Finding the right place to stay during a home renovation is critical for keeping your project on track and minimizing stress for your family. Whether your renovation will last a few weeks or several months, having a clear plan for temporary housing will save you time, money, and frustration.
This guide will walk you through the best temporary housing options, how to choose based on your specific needs, important planning steps before moving out, and practical tips for making the transition smooth and stress-free.
Key Takeaways
- Top Temporary Housing Options: Hotels, short-term rentals, vacation rentals, extended-stay apartments, staying with family or friends, and renting a temporary house.
- Choosing the Right Place: Base your decision on budget, family size, pet needs, proximity to your home, and daily convenience.
- Planning Ahead: Confirm your renovation timeline, arrange moving logistics, secure valuables, and coordinate closely with contractors.
- Staying at Home: It is possible during small projects, but safety, comfort, and access to essentials must be carefully evaluated.
- Managing the Budget: Factor in rental rates, utilities, moving costs, deposits, and everyday expenses. Book early and pack smart to save.
- Moving Tips: Pack only essentials, create a homey atmosphere in your temporary space, and maintain familiar routines for a smoother transition.
- FAQs Answered: Get clear answers about timing, pet accommodations, insurance coverage, and relocation logistics.
Best Temporary Housing Options During a Home Renovation
When your home is under renovation, the best temporary housing options include hotels, short-term rentals, vacation rentals, extended-stay apartments, staying with family or friends, or renting a temporary house. Each option offers different levels of comfort, affordability, and flexibility depending on your needs.
- Hotels: Best for short stays with daily amenities like housekeeping and on-site dining. Convenient for quick access to your home during renovations.
- Short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb): Ideal for families, pet owners, or longer stays. Offers more space, comfort, and flexibility.
- Vacation rentals: Similar to short-term rentals but often located in quieter residential areas for a peaceful environment.
- Extended-stay apartments: Designed for longer stays with full amenities like kitchens and laundry. Balances affordability with hotel-like convenience.
- Staying with family or friends: Most budget-friendly option, but consider space and personal boundaries before committing.
- Renting a temporary house: Offers full privacy and a normal daily routine, making it a strong option for larger families or longer renovation projects.
- Key considerations: Choose based on comfort, affordability, and flexibility depending on the renovation timeline and your family’s needs.
Hotels are a convenient choice if you need a short stay and want daily amenities like housekeeping and easy access to dining. They are often located near city centers, making commuting to your home easy if you need to check on the renovation progress.
Short-term rentals, such as those found on Airbnb, offer more space and a home-like atmosphere. These rentals are ideal for families, pet owners, or anyone looking for a more flexible and comfortable stay during longer renovation periods.
Vacation rentals provide similar benefits to short-term rentals but are often located in quieter residential areas. This can be a good option if you need a peaceful environment while your primary home is being worked on.
Extended-stay apartments are designed for longer-term stays and usually come fully furnished with kitchens and laundry facilities. They offer the affordability of an apartment with the convenience of a hotel, making them a great middle-ground solution.
Staying with family or friends can be the most budget-friendly option. However, it is important to consider space limitations and personal boundaries before committing to this arrangement for the duration of your renovation.
Renting a temporary house is another flexible choice if you require a full home setup, especially for larger families. This option gives you complete privacy and allows you to maintain daily routines without major disruption.
Choosing the right temporary housing comes down to balancing comfort, affordability, and flexibility based on how long your renovation will last and what your daily life demands during that time.
How to Choose the Right Place to Stay Based on Your Needs
Choosing the right place to stay during a home renovation starts with evaluating your budget, family needs, and the renovation timeline. The best option will depend on how much you can spend, how many people and pets you need to accommodate, and how close you need to be to your home.
If budget is your top concern, staying with family or booking a budget-friendly rental could be your best choice. Hotels and extended-stay apartments can add up quickly over time, so it is important to weigh short-term comfort against long-term costs.
Families with children often benefit from larger spaces like short-term rentals or vacation homes. These options provide extra bedrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas that make daily life easier during a renovation. A family-friendly rental will also offer conveniences like laundry facilities and safe play areas for kids.
If you have pets, you need to prioritize pet-friendly accommodations. Many hotels and rentals now allow pets, but you should confirm pet policies, fees, and amenities like nearby parks or outdoor space before booking.
