5 Tips for Moving to Temporary Housing

1. Compare temporary housing options to match your needs

The right temporary housing for you depends on your budget, stay length, household size, pets and accessibility needs. There are a few types of temporary housing:

• Staying with friends or family
• Extended-stay hotels
• Airbnbs
• Month-to-month rentals or sublets
• Corporate housing

Each type of housing has its own benefits and drawbacks to consider. For instance, staying with friends or family is likely the most affordable option, but it may only be practical for extremely short-term situations, like an emergency.

Extended-stay hotels are ideal for stays of a few weeks to a few months. They offer hotel perks like daily cleaning, on-site dining and ADA-accessible features, but nightly costs can add up fast. Hotels can also feel cramped for families and often have pet restrictions.

Airbnbs and month-to-month rentals offer more space and often include full kitchens and a home-like setup, which makes them ideal for families. Prices vary widely, usually between $1,200 and $4,000 per month, depending on location, and accessibility depends on the individual property. These rentals are also more likely to allow pets and provide extra room, though quality isn’t always consistent.

Corporate housing is the most turnkey temporary housing option, as units often come fully furnished and can include utilities, internet and parking. This option is popular among business travelers, remote workers, traveling nurses and military personnel who need a convenient option and are willing to pay higher monthly rates.

The most flexible temporary housing options are month-to-month leases and sublets, often accommodating short notice periods and minimal commitment.

Match temporary housing to your unique situation

Different situations will often dictate what kind of temporary housing you’ll need, such as a fully furnished residence or a residence that comes with storage space.

• Work relocation: Find a furnished place near your job with an easy commute.
• Home renovation: Look for a nearby rental with a flexible lease and enough storage.
• Medical or caregiving relocations: Seek a residence within 10 miles of the treatment facility, focusing on accessibility features and proximity to healthcare.
• Students: Try for a rental in a quiet neighborhood with reliable internet and lower costs.
• Emergencies: Fast availability and a safe neighborhood are the main priorities. 

Consider your family size, pets and how much space you truly need. Airbnbs and sublets often work better for larger families and pets, though breed restrictions can apply. Most temporary housing options also charge pet fees, so check ahead of time.

Accessibility needs also play a major role. Features like elevators, ramps and wide doorways are more common in hotels or corporate housing. If accessibility is essential, request photos or a virtual tour before signing anything.

2. Plan your packing and storage for temporary housing moves

Moving to temporary housing can feel overwhelming, but packing strategically can make everything easier. Focus on what you’ll need for your stay and use labels and clear organization so that it’s easier to find essentials.

Decide what to bring, store or donate for temporary housing

Take inventory of your belongings and sort them by what you’ll need for the next two to four weeks. This usually includes clothes, toiletries, medications and work or school essentials.

Then, consider storing anything else that you’ll need long-term, like holiday decorations or off-season clothing. Renting a storage unit for excess belongings can simplify your move.

Items worth storing include:

• Off-season clothing
• Large pieces of furniture
• Tools
• Holiday and seasonal decor

Next, decide what to sell or donate, such as:

• Clothes you haven’t worn in a year or more
• Books in good condition
• Toys your children have outgrown

On-site storage is convenient, but not always available, and typically costs between $50 and $200 per month. Off-site storage ranges from $75 to $300 per month and is usually secure and temperature-controlled, which is ideal for storing high-value or sentimental items.

Portable storage (like PODS) is another flexible option that’s ideal for storing your items when moving between cities. A pricier solution, portable storage runs between $150 and $400 per month.

Comparison bullet grid:

• On-site storage: Best for frequent access, $50 to $200 per month, limited by space
• Off-site storage: Secure, climate-controlled, $75 to $300 per month, less convenient
• Portable storage (PODS): Flexible, $150 to $400 per month, ideal for moves between cities

Organize and label your belongings for stress-free moving

Use clear bins, color-coded labels and room-specific boxes to stay organized for your move. Pack fragile items in double-walled boxes and take photos of everything in case you need to file an insurance claim. Label boxes by priority and pack a “first night” box with bedding, chargers, food and important documents so you can settle in without digging through everything.

» RELATED: Moving prep

3. Set up utilities, address and services when moving to temporary housing

Managing utilities, internet, mail and deliveries is an important part of settling in. Early planning helps prevent service lapses and keeps your mail secure while you’re between homes.

Handle mail, deliveries and address changes with temporary housing

Check with your landlord about how mail works at the property, as forwarding your mail might not make sense for that particular address, especially if you’re staying short-term. But if it does, file a temporary change of address with USPS about two weeks before you move. It costs $1.25 and ensures mail gets forwarded to your temporary home.

Sending your mail to a PO Box ($20 to $50 per month) is a good option if you want secure mail or expect frequent deliveries.

Then, update your address with your bank, insurance, DMV and subscriptions so you don’t miss important documents.

Digital tools like USPS Informed Delivery and carrier apps help you track mail without needing to physically check a mailbox. For high-value items, request signature-required delivery or use a trusted friend’s address. Package alerts are also helpful, so you can bring things inside promptly after delivery.

Manage utilities, internet and essential services in temporary housing

Before moving in, confirm which utilities (electric, water, gas or internet) are included. For anything you need to set up yourself, ask for the provider list and account numbers so you can transfer service ahead of time.

Schedule transfers at least a week before move-in to avoid service gaps. Internet installation usually takes three to seven days and costs between $50 and $150, while other setup fees range from $25 to $100 per service.

Get written confirmation of all transfer dates and set reminders for installation or shutoff. Check your internet speed on move-in day to make sure everything works properly. Sign up for autopay, if available, to prevent missed payments, and compare short-term internet plans to save money during your stay.

» MORE: Tips for moving from a house to an apartment

4. Settle into temporary housing and maintain comfort and routines

A temporary space can feel unfamiliar at first, but small touches go a long way. Unpack comfort items like a favorite pillow or photos and use renter-friendly decor, such as removable hooks or small lamps, to make the space feel cozy without risking your deposit.

Creating or maintaining routines helps everyone adjust. Keep mealtimes, bedtimes and homework schedules consistent for kids, and stick to regular walks or playtime for pets. Adding daily exercise or outdoor breaks reduces stress and keeps everyone grounded.

It also helps to stay connected. Check in with friends or family through video or audio calls to maintain a sense of normalcy while you’re in transition.

5. Prepare your transition from temporary housing

Planning ahead helps your final transition go smoothly. Schedule your move-out cleaning and walkthrough at least a week before your departure. Double-check storage, mail and accounts so nothing is missed.

Take timestamped photos of each room to document the condition of the property, and return keys or parking passes in person. Notify utility providers and confirm shutoff dates about a week before you leave, and arrange storage pickup or delivery. Update your address for forwarding or redirecting so important mail doesn’t get lost.

A move-out checklist keeps everything organized. Cleaning, inspection, deposits and retrieving stored items all need to be handled before you leave.