Moving to a new city, building or renovating a current home, traveling for long periods of time, making ends meet between leases—regardless of your situation, trying to figure out where you’re going to stay can be challenging. That’s why people between homes often turn to temporary housing. Whether it’s just for a few weeks or a year, short-term housing solutions can help you get through the transition period. Learn more about temporary housing and your options in our guide below!
What Is Temporary Housing & Why Do People Need It?
Temporary housing is exactly like it sounds—housing that you only need for a short time. Very few of us ever plan on needing short-term housing, but there are plenty of situations that can arise where having a temporary home can be helpful, including but not limited to:
- You finished your current lease and haven’t found a new place to live yet.
- You’re transitioning from renting property to purchasing property.
- You sold your home and are still house-hunting.
- You’re relocating for work and need to move right away.
- Your military family received PCS orders.
- You’re in the process of building a home and need a place to stay until it’s ready.
- You moved to a new city and wanted to get to know the area before finding a home.
In all of these scenarios, a temporary living option can make the transition easier. It provides you with a safe place to stay and somewhere to keep your belongings while you establish a more permanent home.
What Are Some Short-Term Housing Options?
From extended stay hotels and Airbnbs to apartment sublets and house rentals, you can find all kinds of temporary housing options that will fit your unique needs. Here are a few of the most common.
Extended Stay Hotels
Photo via @extendedstayamerica
Extended stay hotels are widely available across the nation, especially in larger cities. People prefer them because the rental process is much easier than signing an apartment lease. How much are extended stay hotel rooms per month? On average, studio rates range from $40 to $150 per night.
- Price: $$-$$$
- The Good: Easy to rent, housekeeping provided
- The Tradeoff: Can be expensive, might not include a kitchen
- Where to Look: Extended Stay America, MainStay Suites, Residence Inn
Corporate Housing
Photo via @v_suites
Corporate housing is a popular option among business travelers who find it easier to have a go-to home in the places where they frequently travel for work. There are also corporate housing providers that work directly with businesses to help employees on the move find a short-term place to stay.
- Price: $$$
- The Good: Fully furnished
- The Tradeoff: Can be expensive, not as much variety
- Where to Look: National Corporate Housing, Corporate Housing By Owner, ApartmentGuide.com
Hotels
Photo via @hyattplace
For those who only need a temporary home for a few days up to a few weeks, a standard hotel is a great option. In fact, some hotels even offer discounts for visitors who stay for longer durations.
- Price: $$$$
- The Good: More options available, housekeeping provided
- The Tradeoff: Can be expensive, might not include a kitchen
- Where to Look: Hotels.com, Kayak, Booking.com
Airbnb & Vacation Homes
Photo via @airbnb
A somewhat unconventional solution for temporary living situations, renting an Airbnb or vacation home can be a unique way to make ends meet. If your short-term housing needs align with slow travel seasons, you may be able to find a better deal with this option, too.
- Price: $-$$$
- The Good: Easy booking, can often pay by credit card
- The Tradeoff: Living in someone else’s home, prices still above market rates
- Where to Look: Airbnb.com, VRBO, Expedia
Month-to-Month Apartments & Sublets
Photo via @little.apartments
Renting an apartment or a room on a month-to-month basis tends to be one of the cheaper short-term housing options because of standard market rates. And as the team at Leasebreak says, if you can find someone who needs a tenant to take over their lease, you could save even more money.
- Price: $-$$
- The Good: Price, housing variety, availability
- The Tradeoff: More paperwork, deposits and fees
- Where to Look: Craigslist, Sublets.com, Apartments.com
Staying with Family or Friends
Photo via @robholowka
If the option is available to you, living for a short time with a friend or family member can be a budget-friendly alternative to other temporary housing options.
- Price: $
- The Good: Familiar location, most amenities provided
- The Tradeoff: Cohabitation difficulties, scheduling issues
- Where to Look: Your contacts list and social media
The transition between homes doesn’t have to be stressful. By taking the time to find the right place to stay—even when you have to do that on short notice—you can continue to live your life as usual while still feeling like you’re right at home! Looking for more unique temporary living ideas? Check out these cool short-term housing options!
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Need a place to store belongings while in a temporary living situation? Extra Space Storage can help! With self storage facilities across the nation, we’re the perfect solution for storing furniture, appliances, clothing, and other items that can’t come with you. Find a storage unit today!