Location plays a big role in choosing where to stay. Staying close to your home can make it easier to check on renovation progress, coordinate with contractors, and handle unexpected issues. However, if noise, dust, or safety is a concern, looking a little farther away may provide a better quality of life during the project.
Accessibility and convenience are also key. Choose a place that fits your daily routine, whether that means easy access to work, school, grocery stores, or medical care.
Here is a quick checklist to help you choose the right temporary housing:
- What is your total budget for temporary housing?
- How many people and pets will live there during the renovation?
- Do you need a pet-friendly or family-friendly space?
- How close do you need to be to your home?
- What daily conveniences are must-haves for you?
Making the right choice depends on balancing comfort, cost, location, and your family’s unique needs during this transitional time.
Example:
A family of four with two young children and a dog is renovating their kitchen and living room, a project expected to take eight weeks. They need a pet-friendly place with space for the kids to play safely. They also want to stay within fifteen minutes of their home to monitor the renovation progress. After comparing hotel costs and short-term rental prices, they choose an Airbnb rental with three bedrooms, a backyard, and a fully equipped kitchen. The rental offers a comfortable, affordable, and convenient living situation for the entire renovation period.
Making the right choice depends on balancing comfort, cost, location, and your family’s unique needs during this transitional time.
Factors to Consider Before Moving Out for a Renovation
Before moving out for a renovation, you need a clear plan that covers your timeline, relocation logistics, and the security of your home and belongings. Taking time to coordinate these details will help avoid stress and delays later.
Start by confirming the renovation schedule with your contractor. Understand when major disruptions like demolition or utility shutdowns will happen so you can plan the exact date you need to relocate. Always build in some buffer time in case the project runs longer than expected.
Next, think about how the move will impact your daily routine. If you have to commute to work, school, or daycare, choose a temporary place that offers convenient transportation options. Relocating farther away might seem cheaper at first, but added commute times and travel costs can quickly outweigh savings.
The security of your belongings during the renovation is another important consideration. If large parts of the house will be exposed or if multiple subcontractors will access your home, it might be smart to rent a storage unit for valuable items. You can also ask your contractor about their security measures and insurance coverage during the project.
Coordinating with the moving company is crucial if you are transporting furniture or important household items. Schedule your move well in advance to avoid last-minute complications. If you are packing up the entire home, create an inventory list to keep track of where everything is stored.
Finally, make sure your temporary home offers a safe environment, especially if you have young children or pets. A location that feels secure and stable will make the transition smoother for the whole family.
Planning each of these steps carefully will make relocating for a renovation much less overwhelming and help keep your project on track.
Staying at Home During Renovations: Is It a Good Idea?
Staying at home during a renovation can work in some cases, but it depends on the type and scale of the project. For minor renovations, it might be a practical and cost-saving option. For larger projects that affect major parts of your home, moving out is usually safer and less stressful.
You might be able to stay at home if:
- Only one area, like a guest bathroom or a single bedroom, is under renovation.
- The construction work is limited to daytime hours and will not interfere with your evening routines.
- You can maintain access to essential spaces like the kitchen, bathroom, and at least one safe, clean sleeping area.
- The contractor confirms that the home will remain secure and livable during the project.
However, staying home during renovations comes with several risks:
- Safety hazards: Exposed wiring, open walls, sharp tools, and construction dust can create dangers, especially for children and pets.
- Limited access: If your kitchen or bathrooms are under renovation, everyday tasks become much harder.
- Noise and disruption: Constant construction noise can impact sleep, work-from-home setups, and general well-being.
- Stress levels: Living in a chaotic, dusty environment can create extra stress for the whole family.
If you decide to stay at home, follow these safety tips:
- Create a clearly marked, secure living area separate from the renovation zone.
- Use plastic barriers or temporary walls to keep dust and debris contained.
- Establish safe paths to essential rooms like bathrooms and exits.
- Communicate daily with your contractor about safety measures and work schedules.
- Arrange for temporary family accommodation elsewhere if conditions become unsafe.
Choosing to stay home during a renovation requires careful planning and a realistic understanding of the inconveniences involved. Always prioritize the safety and comfort of everyone in the household.
