If your home is undergoing renovations and you cannot live there safely or comfortably, finding temporary housing is your best solution. Whether you need a furnished apartment, a short-term rental, or an extended-stay hotel, having a solid plan will help you stay comfortable and avoid unnecessary stress during the construction process. This guide covers everything you need to know, from the best housing options to what insurance may cover, how long to plan for, and the amenities you should prioritize.
Here is a quick overview of the key points:
Key Takeaways
- Best Options: Furnished apartments, short-term rentals, extended-stay hotels, and corporate housing offer the most convenience and flexibility.
- Choosing the Right Place: Focus on location, lease flexibility, pet-friendliness, and amenities like a kitchen and laundry facilities.
- Insurance Coverage: Homeowners insurance may cover temporary housing costs if the renovation is due to a covered event like fire or storm damage.
- Managing the Move: Pack only essentials, coordinate carefully, and set up utilities before moving in to make the transition smooth.
- Planning the Timeline: Always build in extra time beyond the renovation schedule to account for unexpected delays.
- Amenities to Prioritize: Look for Wi-Fi, parking, a full kitchen, laundry facilities, and pet-friendly options to ensure daily comfort.
By the end of this article, you will know exactly how to secure temporary housing that fits your family’s needs and keeps your renovation process on track without extra hassle.
Best Temporary Housing Options During a Home Renovation
Finding the right temporary housing during a home renovation depends on how long you will be displaced and what amenities you need to stay comfortable. Here are the best options to consider:
- Furnished Apartments: These are ideal if you need a longer stay with the comforts of home. Furnished apartments come with everything you need, including kitchenware, furniture, and appliances, and usually offer flexible lease terms.
- Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo): Perfect for stays ranging from a few days to several months. Short-term rentals offer a wide range of options, from entire houses to studio apartments, often located in residential neighborhoods near your own home.
- Extended-Stay Hotels: These hotels are designed for long stays and provide amenities like kitchenettes, laundry facilities, and weekly housekeeping. They are a good choice if you prefer something move-in ready without the hassle of setting up utilities.
- Corporate Housing: Typically used by business travelers, corporate housing is available for families as well. These units are fully furnished and often come with utilities and Wi-Fi included in the price.
- Vacation Rentals by Local Realtors: Some real estate agents specialize in short-term furnished leases. This can be a great option if you are looking for something close to your current home with the backing of a professional agent.
Each of these options provides flexibility, convenience, and a range of amenities that can help make the renovation period more manageable.
How to Choose the Right Temporary Housing for Your Family
Choosing the right temporary housing during a renovation comes down to your family’s specific needs, priorities, and lifestyle. Focus on these key factors to make the best decision:
- Location: Look for a place close to your current home, your children’s school, and your workplace. Staying nearby can minimize disruption to your daily routine.
- Space Requirements: Make sure the housing option has enough bedrooms, bathrooms, and living space to keep everyone comfortable, especially for longer stays.
- Pet-Friendly Policies: If you have pets, confirm that the temporary housing allows them. Some rentals offer fenced yards or nearby parks for pets to enjoy.
- Amenities: Prioritize important amenities like a full kitchen, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and parking. These features can make a big difference in your comfort and convenience.
- Lease Flexibility: Choose a rental with flexible lease terms in case your renovation takes longer than expected. Month-to-month options are ideal.
- Safety and Security: Check for secure entrances, well-lit areas, and reliable neighborhoods to ensure your family feels safe during the stay.
- Budget: Set a clear budget upfront and look for housing that includes utilities and Wi-Fi to avoid unexpected costs.
By focusing on these essentials, you can find a temporary home that keeps your family comfortable and your renovation stress-free.
Will Insurance Cover Temporary Housing During Renovations?
Homeowners insurance often covers the cost of temporary housing if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event, but it depends on your specific policy. Here is what you need to know:
Check your policy details for a section labeled “Loss of Use” or “Additional Living Expenses (ALE).” This part of your insurance usually covers necessary extra costs like hotel stays, rental apartments, and sometimes even meals if you cannot cook at home. However, it only applies if the displacement is due to a covered event such as fire, water damage, or a major storm. If your renovation is elective, insurance typically will not contribute to temporary housing costs.
It is important to get pre-approval from your insurance company before booking anything. Many insurers require confirmation that your home is uninhabitable and that the housing arrangement is reasonable in cost. Most policies also have caps on both the total dollar amount they will pay and the length of time they will cover. Understanding these limits upfront can help you avoid unexpected expenses later.
For example, if a tree falls on your house during a storm and major repairs are needed, your insurance might pay for you to stay in a nearby furnished apartment for several months. They may also reimburse you for storage costs if your belongings have to be moved out temporarily. However, if you simply decide to remodel your kitchen and need a place to stay for convenience, you would have to cover that cost out of pocket.
If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, call your insurance company before you arrange housing. Clear communication can save you a lot of time, stress, and money.
