A Guide to Mid-Move Temporary Housing Options
Fact Checked by: Here’s the quick answer: Temporary housing can provide you with short-term lodging if you need a place to stay for a short period of time, whether it’s for a move, job assignment, or after a disaster. These spaces often come fully furnished, and they’re a flexible alternative to traditional rentals or hotels.
Moving is stressful enough without worrying about where you’ll stay in between homes. At moveBuddha, we help thousands of people navigate these challenges with practical solutions that save time, money, and headaches.
This guide will walk you through your temporary housing options, what each offers, and how to choose a solution that fits your needs, budget, and timeline.
Our track record
What is temporary housing, and why does it matter?
Temporary housing provides a short-term place to live, usually for a few days, weeks, or months, when you’re between permanent homes. It can also serve business travelers, people in crisis, and anyone who’s moving. Choosing the right fit can stabilize your budget, simplify logistics, and reduce stress while you wait for your long-term home.
|
|
|
|
rating
Types of temporary housing: options for every situation
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Each type of temporary housing has its own benefits and trade-offs. Use the summaries below to match the option to your timeline, privacy needs, and budget.
Extended stay hotels
Extended stay hotels are designed for longer stays and offer amenities like kitchenettes and laundry. They’re popular with families, business travelers, and anyone who wants hotel convenience without changing rooms every few nights.
- Pros: Flexible bookings with minimal paperwork, utilities and Wi-Fi included, and regular cleaning to reduce set-up time. Many brands are pet-friendly and offer loyalty discounts for week-plus stays.
- Cons: Per-night costs can add up on multi-week stays, and smaller floor plans may feel less homey than an apartment, especially for families or remote workers.
Average cost: $80–$150+ per night, with better weekly/monthly rates if you ask at the desk.
Corporate housing
Corporate housing is built for relocations and short assignments. Expect fully furnished apartments or condos with utilities, furniture, kitchenware, and often premium services like parking or fitness access.
- Pros: Spacious, move-in ready units feel like home on day one. Utilities and furnishings are bundled, which simplifies budgeting for families and executives.
- Cons: Many providers require 30-day minimums, and central locations in major metros command premium pricing compared with extended stay hotels.
Average cost: $2,500–$6,000 per month, depending on the city, building amenities, and parking.
Furnished apartments
Short-term furnished apartments offer weekly or monthly leases and a more residential feel. They’re a solid option if you need room to spread out or want a full kitchen without corporate-housing prices.
- Pros: Full kitchens, separate bedrooms, and more privacy than hotels. Lease terms can be flexible and are often cheaper than corporate housing for longer stays.
- Cons: Expect deposits, background checks, and variable policies around cleaning or utilities. Flexibility may be limited during peak season.
Average cost: $1,200–$3,000+ per month, depending on location and lease length.
Short-term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.)
Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO offer listings that range from small studios to large homes. Availability, policies, and quality can vary widely by city and season.
- Pros: Large selection and robust filters help you target must-have amenities. Reviews and photos add transparency, and many hosts offer monthly discounts.
- Cons: Prices surge during peak times, and last-minute host cancellations can derail your plans. Cleaning and service fees can drastically change the total price, too.
Average cost: $60–$250+ per night, highly variable depending on the market and dates.
Executive/monthly furnished rentals
Executive rentals are upscale, move-in-ready units aimed at professionals and long-term travelers. They usually require a 30-day minimum and bundle premium amenities.
- Pros: Modern finishes, prime locations, and all-inclusive pricing make budgeting for these homes straightforward. They’re ideal if you value building amenities and 24/7 support.
- Cons: Inventory is limited in smaller markets, and pricing is typically higher than standard furnished apartments.
Emergency housing (disaster relief, eviction, crisis)
Emergency housing provides immediate shelter for people who are displaced by disaster, eviction, or crisis. Programs focus on safety, essentials, and short-term stabilization.
- Pros: Free or low-cost placements often include food, case management, and referrals to longer-term resources, which can be critical right after a crisis.
- Cons: Accommodations are basic and sometimes communal. Eligibility rules apply, and privacy can be limited.
How to access: Dial 211, contact local shelters, or visit 211.org for regional resources and intake instructions.
Transitional housing
Transitional housing supports people exiting crisis situations (like homelessness or domestic violence) by offering longer-term shelter with services that help you re-establish stability.
- Pros: Consistent housing paired with counseling, employment support, and benefits navigation helps you bridge the gap to permanent housing.
- Cons: Application and waitlists are common, and communal living expectations may not fit every household.
Who needs temporary housing? Solutions for every scenario
Temporary housing isn’t just for people in between homes. These common scenarios can help you pick the right fit for your stay length, family size, and must-have amenities.
Business travelers and executives
Professionals on assignment often choose corporate housing, executive rentals, or extended-stay hotels because they are close to offices and offer predictable services like parking and cleaning.
