Temporary housing is a short-term living arrangement people use when they’re between permanent homes due to a relocation, displacement after a natural disaster, long-term work assignment or other reasons.
There are several types of temporary housing, including:
- Corporate housing
- Serviced apartments
- Extended stay hotels
- Short-term rentals
- Sublets and shared housing
Each of these options come with different benefits and budgets. This guide aims to give you a better understanding of your options so you can confidently choose the type of temporary housing that’s best for you.
Key takeaways
- Temporary housing is a short-term living arrangement that’s typically furnished and includes utilities, ideal for people who are between permanent homes.
- Living arrangements lasting anywhere from a few weeks to a few months can be considered temporary housing.
- Corporate housing, short-term rentals, extended stay hotels, serviced apartments and sublets all have different benefits and budgets.
- Extended stay hotels like Extended Stay America have full kitchens, free wi-fi, on-site laundry and discounted weekly and monthly rates to make long-term stays easier and more cost effective.
How does temporary housing work?
Temporary housing provides a place people can stay for a few days to a few months while they’re transitioning between permanent living situations.
Most units are move-in ready, meaning they’re already furnished with the basics like a bed, dresser, table and chairs. Some temporary housing options also have a kitchen or kitchenette. Utilities like water, electricity and internet are generally also included with temporary housing options.
Lengths of stay for temporary housing are generally flexible, with most units renting month-to-month or weekly. Serviced apartments and extended stay hotels usually offer special rates for longer stays, as well.
One benefit of staying at an extended stay hotel over other temporary housing options is there is no lease involved. That means you can change the length of your stay on short notice without having to worry about breaking a contract (as long as there’s availability at the hotel).
What counts as temporary housing?
Temporary housing can refer to several different types of short-term living arrangements. Budget, length of stay and factors specific to your situation all play into which option makes sense for you.
This table breaks down the main types of temporary housing options.
|
Type |
What it includes |
Best for |
Cost |
|
Corporate housing |
Fully furnished units with separate living, sleeping and kitchen areas. Units are generally bigger and may include on-site laundry. |
Professionals relocating for work or on long-term work trips |
Often priced at flat rates designed to accommodate stays of 30 days or more |
|
Serviced apartments |
A mix between hotel and apartment, these include fully furnished living and sleeping areas and sometimes kitchens. Hotel-like amenities such as housekeeping, laundry and front desk access are also usually included. |
Longer-term visitors usually get the best rates, but can be used for shorter stints as well |
Daily rates can be high, but they become more cost effective the longer you stay |
|
Extended stay hotels |
Hotel rooms designed specifically for long-term guests. These units almost always include a kitchen or kitchenette, utilities and housekeeping services. |
Guests who want an affordable, flexible option with the ability to extend if plans change |
Monthly or weekly rates, with better deals for longer-term stays |
|
Short-term rentals |
Houses or rooms rented out on a short-term basis through third-party apps. |
Travelers who want a residential feel and don't mind variability |
Amenities and conditions vary by owner and service fees are usually expensive |
|
Sublets and shared housing |
Units offered directly by owners through third-party sites or other personal ads, usually involving one or more roommates. |
Guests comfortable sharing a home and flexible on terms |
Cost, amenities and lease duration vary widely |
Common reasons people need temporary housing
By its nature, temporary housing is considered a short-term solution, but it can be helpful in many situations, such as:
- Relocation: Government offices, military departments and corporations sometimes ask their employees to relocate, and temporary housing can help ease that transition.
- Moving: Whether or not a move has to do with work, temporary housing can give people somewhere to comfortably live while looking for a more permanent home in their new location.
- Home renovations: Some repairs or renovations can take weeks or even months, leaving families with nowhere to live in the meantime.
- Long-term work placements: Some professions, like travel nursing and construction, involve long-term work assignments in different locations.
- Natural disasters and other types of displacement: Unfortunately, some people lose their homes to fires, floods or other disasters and have nowhere else to stay.
- Medical treatments. People may deal with medical issues that require long-term treatment in a place that’s far from home.
What to look for in a temporary housing option
Temporary housing is a short-term solution, but it doesn’t need to be uncomfortable. Having certain amenities can make your stay much more pleasant and cost-effective.
Access to a full kitchen is one of the best amenities to look for in a temporary housing situation. This gives you the freedom to cook your own meals and store food for later, an especially great option if you have food sensitivities or a special diet. It also frees you from relying on expensive takeout for every meal.
On-site laundry is another huge benefit. Besides being more convenient, it can help you pack more efficiently.
A flexible length of stay is also more important than many people realize. The ability to extend or shorten your stay without having to renegotiate a lease offers less hassle and more freedom to navigate life’s changes. If you’re already dealing with a touch-and-go situation, this kind of leeway gives you one less thing to worry about.
How extended stay hotels work as temporary housing
Extended stay hotels are designed with long-term guests in mind, making them a natural fit for temporary housing.
At Extended Stay America, every room is fully furnished with a bed, desk, dresser, lamp and TV. Every hotel suite includes a full kitchen equipped with a full-size refrigerator, stovetop and microwave. On-site laundry and housekeeping are available for all guests, with the goal of keeping long-term stays sustainable and convenient.
Prices are designed with long-term stays in mind, too, with rooms offered at weekly or monthly rates. The longer your stay, the more cost-effective these rates become.
If your plans change, you can easily extend. There’s no lease or long-term contract to worry about, so you can make adjustments on an as-needed basis.
The types of transitions that require temporary housing can be difficult. An extended stay hotel like Extended Stay America can give you a grounded location that feels like a home away from home.
Plan your extended stay
Whether you’re in between permanent living situations because of work or something outside of your control, not having a home base can create feelings of uncertainty.
Booking with Extended Stay America can give you some of that certainty back.
Rooms are move-in ready and can be accessed the same day you book, as long as there are vacancies. We provide a full kitchen, utilities, on-site laundry and discounted rates to make your stay as convenient as possible. And booking is flexible, so you can change your plans without having to worry about breaking a lease.
If you’re looking for a home-like space to stay when relocating for work or in town for a long-term engagement, Extended Stay America is here for you. Book your stay today.
