Budget-Friendly Temporary Housing Ideas

Move-out and move-in dates rarely align perfectly. Whether you're moving last-minute, waiting on a closing date, or still scoping out neighborhoods in a new city—you may need a temporary place to stay for days, weeks, or even a few months. Thankfully, there are plenty of options. Here are 12 temporary housing solutions to consider while you're in between homes!

Test Out an Extended Stay Hotel

When your move-in dates don't align, an extended stay hotel gives you a fully furnished, flexible place to stay without the commitment of a lease. Not only can you get cheaper weekly or monthly rates here, but they are often fully furnished, providing you with the basic amenities needed to live comfortably. Keep in mind that while extended stay hotel rooms are often spacious, they're still smaller than most homes or apartments. Consider decluttering and downsizing your items ahead of time, or renting a storage unit to keep your belongings until your permanent housing is ready.

Book an Airbnb

Few temporary housing options match Airbnb for speed and flexibility, especially when you need somewhere to land fast and aren't sure yet how long you'll need to stay. This is one of the best temporary housing options because you can decide whether you want a shared room, a private suite, or an entire home for yourself. Other top budget tips include making sure your Airbnb has access to a kitchen to save money on meals and doing a test night at each location if you plan to stay for more than a month. That way, you can be certain it’s a good fit and negotiate a lower rate if you’re staying for a while.

Rent a Room in Someone’s Home

If your move timeline shifted unexpectedly or you're moving on a budget, renting a room from a friend, family member, or local host is one of the quickest and most affordable options available. While this option requires sacrificing some privacy and square footage, it provides an opportunity to meet new people and save money.

Sublet a Studio Apartment

For moves with a longer gap between homes—like a multi-month renovation or a delayed closing—subletting a studio apartment gives you a private, affordable space without signing a full lease. While you might sacrifice a full-size fridge and have to deal with more cramped living spaces, you’ll likely be able to afford a space of your own in bigger cities. You'll be able to save money on heating, air, and other utilities.

Downsize to a Tiny House

Not ready to commit to a permanent home mid-move? A tiny house gives you an affordable, low-pressure place to land while you figure out your next step. While minimalist living might not be your dream forever, a temporary tiny house or shipping container home could be great if you’re looking for long-term affordable housing options. If you're thinking of tiny home living—whether permanently or temporarily, you should start downsizing well before the move-in date to make the transition seamless.

Try a Tiny Home on Wheels

If you’re trying to figure out a temporary housing solution while you move cross-country, a tiny home on wheels could be perfect! The best part of this short-term home is that you can travel to unique vacation spots across the country while heading to your next destination.

Invest in an Airstream

For those relocating across the country, an Airstream lets you travel comfortably at your own pace without committing to a fixed address along the way. With the added room Airstreams provide you over other options, you'll be able to comfortably enjoy van life road trips throughout the year. While you don't have to worry about paying a mortgage, some mobile trailer fees to keep in mind include gas, car maintenance, campground fees like campsite hookups(water, electric, and sewage) and more. Keep in mind that while Airstreams can be pricey, their strong insulation allows them to be used year-round, setting them apart from other temporary living options.

Consider Living in a Camper Van

Long-distance moves can get expensive fast—renting or buying a camper van is a surprisingly affordable alternative to booking hotels or short-term rentals at every stop along the way. Compared to the cost of Airstreams, tiny homes, or extended-stay hotels, camper vans can be affordable short-term rentals while you seek out a more permanent living situation. From budget-friendly beach vacations to planning a summer, spring, or winter vacation, you have flexibility on where you can live and don't need to find temporary housing near you. Camper vans can also be a short-term property rental, where it's easier to find parking for since they're more compact and don't require an additional vehicle to tow them to a destination.

Explore with a Sprinter Van

If you're relocating while working remotely, a Sprinter van gives you a durable, customizable place to live and work on the road while you make your way to a new city. Sprinter vans are engineered with long trips in mind and can often handle the rigors of a long trip better than other short-term alternative housing options because of their durability. This vehicle type offers high roof options, a variety of lengths, and spacious interiors, all of which give you the option to have more customized van designs and decor options

Set Up Camp in a Cargo Van

If you're doing a long-distance move on a tight budget and want to avoid nightly hotel costs, a cargo van can be an inexpensive way to have a roof over your head while you travel. To help make this one of the most affordable options for temporary housing, you should look for discounted vans that have been used by short-term rental companies for van dwelling. Take time to add in housing amenities like solar power, insulation, and a small refrigerator to ensure that even if you're living on a low budget, you'll be comfortable on the road. As part of your low-cost temporary housing lifestyle, you should invest in a nationwide gym membership for showers, as well as adding a small food prep area to the van to cut down on dining out.

Go with a Teardrop Camper

Already have a truck or SUV? If your move is taking you across several states and you want a lightweight, towable place to sleep along the way, a teardrop camper is one of the most affordable options for the road. You should choose camps close to grocery stores to avoid spending money on dining out—just remember to bring sturdy kitchen utensils like plastic or steel so they won’t need to be replaced anytime soon. Find the best cities for remote work and research money-saving techniques to stretch your temporary housing budget. Look into long-term stay RV parks, especially in the winter, for lower monthly rates, and stay for free if you work/camp.

Get Off the Grid in a Cabin

Sometimes a move calls for a slower pace, and a short-term cabin rental can be a peaceful, cost-effective way to wait out the transition between homes. While cabin sizes vary, many people downsizing from a home will find cost-savings and perhaps even inspiration to live with less! Downsizing will allow you to get rid of excess belongings and live in a clutter-free home.

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Moving soon? Find helpful guides and tools for your relocation on the Extra Space Storage moving hub. And if you need a place to keep your belongings while you’re between homes, we have self storage locations across the country that can help you get more space at home. Find self storage units near you!