Relocating families
Families usually need more space, kitchens, and kid-friendly features. Furnished apartments, corporate housing, and short-term rental homes work well when school or work schedules are up in the air.
Travel nurses and healthcare workers
Clinicians need flexible, furnished options near hospitals. Furnished Finder specializes in healthcare listings with utilities included and month-to-month terms.
Academics and students
Short-term furnished apartments, shared rentals, and off-campus housing align with semester schedules. Look for flexible move-in dates.
Digital nomads and remote workers
Remote workers often choose short-term rentals or co-living spaces with fast Wi-Fi and community amenities. Platforms like Airbnb are common starting points.
Individuals in crisis or emergency situations
Emergency and transitional housing offer stability plus services after a sudden loss of housing. Intake requirements vary, so contact local providers as early as possible.
How to book temporary housing: Step-by-step process and top platforms
Booking doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these steps to narrow your options and secure a place without surprise fees.
Step 1: Define your needs
Before you start your search, set a few criteria to streamline your search and compare offers apples-to-apples.
- Location, budget, and stay length: Pin down neighborhoods, a monthly or nightly cap, and a realistic end date so you can look for weekly or monthly discounts.
- Amenities: List must-haves like a full kitchen, pet policy, desk space, parking, or on-site laundry, then filter accordingly.
- Special requirements: Note accessibility needs, like a ground-floor space, or proximity to hospitals/schools to avoid last-minute compromises.
Step 2: Research providers and platforms
Use multiple sites, because pricing, fees, and inventory can differ from site to site. Save your favorites and compare totals, not just base rates.
- Furnished Finder: Best for travel nurses and healthcare workers; landlord listings emphasize hospital access and utilities.
- CorporateHousing.com: Nationwide network of furnished corporate and executive rentals with professional management.
- Airbnb and VRBO: Wide variety of short-term rentals; read recent reviews of the home’s condition and review rental policies.
- National Corporate Housing: Full-service relocation solutions including furniture and utilities.
- Extended Stay America, Residence Inn: Major extended-stay brands with predictable standards and loyalty discounts.
Step 3: Compare options and check availability
Use filters to narrow down homes by price, amenities, and available dates. Request virtual tours when possible and confirm minimum and maximum stay rules before you commit.
Step 4: Ask the right questions
Don’t get caught off guard by hidden costs or rigid policies. Clarify the fine print up front to get a truly great deal.
- What’s included: Verify utilities, Wi-Fi speed, parking, and cleaning so you’re not surprised by add-ons.
- Fees: Ask about deposits, application/background fees, pet rent, and cleaning/service charges, and whether they’re refundable.
- Cancellation policy: Confirm timelines, penalties, and whether or not you can extend without changing the rate.
- Pet and accessibility policies: Get restrictions and accommodations in writing; photos of ramps/elevators can prevent moving day surprises.
Step 5: Book online or by phone
Most platforms allow instant booking, while corporate or executive rentals may require an application or call with an agent. Be ready with ID, proof of employment, and references if requested.
Step 6: Confirm details and move in
After booking, ask for the agreement in writing and a 24/7 contact for maintenance or emergencies. On arrival, document the unit’s condition with photos and report issues within the first 24 hours.
Amenities and features: What to look for in temporary housing
A few features can make a big difference in comfort and convenience. Use this table to compare what each housing type typically offers, then verify the specifics with your provider.
| Housing type | Furnished | Kitchen | Laundry | Wi-Fi | Pet friendly | Cleaning | Utilities | 24/7 support | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extended stay hotel | ✔️ | Kitchenette | On-site | ✔️ | Varies | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | Some |
| Corporate housing | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | Often | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | Some |
| Furnished apartment | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | Varies | Varies | Often | Varies | Varies |
| Short-term rental (Airbnb) | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | Varies | Varies | Often | Host | Varies |
| Emergency/transitional | Often | Sometimes | Shared | Often | Varies | Shared | ✔️ | On-site staff | Accessible units available |
Always confirm accessibility features if you or a family member has special needs. Premium perks like gyms, pools, smart home tech, or concierge service are more common in executive or corporate housing.
Cost and budgeting for temporary housing
Short-term stays can get expensive fast. Use the ranges below for planning, then apply the savings strategies we’ve shared to keep your prices low.
Typical price ranges
Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect by housing type. Remember: location and timing drive most price swings.
- Extended stay hotels: $80–$150+/night with weekly or monthly discounts if you ask. Loyalty programs can shave 10–20% off totals.
- Corporate housing: $2,500–$6,000/month, usually all-inclusive (furniture, utilities, parking). Higher for premium buildings.
- Furnished apartments: $1,200–$3,000+/month, plus deposits and possible utility caps. Read the lease for overage rules.
- Short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO): $60–$250+/night; cleaning and platform fees can add 10–20% to the base rate.
- Executive rentals: $3,000–$8,000+/month for luxury options in prime locations.
