Temporary housing availability changes depending on the location and the kind of budget you have. In addition, certain aspects of your personality and your individual needs play a major role.

We spent so much time comparing temporary housing options before each relocation as travel therapists. Even if it's for a short few months, finding the best housing for you can be confusing.

From what we have found the types of housing to choose from can be broken into three main types. There are benefits and barriers to each.

Selecting temporary housing can be an easy process when broken down. In the end, you have to decide which one is the best fit for you.

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Empty Place for Rent

This is typically an apartment but we have found a few houses for rent as well.

Benefits

Able to make the place your own even if it is for a limited amount of time. You are also able to use your own stuff which may make you more comfortable. This is typically the cheapest option and the most likely to allow pets.

Barriers

Have to cancel and transfer utilities every time you move which can be very frustrating. It can also be harder to find short term leases or add on more time in case of a contract extension with your company.

Tips

Look for month-to-month leases or short term leases while doing an internet search or talking on the phone. Always ask if their price is more for a short term lease as a lot of times the listed price for the apartment might be different for a shorter lease. Owning less makes moving easier, especially if you have less furniture.

Furnished Apartment

Already has all of the main "necessary" furniture such as kitchen utensils, bed, couch, etc.

Benefits

You only have to bring clothes and toiletries along which makes moving easier. There is very little to no setup once you move in as everything is already there and ready to use.

Barriers

Price can vary drastically depending on if you do temporary apartments or an Airbnb. That being said, from what we have found the prices for furnished places typically are much more than a normal apartment. If you rent a room from someone, you may have a roommate, which might be great for some people but we weren't looking to do that.

Tips

Try avoiding shared places that give you little to no personal space. It may seem like a great money saver but in the end, it is not worth you giving up your "unwind" time.

Hotel or Extended Stay

Benefits

You get room service, typically don't have to sign a lease and it is easy to extend your stay even with short notice. You also can get breakfast depending on where you stay and might have access to cheap laundry, a pool, and a workout room.

Barriers

You often have a small and very limited kitchen. It also can be very expensive. There are also a lot of people who feel hotels are not "homey" enough and make them feel like they are still traveling.

Tips

See if your company has any affiliations with hotels where you can get a discount.

We have typically gone with the first option to find empty apartments to rent. We travel with our cats and wanted them to feel at home. Plus, we didn't want all of our belongings just sitting in storage not being used.

Keep in mind that there is a possibility not all of these options are available in every city. We have had to turn down certain job opportunities because the only housing available wasn't a good option for us. We hope this helps and if you come up with any other ideas please let us know!