Temporary Housing Options During a Move

Where to Stay Between Homes: 6 Temporary Housing Options During a Move

Not every move lines up perfectly. Your closing date and your move-in date might be weeks or even months apart. Your home sold faster than expected. Construction on your new place is running behind. A job relocation started before you had time to find a permanent address. Whatever the reason, you need somewhere to live in the gap — and a standard hotel room gets expensive and uncomfortable fast.

Finding the right temporary housing during a move depends on three things: how long you need it, what you can spend, and whether you’re moving with a family, pets, or just yourself. The options range from a few hundred dollars a month (staying with family) to $6,000+ (corporate housing in a major city) — and the right choice depends entirely on your situation.

This guide breaks down six short-term housing options when moving, what each one actually costs, and how to handle your belongings while you’re in transition.

1. Extended Stay Hotels

Extended stay hotels are designed for exactly this scenario — people who need more than a night or two but aren’t ready for a lease. Brands like Extended Stay America, Residence Inn, and Homewood Suites offer rooms with kitchenettes or full kitchens, weekly housekeeping, and discounted rates for longer stays.

Why it works: No lease, no deposit drama, no utility setup. You show up with a suitcase and you’re settled. Utilities, Wi-Fi, and basic amenities are included. Most offer weekly and monthly rates that are significantly cheaper than nightly pricing.

Watch out for: Space is limited — this is still a hotel room, which gets uncomfortable quickly for families or stays longer than a few weeks. Shared Wi-Fi can be slow. Pet policies vary and usually include extra fees. And costs add up — even at a discounted weekly rate of $600–$800, you’re looking at $2,400–$3,200 for a month.

Best for: Singles or couples needing 1–4 weeks of temporary housing, especially when you don’t know your exact move-in date yet and need maximum flexibility.

2. Airbnb and VRBO Rentals

Short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO have become one of the most popular temporary housing options for moving because of the variety. You can find a private room, a full apartment, or an entire house — furnished, with a kitchen, in the neighborhood you’re moving to.

Why it works: More space and privacy than a hotel. Furnished with kitchens, laundry, and separate bedrooms — ideal for families. Many hosts offer monthly discounts (often 20–40% off the nightly rate). The review system gives you transparency before booking. You can also use it as a way to “test drive” a neighborhood before signing a lease.

Watch out for: Cleaning fees and service fees can significantly inflate the total cost — always check the full price, not just the nightly rate. Cancellation policies vary by host. Availability is limited in peak seasons. And in some cities, hosts can cancel on short notice, which can leave you scrambling.

Best for: Families or anyone needing 2–8 weeks in a specific neighborhood, especially if you want a home-like environment with room to breathe.

3. Corporate Housing

Corporate housing consists of fully furnished apartments or condos rented on a short-term basis — usually 30 days or more. They typically include furniture, kitchenware, linens, utilities, internet, and sometimes parking and gym access. Originally built for business travelers and relocating employees, corporate housing is now available to anyone willing to meet the minimum stay.

Why it works: Move-in ready on day one. Spacious and comfortable — closer to an apartment than a hotel. All-inclusive pricing simplifies budgeting. Many employers will cover or reimburse corporate housing as part of a relocation package.

Watch out for: The 30-day minimum can be a problem if your gap is shorter. Costs are premium — $2,500–$6,000/month in major metros. Availability can be limited, especially in popular relocation cities, so book early.

Best for: Job relocations where your employer covers housing, or anyone who needs 1–6 months of comfortable, hassle-free living between homes and has the budget for it.

4. Short-Term Apartment Lease

Some apartment complexes and landlords offer month-to-month or 3–6 month leases specifically for people in transition. This gives you a full apartment — your own kitchen, bedrooms, living space — without the commitment of a 12-month lease.

Why it works: Feels the most like home. Enough space for families with kids and pets. You can bring some of your own furniture if you want, and maintain normal daily routines — cooking, laundry, private bedrooms. Monthly cost is often lower than extended stay hotels or corporate housing, especially in mid-sized cities.

