Temporary Housing

A quick solution for relocation

The mere idea of packing everything up and preparing to relocate to another state is enough to put most families in a tailspin-so many questions, so many details to handle-how to get it all done in time before the movers come. And the most important decision to make-where to live.

But there's a simple solution to a challenging problem, a short term lease can go a long way in easing the tension of relocating. Whether you're still uncertain on where you want to live, or if the home or apartment you're moving into isn't ready, finding a temporary residence that's filled with all of the comforts of home can certainly relieve a lot of stress.

The terms "short-term housing" and "corporate housing" are often used interchangeably-but the meaning is the same-a simple answer to finding a place to live easily.

"Often people have sold their homes and all of a sudden don't have a home," says Tim Miller, owner of T.P. Corporate Lodging. "It happens a lot of times, they're moving here and their house is not ready, and they need a place to stay until it's complete."

TP Corporate Lodging has a quick fix for the problem-a fully furnished, A-rated apartment with a lease term that can be a short as 14 days or as long as 12 months. "Most short-term leases are a minimum of 30 days, but we also offer a 14-day term," Miller says.

Originally designed for frequent business travelers and known as corporate apartments, short- and long-term apartments are a viable relocation housing option. And the apartments can be filled with all the luxuries of home, fully furnished with linens, cookware, washers and dryers, phone and cable service and utilities. Unlike hotel rooms, the apartments offer a real advantage-privacy.

Along with space enough for a family, the array of amenities available makes short-time housing seem more like an extended vacation. Pools, tennis courts, workroom facilities, fitness centers with whirlpools and walking trails in gated communities can help make the temporary stay a lot more comfortable.

And the best part, "all you need is your suitcase," says Janice Murray, who makes sure her Atlanta Rentals, Inc. clients have everything they need for their temporary home.

Short-term housing can be as little as 30 days, three, six or 12 months and is a "perfect alternative," says Murray, who points out that a one-month stay can be half the cost of a hotel stay. "We offer everything from a studio apartment to one with three bedrooms, and a living room with a den," she says.

The average cost, at $69 a day, compared to a hotel stay, is a bargain, but perhaps the biggest advantage is the additional square footage of an apartment compared to a hotel room. "When you think in terms of hotel costs, it's a good rate," explains Murray.

The determining factors in cost for both short-term and long-term rates depend on the location of the property, length of stay, number of bedrooms and furniture upgrades.

There is another real benefit to interim housing-it helps eliminate the possibility of a hasty decision. Whether you are searching for the perfect place to rent or buy, or waiting for your new home to be built, interim housing can be an ideal option.