Choosing a place to live requires a thoughtful, practical approach. Although you may only be in corporate housing a short while, it is still a good idea to be pragmatic when deciding upon a location and budget for your furnished apartment. Here are five practical ideas to assist you in finding the best housing for your temporary stay:
1. Budget. Corporate apartments are typically less expensive than most comparable hotels. The key word is “comparable.” If you are looking for a bargain basement deal you may be better off with certain less desirable hotel chains. Although, if you stay in a hotel you won’t have the advantage of a fully equipped kitchen, so you’ll end up spending more on eating out.
2. Size of apartment. I’ve spoken with people on the phone who wanted to pack six people into a two bedroom apartment. Be practical when choosing the size of the apartment. Most states have maximum tenant laws restricting the number of people per bedroom to two. These days it is not uncommon to put two twin beds in a bedroom, but expect the cost of the apartment to increase slightly because your provider will need to cover the added utilities of an extra person.
3. Pets. Certain breeds of pets are discouraged for insurance reasons. If you have a pet, make sure you describe the breed, age, and weight to the provider when making a housing request. This way your provider can select a property for you that best meets your needs.
4. Features and amenities. If you prefer the look of stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, let your provider know. Also many properties have desirable amenities such as a fitness center, a coffee lounge, a theatre room, and/or a swimming pool. Make sure you select a property that allows you to maintain important routines, such as exercising daily.
5. Location. Choose a practical location. If you are working in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, it may not make sense to live below 14th Street. On the other hand, if downtown living best suits your style, then make sure that your apartment is near public transportation. Being near major highways, train or bus stops, or even within walking distance of your workplace will make your temporary assignment that much more enjoyable.