- Emergency/transitional housing: Free to low-cost for eligible households, with services included.
Factors that might affect the cost
These factors could influence the price more than most people expect:
- Location: Downtown and transit-rich areas cost more than suburban or secondary neighborhoods. Expanding your radius can save hundreds per month.
- Duration: Weekly or 30-day commitments often unlock lower effective rates. Ask for a longer term discount even if it’s not advertised.
- Seasonality: Summer, holidays, and big local events spike demand. Booking shoulder-season dates or mid-week move-ins can lower prices.
- Size & amenities: Extra bedrooms, parking, and housekeeping add comfort and cost. Prioritize must-haves over nice-to-haves.
Tips for saving money
A few negotiations and smart timing moves can meaningfully reduce your bill.
- Negotiate longer-term discounts: Ask for weekly/monthly rates and request all-inclusive pricing that wraps utilities, parking, and cleaning into one number.
- Book off-season or outside hot zones: Consider nearby neighborhoods or stay just beyond tourist corridors to drop nightly rates.
- Compare multiple platforms: Cross-check the same property across sites; fees and specials differ by platform and date.
- Leverage kitchens: Cooking most meals at home can offset a higher nightly rate. Factor that into your comparisons.
Budgeting advice
Don’t forget deposits, cleaning fees, pet rent, and refundable holds. They impact cash flow even if you get them back. Transportation costs and parking can also swing a monthly budget, so weigh the savings of a longer commute against higher rent in a closer neighborhood.
Location, safety, and accessibility: How to pick the right spot
Where you stay matters as much as what you rent. Use these criteria to quickly narrow neighborhoods and properties.
- Proximity: Map commute times to work, school, and hospitals at your actual travel hours. Being near transit or major routes can save hours each week.
- Safety: Review recent neighborhood reviews and public crime dashboards. A quick walk-through at dusk can tell you more than photos ever will.
- Accessibility: Confirm elevator access, step-free entries, and door widths. Ask for photos of ramps and accessible bathrooms if needed.
- Walkability: Grocery stores, parks, and pharmacies within a short walk can reduce rideshare costs and simplify your daily routine.
Emergency and transitional housing: What to know and how to access support
Emergencies like fire, disaster, sudden eviction, or a job loss can happen to anyone. These programs exist to provide stable housing while you line up a long-term plan.
How to access emergency housing
Start with a single point of contact, then branch out to local providers for placement.
- Dial 211 or visit 211.org: Trained specialists connect you to shelters, food resources, and rental assistance in your county.
- Contact local providers: Reach out to shelters, churches, and city/county housing authorities; many of these organizations maintain real-time bed availability.
- Disaster relief: Check FEMA and the Red Cross for temporary lodging programs if your home was impacted by a declared event.
Who qualifies?
Eligibility varies by program and location, so ask what documentation to bring before you go.
- Disaster, violence, or eviction: Displacement due to fire, storms, domestic violence, or court-ordered eviction typically qualifies for short-term assistance.
- Experiencing or at risk of homelessness: Programs prioritize households without safe alternatives, including families with children or individuals with medical needs.
- Proof of need: Most providers request basic ID and documentation (e.g., notices, police reports) to speed placement.
Support services offered
These programs often include more than a bed, which can accelerate your path to stable housing.
- Case management: Help with paperwork, benefits, and referrals to long-term housing programs.
- Employment & placement support: Resume help, job leads, and landlord introductions improve stability.
- Essentials provided: Food, clothing, hygiene items, and transportation vouchers reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Legal and lease considerations for temporary housing
Always read the fine print before signing. Clear terms prevent surprise fees and make it easy to extend your lease or exit early.
- Lease terms: Confirm the length of stay, renewal options, and penalties for early termination so you can pivot if your home is ready early.
- Deposits: Ask which deposits apply (security, cleaning, pet), whether they’re refundable, and the timeline for returns.
- Cancellation policies: Understand how much notice is required to avoid fees and whether rate changes apply if you extend your stay.
- Legal protections: Short-term tenants still have rights. Check local rules for notice requirements, habitability, and entry policies.
- Everything in writing: Don’t rely on verbal promises. Request addenda to your contracr for special terms like parking, mail, and storage.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the cheapest temporary housing option?
How do I find pet-friendly temporary housing?
Can I negotiate the price for temporary housing?
How do I access emergency or transitional housing?
Find the right temporary housing — without the stress
Temporary housing doesn’t have to be another source of anxiety. With a clear plan, smart comparisons, and a few negotiating tips, you can land a place that’s comfortable, affordable, and ready when you are. For more planning help, explore our guides to how to hire movers and moving insurance.
Curious what your move will cost and how temporary housing affects the budget? Use our moving cost calculator to get personalized moving quotes in minutes.
How Much do Movers Cost?
Get instant ballpark pricing. No email or phone required. It's fast, free, and easy.
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
