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Moving between houses would be so easy in a perfect world – making the transition from your existing lease to your new one such a breeze. But this hardly happens in the real world, as things almost always get complicated in one way or another. You may have many days, weeks, or months to spare between moving dates. This usually means that you may have to find a place to stay in the meantime. Fortunately, some options are available for locating temporary housing, and you should find a place you can call your home in between moves. So, are you caught up between leaving your current accommodation and getting your next one? Here are some tips for finding short-term housing and avoiding rental rip-offs.
Research all Available Options
If you do not have friends or family members to take you in indefinitely, you must find other options. A quick online search should provide you with a few options. The first is short-term rentals. These are typical housing rentals or apartment options for short stays. Unfortunately, the shorter you plan to stay for such apartments, the higher you are likely to pay. Houses will also be more expensive the shorter the stay, especially in high-demand areas such as vacation homes in the Florida Keys. You may also find subletting options available, which means taking over an existing lease from a tenant for an agreed duration. You could explore the corporate housing option. This option is almost the same as short-term rentals, although corporate housing focuses more on offering accommodation to traveling professionals.
You can also use rental platforms to find homes, apartments, condos, and villas for rent. Airbnb and other vacation rental platforms offer accommodations worldwide. Most vacation rental options offer indefinite and long-term opportunities. Extended hotel stays are another option if you have enough money and want to be comfortable in your temporary home.
Hire A Reputable Broker
Working with an apartment broker is one of the easiest ways to increase your options. You have a more comprehensive range of accommodation options at cheaper costs. A broker would advise you on the various temporary housings available in a given location. They also explain the amenities available, the extra costs of living in those areas, etc. However, you may have to conduct your research if you are interested in a vacation rental option. Although some people think that apartment brokers come with additional charges, that is not the case, as the property managers usually cover their services.
Storage Options for Your Belongings
One of the biggest problems with short-term accommodation is what to do with your belongings. Some short-term rentals may require moving in with your furniture, while others come fully furnished. Some may also not have enough space for all your belongings. You must arrange alternative storage options besides your rental if there is insufficient space. Even if there is enough space for all your stuff, moving everything you own with you does not make a lot of sense, especially the hefty stuff. That will only make moving out more challenging.
Have a Plan for Your Pets
If you have pets and plan to move with them, do not forget to factor them into your accommodation search immediately. The last thing you want is to find that perfect accommodation, but only to find out that they do not accept pets. Some short-term rentals do not allow pets; others have pet-friendly units, while others do not. Most of the options that do accept pets also come with extra charges. If you cannot find someone ready to care for your pet indefinitely, you should factor in the little guys when searching for accommodation.
Keep Your Options Fexible When Searching
When searching for long-term accommodation options, you should consider the amenities, location, and even the smallest details. But when looking for short-term prospects, it is okay to be a little flexible with your requirements to open up more options for you. For example, if finding the right place in your preferred location is challenging, try extending your search to surrounding or nearby areas. As long as your potential option offers you everything you will need daily, you should be able to accommodate a few inconveniences. The most important thing is to consider your safety, health, and availability of essential services and worry less about the lack of upgraded appliances or the color of floor rugs.
How Long do You Plan on Staying?
One of the most critical factors influencing your search options is how long you plan to stay. Your best options will be pretty different for a six-month stay than a one-week one. Plus, you may realize that your preferred choice might be too expensive, given how long you intend to live there. If you are uncertain how long you will be staying, you should look for an option that makes it flexible enough to move out whenever needed.
Take all Costs Into Account
When preparing your budget for temporary accommodation, do not just consider the monthly rent payment. Some facilities may require you to pay for general repairs, utilities, and parking spaces during your stay. So, ensure you know any extra costs before settling for a particular accommodation. Also, ensure that you take into account all those additional costs. Short-term rentals can sometimes be very pricey, so knowing what you agree to spend is best before making any financial commitments.
Start Your Search Early
Finding short-term accommodation can require a lot of work, so you must begin searching as early as possible. Even if you still have a couple of months left on your current rent, you should be able to find good options for your move ahead of time. Also, ensure that you expand your search options beyond the internet. Speak with friends, family, neighbors, or even call leasing managers to make inquiries. Sometimes, the information available online may not be accurate or accurate enough. So, it is always best to speak with someone at the property.