How to Find Temporary Housing for Work or Travel

Finding short-term accommodations can be stressful, especially when you’re between homes, on assignment for work, or waiting for your new lease to start. The search comes down to balancing comfort, cost, and convenience without locking into a long-term rental.

This guide explains how to find temporary housing that fits your needs, whether you’re comparing hotels, sublets, or fully furnished apartments.

We’ll walk you through where to look, what to check before booking, and how to stay compliant and safe in cities like Boston, Stamford, and New York.

At Compass Furnished Apartments, we’ve helped thousands of professionals, families, and healthcare travelers settle into comfortable, fully furnished apartments across Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York.

With over 20 years of experience in corporate housing, we know how to make temporary living feel like home.

What Is Temporary Housing?

Temporary housing is a fully furnished space available for short- or mid-term stays, usually 30 days or longer. It’s designed for people who need a place to live between permanent homes or while traveling for work, training, or medical care.

Common reasons to book temporary housing include:

• Corporate relocations: When you’re moving for work and waiting for your new home to be ready.

• Short-term work contracts: For consultants or project teams on assignment.

• Home renovations or insurance repairs: When your house isn’t livable for a few weeks or months.

• Medical stays: For patients or families receiving treatment in another city.

Temporary housing sits between a hotel and a long-term lease. You get the comfort and space of home (like a kitchen and laundry) without the hassle of furnishing or maintaining it yourself.

Temporary Housing vs. Other Options

Not all short-term housing is created equal. Here’s how temporary housing compares to common alternatives:

Professionally managed corporate housing or furnished apartments bridge the gap perfectly: they’re designed for travelers who need a real home, not just a place to sleep.

Learn more about how corporate housing compares to hotels and why it’s the smarter choice for long work trips.

How to Find Temporary Housing

Finding a reliable short-term rental doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a step-by-step plan to simplify your search.

1. Set Your Priorities

Start by outlining what matters most:

• Location: How close do you need to be to your office, hospital, or school?

• Length of stay: Are you booking for a few weeks or several months?

• Budget: Calculate your total monthly cost, including utilities, parking, and Wi-Fi.

• Amenities: Do you need in-suite laundry, a pet-friendly policy, or parking?

2. Choose the Right Source

Stick with verified, professional housing providers whenever possible. Companies like Compass Furnished Apartments offer licensed, compliant properties with transparent pricing and customer support.

If you browse community listing sites (like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace), use caution—make sure you confirm ownership, request a virtual tour, and never pay in cash before signing an agreement.

3. Vet Your Options

Ask these questions before booking:

• What’s included in the rent (utilities, internet, parking)?

• Are photos of the actual unit or a model suite?

• Can I see a floor plan or do a virtual walkthrough?

• Is there on-site maintenance or local support?

• Are linens, cookware, and cleaning supplies provided?

4. Check Legal Requirements

Certain cities, like Boston and New York City, have strict rules about short-term rentals under 30 days. To stay compliant and avoid scams, always confirm that your unit is legally zoned for mid-term stays.

Compass Furnished Apartments ensures every listing in MA, CT, and NY meets local regulations and building standards, so you can stay worry-free.

5. Review Lease Terms Carefully

Before signing, read through the rental agreement:

• Deposits: How much, and when is it refundable?

• Extensions: Can you stay longer if needed?

• Cancellation: What’s the notice period if plans change?

• Insurance: Is renter’s or travel insurance required?

Before You Book: Quick Checklist

• Confirm stay length and city restrictions

• Compare total monthly cost (rent + fees + utilities)

• Ask for photos, videos, or a virtual tour

• Verify management company or owner credentials

• Review the lease and payment terms

• Check safety features (locks, detectors, support line)

• Confirm move-in process and local contact information

Who Typically Uses Temporary Housing?

Corporate Travelers

Professionals relocating for work or managing projects often book corporate housing for comfort and convenience, especially when assignments last several weeks or months.

Healthcare Travelers

Doctors, nurses, or patients’ families use medical stay housing near major hospitals and clinics. Compass properties near Boston Medical Center and Yale New Haven Hospital are popular choices for this reason.

Students and Interns

Short-term semesters, training programs, and summer internships often require flexible, fully furnished options.

Homeowners Between Moves or Renovations

When your home is being renovated or sold, temporary housing bridges the gap so you can stay comfortable without rushing into a long lease.

Remote Workers and Digital Nomads

Many remote professionals now prefer furnished short-term leases that let them explore new cities while maintaining a comfortable, work-ready setup.

Learn more about who uses corporate housing and how each group benefits from short-term rentals.

Benefits of Choosing Temporary Housing

Cost Savings

Monthly furnished rentals are typically 30–40% cheaper than nightly hotel rates for the same period. Plus, utilities, Wi-Fi, and kitchen access mean fewer hidden costs.

Comfort and Space

Unlike a hotel room, a furnished apartment gives you separate areas to cook, work, and relax. Most include full kitchens, laundry, and living spaces that make longer stays easier.

Flexibility

Stay for one month or several as many leases extend easily if your project or relocation runs longer than expected.

Privacy and Reliability

Professionally managed units like Compass provide consistent service, high safety standards, and no surprises, unlike private sublets or peer-to-peer rentals.

Why Professionally Managed Housing Works Better

Not all temporary housing is created equal. When you choose a professionally managed provider like Compass, you get a reliable, transparent experience designed around your needs.

Fully Furnished, Move-In Ready Apartments

Every Compass unit in MA, CT, and NY comes with modern furniture, kitchenware, linens, and in-suite laundry, so you can unpack and start living right away.

Prime Locations

Our properties are near major business districts, hospitals, and transport hubs, like downtown Boston, Stamford’s corporate corridor, and Manhattan’s financial center.

Reliable Service and Local Support

Compass has on-the-ground teams who handle maintenance, housekeeping requests, and move-in coordination for a smooth experience from day one.

Trust and Transparency

With Compass, you get upfront pricing, legal compliance, and professional management with no scams, no hidden fees, and no surprise cancellations.

Explore our corporate housing options or learn about group bookings for teams and relocations.

Finding Temporary Housing Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming

With a clear plan and a trusted provider, you can find temporary housing that feels like home without sacrificing comfort or peace of mind.

At Compass Furnished Apartments, we make the process simple: tell us your timeline, budget, and must-haves, and we’ll build a tailored list of available apartments across Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York.

Get a tailored list of furnished apartments in MA, CT, or NY— tell us your dates, budget, and must-haves.

Moving for work or a medical stay? Talk to our housing specialists for flexible, compliant, move-in-ready options near your workplace or hospital.

FAQs About Temporary Housing

Can you rent a room for 3 months?

Yes, many furnished apartments and short-term leases allow stays of 30–90 days. Providers like Compass specialize in flexible mid-term rentals for work or relocation.

How to live somewhere temporarily?

Choose a furnished apartment or corporate housing provider with flexible lease terms, clear pricing, and essential amenities like laundry and Wi-Fi. These options let you live comfortably without a long-term commitment.

Where do people look for short-term rentals?

Most professionals use corporate housing providers or trusted platforms with verified listings. Avoid unverified online ads and stick with established companies that manage their own properties.

What is considered temporary housing?

Temporary housing generally refers to furnished rentals available for 30 days or more, designed for people between homes or on short-term work assignments.

About The Author

Lauren

Lauren, a passionate marketing professional from Vancouver, Canada, has an insatiable love for travel. Whether it’s camping off the grid in a secluded forest or enjoying the bustling streets of Manhattan, New York, she embraces every adventure with enthusiasm.