Budgeting for Temporary Housing During Home Renovations
Budgeting for temporary housing during a renovation is essential to avoid unexpected financial strain. Planning early will help you find affordable options and manage costs throughout the project.
When estimating your temporary housing costs, consider:
- Nightly or monthly rental rates: Compare hotels, short-term rentals, and extended-stay apartments based on the length of your stay. Look for flexible rental terms that fit your renovation timeline.
- Utility expenses: If you rent an apartment or house, ask if utilities like electricity, water, and internet are included or if you need to pay separately.
- Moving costs: Budget for moving company fees or rental trucks if you are transporting furniture or belongings to your temporary home.
- Deposits and fees: Many short-term rentals require upfront security deposits, cleaning fees, and pet fees if applicable.
- Storage costs: If you need to pack and store items that will not fit in your temporary housing, factor in the cost of a storage unit.
- Daily living expenses: Eating out, commuting farther distances, and buying additional household supplies can increase daily costs.
To keep your temporary housing budget affordable, try these tips:
- Book accommodations early to lock in lower rates.
- Look for budget-friendly extended-stay hotels that include utilities and basic kitchen facilities.
- Choose a place close to work, school, and your renovation site to reduce commuting costs.
- Pack only the essentials to avoid extra moving and storage expenses.
- Share a rental with family or friends if possible to split costs.
Creating a detailed budget before relocating will help you control costs and make smart decisions during your home renovation project.
Tips for Moving Into Temporary Housing Smoothly
Moving into temporary housing during a renovation is easier when you plan ahead, pack carefully, and focus on maintaining a comfortable daily routine. A smooth transition will make this period less stressful for the entire family.
Here are some practical tips to make the move easier:
- Pack only the essentials: Bring clothing, toiletries, work supplies, basic cooking tools, and important documents. Avoid packing everything you own to keep the space uncluttered and comfortable.
- Plan for minimalism: Choose multi-purpose items like a single set of dishes or a foldable high chair if you have young children. Think about what you will really use over the next few weeks.
- Create a “homey” atmosphere: Bring a few familiar items like family photos, favorite blankets, or your child’s favorite toys. Small touches can make temporary housing feel more welcoming.
- Set up routines early: Recreate important daily habits like bedtime routines, meal prep, and work-from-home setups as soon as you arrive. Keeping a familiar structure helps reduce stress for both adults and kids.
- Arrange for pet comfort: If you have pets, set up a dedicated area for their beds, food, and toys right away. Walk them around the new environment to help them adjust.
- Coordinate moving logistics: Work with a reliable moving company if needed, and schedule the move when it causes the least disruption to your family’s schedule.
Planning a smooth move not only keeps your temporary stay stress-free but also helps you stay focused on managing the renovation without feeling overwhelmed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Temporary Housing During Renovations
Temporary housing during a renovation comes with a lot of important questions. Here are answers to some of the most common concerns homeowners have:
How long should we plan to stay out of our home during a renovation?
You should plan to stay out for the full duration of the renovation plus a buffer of one to two weeks. Unexpected delays are common, so always allow extra time when arranging temporary housing.
Can pets stay with us in temporary housing?
Yes, but you must find pet-friendly accommodations. Many short-term rentals and extended-stay hotels allow pets with an additional fee. Always confirm pet policies before booking to avoid surprises.
Will our insurance cover the cost of temporary housing?
Some homeowners insurance policies include “loss of use” coverage, which may pay for temporary housing if the renovation is linked to a covered event, like fire or water damage. Contact your insurance provider to check what your policy includes.
What are the best temporary housing options for families?
Short-term rentals, vacation homes, and extended-stay apartments often provide the space and amenities families need. Look for family accommodation features like multiple bedrooms, kitchens, laundry facilities, and safe outdoor areas.
Do we need to hire a relocation specialist?
Hiring a relocation specialist can be helpful for large renovations or moves involving complex logistics. They can assist with finding housing, organizing moving services, and managing timelines, which can reduce stress during the transition.
Is it better to stay close to home during the renovation?
Staying close to your home makes it easier to check on renovation progress, meet with contractors, and handle any emergencies quickly. If safety or major disruptions are a concern, it may be better to relocate slightly farther away for a better living environment.