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.
There are many more reasons to use temporary furnished apartments than I could possibly fit into this blog. While you might stay in a hotel for any vacation or business trip that goes less than 30 days, when you need to stay a little longer using corporate housing can translate into big savings for you or your company. Here are seven reasons why people use corporate housing:
1.) Relocation. Many people have found a new job in another town and haven’t sold their home yet. They choose to live in corporate housing while the real estate market recovers because it means they will only need to move their personal belongings once.
2.) Remodeling. When a home renovation project requires the occupants to vacate for an extended period of time, many people move into corporate housing. They do this not only because it’s more cost effective, but also because the presence of a fully equipped kitchen saves them money on eating out.
3.) Purchasing a home. For those who have been lucky enough to sell their home and have yet to close on their next home, there are temporary furnished apartments. This is advantageous because it gives you and your family more room to stretch out and relax than a hotel room would.
4.) Military/TDY. Military personnel on a TDY in a city far from home choose to live in corporate housing over a hotel. Oftentimes furnished apartments are in properties that have fitness centers on site, and are within a short drive from the base.
5.) Vacation. Retirees wishing to travel for one to two months at a time, or grandparents coming to the area to help out with a newly born grandchild prefer corporate housing to a hotel. It’s possible to rent a furnished apartment with a pull out couch, so extended family members and friends can visit during their stay.
6.) Divorce or separation. Spouses enduring a separation or divorce often move into corporate housing while the legal issues are resolved. This gives the family more time to divide up personal belongings. Corporate apartments have all of the details managed by a dedicated team of housing specialists, so the occupants have more time to dedicate to what’s really important.
7.) Extended medical treatment. Furnished apartments are the best option for patients undergoing an extended medical treatment. They are often quieter than a hotel where noisy vacationers come and go, and they can be located on the first floor or in an elevator building.
The housing market has shown steady growth in the past couple of months, and people are beginning to move around again. Corporate housing is an excellent option if you need a place to live while searching for a home in your new city. Unless you’re a consultant or in the military, the world of corporate housing may seem new and intimidating. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind when renting corporate housing: (more…)
