Moving is stressful enough without unexpected delays. Maybe your lease date doesn’t line up, construction is running behind, or you’re waiting for closing paperwork to be finalized. Whatever the reason, you might be asking yourself: “Where can I stay until my new apartment or house is ready?”
The good news is, there are plenty of temporary housing options, ranging from affordable extended stay hotels to short-term rentals and even corporate housing. Some work better for long-term needs, others are quick fixes for a week or two. Below we’ll break down the most practical solutions, including their pros and cons, to help you find the best fit for your situation.
1. Extended Stay Hotels (Best All-Around Option)
Extended stay hotels are purpose-built for people who need more than just a few nights away from home. They combine the conveniences of an apartment with the flexibility of a hotel. Here’s what makes them stand out:
- Weekly and monthly rates: More budget-friendly than booking a nightly hotel.
- Kitchens in every suite: Cook your own meals and avoid the cost of dining out.
- Included utilities and Wi-Fi: One predictable bill, no extra setup required.
- On-site laundry facilities: A must for longer stays.
- No lease or credit check: Just check in and stay as long as you need.
Brands like InTown Suites have hundreds of locations nationwide, making it easy to find one near your new neighborhood. Whether you’re relocating for work, in between housing, or waiting on paperwork, extended stay hotels are a flexible and affordable choice.
Explore InTown Suites locations near you to compare rates and availability.
2. Short-Term Apartment Rentals
If you prefer a more residential setup, furnished short-term apartments or month-to-month leases can feel closer to traditional housing. They often include:
- More living space and separate bedrooms
- Full kitchens with ovens and dishwashers
- Community amenities like gyms, pools, or shared lounges
The trade-off is that apartments usually require a lease, background check, and application fees. Availability can also be limited, especially in high-demand cities, so this option is best for those planning to stay 30 days or more and wanting a setup that mimics permanent housing.
3. Corporate Housing
Corporate housing was originally designed for business travelers on long assignments, but it can also work for movers. These units are typically:
- Fully furnished with stylish décor
- Equipped with utilities and Wi-Fi
- Located in business districts or near major employers
The key advantage is that many corporate housing arrangements are leased by employers, meaning the employee doesn’t handle the payments directly. The downside is cost, corporate housing is usually the most expensive option on this list, often more than extended stay hotels or vacation rentals.
4. Vacation Rentals
Vacation rental platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are widely available and can feel more like “home” than a hotel. They work well if:
- You need multiple bedrooms for a family
- You want a pet-friendly option
- You only need a few weeks of housing
- You’re looking for a unique or one-of-a-kind stay
That said, costs can add up quickly, nightly rates, steep cleaning fees, and often hefty pet deposits make them less budget-friendly for longer stays. Always check reviews, cancellation policies, and neighborhood safety before booking. Vacation rentals are great for flexibility but may not be the best long-term budget option.
5. Staying With Friends or Family
If you’re lucky enough to have friends or family nearby, staying with them can ease the financial burden. This is the cheapest option, but it can also be the least private—and sometimes stressful if the delay drags on. Make it easier on everyone by:
- Setting expectations for how long you’ll stay
- Helping with groceries or utilities
- Having a backup plan in case things take longer than expected.
6. Traditional Hotels
Traditional hotels work fine for a few nights but aren’t built for long-term living. Most lack in-room kitchens and laundry facilities, so costs for eating out and laundry services add up quickly. What you typically get instead are short-stay perks like daily housekeeping, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant. For anything longer than a week, though, it’s usually worth upgrading to an extended stay hotel, where weekly rates and practical amenities make more sense.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Extended stay hotels typically provide the best value. Weekly rates, included utilities, and in-room kitchens make them more budget-friendly than nightly hotels or vacation rentals.
There’s usually no set limit. Many guests stay for weeks or even several months. Unlike apartments, there’s no lease—so you can extend or shorten your stay as needed.
Yes. Many extended stay hotels offer larger suites, full kitchens, and amenities like laundry facilities. This makes them a practical option for families waiting on a new lease or home purchase.
It depends on how long you need housing and what’s available in your area. Short-term rentals work well if you want a more residential setup and can commit to a month or more. Extended stay hotels are more flexible and often easier to book quickly.
Pack essentials like clothing, toiletries, important documents, work equipment, and chargers. If you’ll be cooking, consider a few basic kitchen tools, to save on ordering in or eating out.
