Woman walking into a hotel room with a suitcase in hand. Temporary housing concept.

Temporary Housing Moving Tips (2024 Guide)

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Written by Shane Sentelle Updated 05/09/2024

Temporary housing options, such as hotels, Airbnb, corporate housing, and month-to-month apartment rentals, offer flexibility to people who are traveling or relocating for work. Be prepared before you set out on your search to find the ideal housing option for your specific needs. Our guide shares tips on how to find housing, what you should pack, how to handle utilities, and more.

How To Find Temporary Housing

You can search for temporary housing online, through conversations with friends or family, or through your employer. Read more about the different types of temporary housing and their pros and cons below.

Corporate housing: An employer pays for corporate housing, which typically includes furnishings and utilities. You can likely only stay in corporate housing for a fixed amount of time, and you’ll have fewer choices of where to stay than you’ll have among hotels.

Family and friends: Generous friends and family members might offer you a place to stay, but you’ll have less privacy than you would have in a hotel, and you can probably only take a few belongings with you.

Hotel stays: Hotels offer comforts such as kitchenettes, WiFi, and more, but you won’t have a permanent mailing address, and it can start to feel cramped if you have a family. Some hotels have a limit on how long you can stay.

Housing sublets and rentals: Sublets and short-term rentals can feel like home, but your options may be limited, especially if you’re moving with your family.

Vacation rentals: Vacation rentals through services such as Airbnb are easy to find and offer flexible scheduling. However, this choice will typically cost more than other options.

What To Pack for Your Short-Term Move

How much you pack for your short-term move will depend on the length of your stay and what’s included in the cost. If the temporary housing you choose includes furniture, you’ll simply need to bring clothing, toiletries, and other small necessities. It may be necessary to find a temporary storage solution for your furniture and other belongings.

Here are some packing tips for temporary housing stays:

Determine which amenities are available in your temporary home.
Label your belongings so you know what to take when you leave.
Be mindful to pack clothing that corresponds to the climate.
Only pack the essentials—clothing, toiletries, medications, electronics, bed linens, important documents, special cooking utensils or appliances, and valuables.
Opt for travel-sized toiletries and laundry necessities to save space during short-term stays.
Utilize self-storage to access your other belongings.

Helpful Moving Tips for Your Temporary Housing Stay

There are many variables to consider when planning for a temporary move. Learn how to make your move a smooth one by following the tips below.

1. Read the Rental Agreement Closely

Read the rental agreement closely to learn what’s included in your stay, what you’re responsible for, and any rules, such as pet policies. The rental agreement should also include the monthly rent figure and instructions on how to manage the security deposit, utilities, parking, or storage space.

2. Forward Your Mail

Visit your local post office and request a free Mover’s Guide packet to begin the process of forwarding your mail to your new address. You can also visit the official U.S. Postal Service Change of Address website, which will guide you through the process.

You’ll need to identify yourself as an individual, family, or business and indicate whether you’re eventually planning to return to your old address. Proceed by entering your contact information, your old address, your new address, and the date that the post office should begin forwarding your mail. Finish the process by showing a form of identification and paying a $1.10 fee.

3. Update Your Address With Important Accounts

Avoid lapses in services by updating various accounts to include your new address. These accounts might include the following:

Banks or credit unions
Credit card companies
Department of Motor Vehicles
Insurance providers, such as health insurance, car insurance, and homeowners or rental insurance
Loan issuers
Social Security

4. Cancel or Transfer Your Utilities

Ask whether utilities are included as part of your temporary housing or if you are responsible for opening new accounts. To cancel or transfer utilities at your previous address, call your electric company, gas company, water provider, cable provider, or internet provider at least two weeks before your move.

5. Manage Your Autoships and Subscriptions

Update subscriptions to include your new address to continue receiving them, and pause any subscriptions you don’t need to receive. Doing this before you move can help you avoid any interruptions in service and ensure you receive everything at the correct address.

Below are common subscriptions and autoships:

Amazon Prime
Gym memberships
Magazines
Retail memberships
Streaming services
Subscription boxes

6. Consider Portable Storage Containers

Portable storage containers can securely store your belongings and get them to your new home once they’re ready.

PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT, U-Pack, U-Box and U-Haul, and Zippy Shell offer portable storage container options. Before picking a moving container company, check whether the company offers services in both your origin and destination cities and look up customer reviews online. Choose a container company that offers various container sizes and get multiple quotes for the most affordable cross-country move.

7. Get To Know Your New Neighborhood

Getting accustomed to a new city and familiarizing yourself with the local community can make it feel more like home. Walk around and explore, or hop in the car and drive around the neighborhood. Introduce yourself to neighbors and get their recommendations on their favorite restaurants, coffee shops, shopping areas, and more. Try a new restaurant or attraction each week to become a part of your new community.

8. Try To Make It Home, Even if It’s Temporary

Temporary housing can feel impersonal, but there are ways to make it feel like home. Unpack and put away moving boxes, decorate with personal photos, hang your clothes in the closet, and establish a routine. Make the area as comfortable as possible.

Our Conclusion

Temporary living arrangements can be helpful for short-term stays as long as you prepare. Consider hiring movers if you’re moving to another state or if you plan to bring large furniture with you to your destination. Stay organized to save yourself time, money, and stress when it’s time to finally hit the road.

FAQ About Temporary Housing

What are the benefits of temporary housing?

The benefits of temporary housing include that there are many options, such as month-to-month apartment rentals, vacation rentals, extended-stay hotels, and more. Temporary housing may include everything you need, from kitchen appliances to utilities.

What does a fully furnished apartment include?

A fully furnished apartment includes essential furniture and appliances, such as a couch, desk, tables, chairs, beds, appliances, WiFi, utilities, and more.

What should I do with my belongings?

What you bring to your temporary housing depends on what’s included already and what you need. If the housing is fully furnished, consider putting your personal furnishings in a storage unit or storage facility.

What are some items to take to temporary housing?

Some items to take to temporary housing include clothing, toiletries, electronic devices, and anything else you need that’s not included in your short-term housing.

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