Tips for Managing Your Move Into Temporary Housing
Moving into temporary housing during a renovation requires good planning to make the transition as smooth as possible. Focus on these key steps:
- Pack only the essentials you will need for daily living, such as clothes, toiletries, important documents, electronics, and anything needed for work or school. Keep it simple to avoid clutter.
- Organize and label your belongings clearly. Create an inventory list so you know what you have packed and what is going into storage. This makes unpacking later much easier.
- Coordinate your move carefully. Schedule movers or a rental truck for a time that fits neatly into your renovation timeline. Confirm access to both your storage unit and your temporary home in advance to avoid last-minute problems.
- Arrange for furniture if needed. If your temporary place is unfurnished, consider renting basic furniture instead of buying new items you will not need later.
- Set up utilities ahead of time. Make sure services like electricity, water, internet, and gas are activated before you move in, so you can settle in without unnecessary disruptions.
Managing a temporary move can feel overwhelming at first, but staying organized and planning each step carefully will help you keep stress to a minimum.
How Long Should You Plan to Stay in Temporary Housing?
You should plan to stay in temporary housing for as long as it takes to complete your renovation, but it is important to build in extra time for unexpected delays. Renovations almost always take longer than originally scheduled, especially when permits, inspections, or material shortages cause setbacks.
Start by talking to your contractor and getting a detailed project timeline. Ask specific questions about any parts of the renovation that could cause delays. Even with a good schedule, you should always add a buffer of at least two to four extra weeks beyond the expected finish date. It is much easier to shorten your stay than to scramble for an extension later.
The type of renovation also matters. A basic kitchen remodel might only require a few weeks away, but a full-home renovation could keep you out for several months. Always match your temporary housing plan to the scale of the project.
When you choose your housing, try to find a lease that allows for month-to-month terms or easy extensions. This gives you more flexibility if your renovation runs over schedule. Stay in regular contact with your contractor and visit the renovation site often. Catching signs of delay early can help you adjust your housing plan before it becomes a problem.
Planning with extra time in mind will make your move much less stressful and help you avoid unexpected disruptions.
Furnished vs. Unfurnished: Which Is Better for a Short-Term Stay?
Choosing between furnished and unfurnished temporary housing depends mainly on how long you plan to stay and how much convenience you need. Furnished housing is usually the better choice for short-term stays because it saves you the time, effort, and cost of moving and setting up furniture.
Here are the main points to consider:
- Furnished units are ready to live in immediately. They come with beds, couches, kitchen appliances, and often basic cookware and linens, which can make your move much easier.
- Unfurnished units usually cost less month-to-month, but you have to supply your own furniture. If you already have items in storage or plan to stay for several months or longer, unfurnished might make more sense.
- Furnished housing often includes utilities like water, electricity, and Wi-Fi in the rent. This can simplify setup and billing during an already stressful renovation period.
- If you have specific furniture needs or want to create a more personal living space, an unfurnished rental gives you more flexibility to set it up your way.
For example, if your family is planning to stay in temporary housing for just three months during a major kitchen and bathroom remodel, choosing a furnished apartment will likely make your life much easier. You can move in with just a few personal items and settle quickly, rather than dealing with movers, furniture rentals, or buying new things you will not need once your renovation is done.
Key Amenities to Look for in Temporary Housing
The right amenities can make your temporary housing experience much more comfortable during a home renovation. You should prioritize properties that offer a full kitchen, so you can prepare meals and avoid the expense and inconvenience of eating out every day. Laundry facilities, either in-unit or on-site, are another important feature that will make day-to-day living easier, especially for families.
Reliable Wi-Fi is essential, particularly if you or your family members need to work or study from the temporary home. Parking is another key amenity to consider, especially if you are moving into a city or a busy neighborhood where street parking is limited. Look for secure, designated parking spots if possible.
Pet-friendly accommodations should also be a priority if you have animals. Some temporary rentals offer pet-friendly units with fenced yards or nearby parks. These features can help keep pets comfortable and reduce the stress of the move for them as well.
Additional amenities like air conditioning, heating, and good soundproofing can significantly affect your comfort level, especially if you are staying for several months. Choosing a place that feels as much like home as possible will make your renovation period much more manageable and pleasant.
Final Checklist Before Moving Into Your Temporary Home
Before you move into your temporary housing, it is important to confirm a few key details to avoid last-minute problems. Start by reviewing your lease agreement carefully. Make sure you understand the terms, including the move-in and move-out dates, any penalties for early termination, and what is included in the rent such as utilities or internet service.
Next, confirm that all necessary utilities are active. Electricity, water, gas, and Wi-Fi should be set up and ready before your arrival to make your first days as smooth as possible. If your stay is covered by insurance, double-check that you have all approval letters or documents in place, and keep copies handy in case questions come up later.
You should also inspect the temporary home before moving your belongings in. Look for any existing damage and document it with photos to protect your security deposit. Make sure the locks and security systems are working properly so you feel safe during your stay.
Finally, coordinate your move carefully. Confirm your moving date, storage access, and transportation arrangements to avoid delays. Having everything organized before you step into your temporary housing will save you time, stress, and unexpected expenses.