Where to Live While Selling Your House

Many homeowners sell their current residence before their new home is ready. This necessitates a temporary living arrangement, creating a period of transition. Careful planning ensures a smooth experience. This article provides practical guidance on temporary living solutions and essential preparations.

Exploring Temporary Housing Options

Homeowners have several options for temporary living. Short-term rental properties offer flexibility, often providing a “home-like” environment. These include furnished apartments, vacation rentals (Airbnb/VRBO), or corporate housing for longer stays. Such rentals usually come equipped with essential furnishings and kitchenware for a comfortable setup.

Extended-stay hotels are another viable choice for individuals needing accommodations for more than a few nights. These establishments often feature amenities beyond standard hotel rooms, such as kitchenettes and laundry facilities on-site. They are designed for longer durations and may provide discounted rates.

Staying with family or friends can be a cost-effective option for a temporary period. This involves moving into another household for a defined duration. Clear communication about expectations, shared responsibilities, and privacy is important to maintain positive relationships.

For those with an RV or camper, this mobile option offers flexibility. An RV provides a self-contained living space that can be moved as needed, parked at RV parks or campgrounds with amenities and hookups. This choice can provide mobility and reduce lodging costs if a suitable long-term parking spot is secured.

Specialized temporary housing services assist individuals in finding short-term furnished accommodations. These companies often have access to a network of properties and can help match specific needs with available units, simplifying the search process.

Key Considerations for Your Temporary Stay

Choosing a temporary living situation involves evaluating several factors. Budget and cost implications are important, encompassing lodging fees, utilities, potential moving costs, and storage fees. Consider increased dining out costs if temporary housing lacks cooking facilities, or setting up new internet and other services.

The expected timeline for your temporary stay and the need for flexibility influence the accommodation choice. Some options suit shorter durations, such as a few weeks, while others are more practical for several months, particularly if delays in securing a new permanent home occur. Understanding potential extensions or early termination clauses in rental agreements is important.

Family and pet needs must be assessed for comfort and practicality. This includes considering required living space for all household members, access to desired school districts if applicable, and adherence to pet policies of potential accommodations.

Access to belongings and storage needs are another consideration. Determine whether you need immediate access to most possessions or if the majority can be placed in storage. This assessment influences the type of temporary housing chosen and the necessity of securing external storage solutions for items not needed for the interim period.

The location and proximity of the temporary residence are factors. Evaluate commute times to work or school, as well as access to essential services like grocery stores, medical facilities, and other preferred areas. A convenient location can reduce stress and improve the experience of living in temporary housing.

Preparing for Your Temporary Move

A successful transition to temporary housing begins with thorough preparation. Decluttering and downsizing are first steps, involving sorting items into categories: those needed for the temporary stay, those for long-term storage, and items for donation or disposal. This process reduces the volume of possessions to be managed during the interim period.

Effective packing strategies streamline the move and ensure easy access to necessary items. Labeling boxes clearly with their contents and intended temporary room helps with unpacking. Pack an “essentials” box containing immediate necessities such as toiletries, medications, important documents, and a few changes of clothes, which should be easily accessible upon arrival.

Securing storage solutions for items not needed during the temporary stay is necessary. Options include self-storage units, available in various sizes and with features like climate control to protect sensitive belongings, or portable storage containers delivered to your home for packing and then transported to a storage facility or your new home when ready. Some may utilize space with friends or family for certain items.

Managing mail forwarding and address changes is an administrative task. Set up mail forwarding through the United States Postal Service (USPS), which typically takes 7 to 12 business days to become active. Update your address with important contacts such as banks, credit card companies, subscription services, employers, and schools.

Proper utility management is important for a smooth transition. Schedule disconnections for services like electricity, water, gas, and internet at your old home, ensuring they align with your move-out date. If applicable, arrange for the setup of necessary utilities at your temporary residence, confirming activation dates to avoid interruptions.