Watch out for: Application fees, security deposits, and background checks add upfront cost. Most short-term leases carry a premium over standard 12-month rates (sometimes 20–40% more). You may also need to set up utilities, which takes time. And if your timeline changes, breaking a short-term lease can still cost you.

Best for: Families who know they’ll be living between homes for 2+ months and want the stability and space of a real apartment while they wait for their permanent home.

5. Subletting

A sublet is when you rent someone else’s apartment or room while they’re temporarily away. The original tenant keeps the lease; you pay them (and sometimes the landlord) for the duration of your stay. Sublets are often cheaper than formal short-term leases because the original tenant is motivated to cover their rent while they’re gone.

Why it works: Often more affordable than other furnished options. Usually comes with furniture, kitchen supplies, and a lived-in feel. Flexible terms — many sublets run month-to-month. You can find sublets on Facebook groups, Sublet.com, Craigslist, or through local networks.

Watch out for: Quality and reliability vary widely. You’re dealing with an individual, not a company — so vetting matters. Some landlords don’t allow subletting, which can create legal complications. You may also have limited recourse if something goes wrong with the space.

Best for: Budget-conscious individuals or couples who are comfortable with an informal arrangement and need 1–3 months of short-term housing while moving.

6. Staying With Family or Friends

The oldest and most affordable option: crashing with people you know. If the gap between homes is short — a few days to a couple of weeks — and you have family or friends nearby with space, this can be the easiest solution.

Why it works: Free or nearly free. Comfortable and familiar. No paperwork, no deposits, no commitments. Works well for short, well-defined gaps where you know your move-in date.

Watch out for: Extended stays can strain even the best relationships. Space may be limited, especially if you have a family, kids, or pets. There’s no privacy guarantee, and it’s harder to maintain routines. Set clear expectations upfront — how long you’ll stay, how you’ll contribute, and what shared spaces look like — to keep things smooth.

Best for: Short gaps of a few days to two weeks, especially for individuals or couples who can travel light.

What to Do With Your Belongings While You’re Between Homes

Your temporary housing probably can’t hold all of your furniture, appliances, and boxes — and moving everything twice defeats the purpose. Here’s how to handle your stuff during the gap:

✔ Storage-in-transit with your moving company: Many long-distance movers offer storage-in-transit, where your belongings are picked up, stored in their warehouse, and delivered to your new home when it’s ready. This is often the most convenient option because it eliminates a second move.

✔ Self-storage unit: Rent a storage unit near your temporary housing or your new home. You control access and can retrieve items as needed. Choose climate-controlled storage for furniture, electronics, and anything sensitive to temperature or humidity.

✔ Portable storage containers: Companies deliver a container to your home, you load it, and they store it or transport it to your new address. Good for short gaps when you want everything packed and ready to go.

How to Choose the Right Temporary Housing

With so many short-term rentals available while moving, the best choice comes down to a few practical questions:

→ How long is the gap? Under 2 weeks → hotel or family. 2–8 weeks → Airbnb or extended stay. 2+ months → short-term lease, sublet, or corporate housing.

→ What’s your budget? Staying with family is cheapest. Sublets and short-term leases are mid-range. Corporate housing and Airbnbs in major cities are premium.

→ Do you have kids or pets? Families need space, kitchens, and separate bedrooms. Airbnb whole-home rentals and short-term leases are usually the best fit. Always verify pet policies before booking anything.

→ Is your timeline firm or uncertain? If your move-in date could shift, prioritize flexible options with no cancellation penalties — extended stay hotels and Airbnbs with free cancellation win here.

→ Will your employer help? If you’re relocating for work, ask about relocation packages — many companies cover corporate housing, storage, or both.

Planning a Move? Let Poseidon Handle the Transition

Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, the gap between homes doesn’t have to be chaotic. With the right temporary housing and a moving company that can flex with your timeline — including storage options for when your new home isn’t quite ready — the transition can be smooth.

Poseidon Moving offers storage-in-transit, short-term storage, and flexible delivery scheduling so your belongings arrive when you’re ready — not before. Whether the gap between homes is a week or three months, we’ll coordinate the logistics around your timeline.