effective and comfortable solution. It provides a temporary roof over your head while you search for your next place to live.

Benefits of staying with loved ones:

• No rent: The most obvious benefit is that you won’t have to pay rent, which can be a huge savings during your transition.
• Comfort: You’ll likely feel more comfortable in a familiar setting, especially if you’re in a city where you don’t know many people yet.

However, be sure to communicate openly about expectations, boundaries, and timelines to avoid any potential tension during your stay.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Temporary Housing for Your Move

Whether you’re moving for work, school, or personal reasons, finding temporary housing is an essential step to easing your transition and giving you the time and space you need to find the perfect long-term apartment. By exploring options like short-term rentals, corporate housing, sublets, extended stay hotels, shared housing, or staying with loved ones, you can find the solution that fits your budget and lifestyle.

Remember to plan ahead and start looking for temporary housing as soon as you know your move-in dates. By using online platforms and asking around for recommendations, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, allowing you to enjoy a smoother and less stressful moving process.