Temporary Housing Solutions for Home Renovations
Taking on a major home renovation project can be extremely disruptive to daily life. From the noise and dust of construction to the inability to access certain areas, renovations make residing in your home difficult or even impossible. That's why finding the right temporary housing is so important for maintaining comfort and convenience during your remodel.
With careful planning and research, you can secure a temporary home that meets your needs and budget for the duration of renovations. The key is exploring all your options and asking the right questions to ensure a smooth transition.
Popular Temporary Housing Options
When renovating your permanent residence, you have several options for finding alternative temporary accommodations:
- Short-term rentals like furnished apartments, homes, or condos
- Extended stay hotels that offer discounts for longer reservations
- Vacation rental homes which provide amenities of a regular house
- Staying with nearby friends or family members as a houseguest
- Arranging a home exchange where you swap houses with another owner
Each of these has their own pros and cons to weigh according to your specific needs. Short-term rentals offer convenience but can be pricey. Hotels are simple but lack space. Vacation rentals are spacious yet remote. Staying with friends/family is cost-effective but potentially imposing.
Less Common Options
If you need a more tailored solution, you could also look into:
- Co-living communities that offer flexible rental periods
- Corporate housing from providers that cater to business travelers
- A house swap with another owner in a more desirable area
- Renting a tiny home that's budget-friendly and easy to move into
- Rent-to-own arrangements allowing you time to decide on buying
- Shared housing with roommates or housemates needing lodging
Choosing the Ideal Temporary Home
With so many possibilities, how do you select the best temporary housing option for your needs? Here are key factors to consider:
Duration Needed
Carefully estimate the timeframe you'll be out of your home during renovations. Build in a buffer for potential delays. Shorter, fixed-term options like hotels may be best for smaller projects. Longer rentals like furnished apartments allow more flexibility if timelines change.
Location
Look for accommodations near your workplace, kids' schools, or other key destinations. Prioritize proximity to transit if you want to avoid a long commute. Don't forget to research new commute times from potential areas.
Size Requirements
Determine how much space you need to live comfortably. Consider family members, pets, hobbies, and possessions you need to store. Extended stay hotels may suffice for individuals but families will likely need more room.
Budget Assessment
Compare pricing across options that meet your criteria. Look at upfront deposits, weekly or monthly rates, added fees, and what's covered like utilities, parking, or internet. Weigh costs against convenience, amenities, and location.
Reviews and Reputation
Vet owners carefully by reading past guest reviews. Look for red flags like frequently canceled reservations or slow communication. Positive reviews help but also check for objective insights into pros and cons compared to listing photos and details.
Handling Logistics
Once you've secured temporary accommodations, tackle these logistics for a smooth transition:
Mail Forwarding
Contact the post office to forward mail or pause delivery. For important items, use a virtual mailbox that scans mail you access online. Provide senders your temporary address.
Utility Management
Schedule service transfers or suspensions for utilities like electricity, gas, and water. Transfer phone and internet services or set up temporary accounts.
Property Maintenance
If renovating a single-family home, arrange for yard maintenance like lawn mowing. Hire a house sitter to periodically check on your empty property or pets.
Moving and Storage
Determine moving logistics - renting trucks, hiring movers, getting boxes and supplies. Decide what goes into storage versus your temporary residence. Pare down possessions to just essentials.
Settling Into Your Temporary Home
To make your temporary housing feel like home:
- Pack an essentials bag with key documents, medications, and valuables to simplify your first night.
- Safely transport specialty items like pets, plants, and hobby equipment.
- Unpack mindfully and utilize space efficiently with minimal clutter.
- Observe all rental rules and policies like parking, noise, guests, and smoking.
When your renovated residence is complete, don't forget these steps:
- Schedule a walkthrough to confirm renovations are finished and inspect cleaning.
- Forward your mail back to your permanent address and update contacts.
- Transfer utilities and services back to your renovated home.
- Unpack slowly, declutter, and thoughtfully organize your new space.
You can make your family feel comfortable with temporary housing. Do your research, ask questions, read reviews, and select an option aligning with your duration, budget, and needs. The extra effort pays off with a smooth transition during a disruptive renovation.