Moving to a new city
Where should I stay while I look for an apartment in a new city?
Updated By the Housing Rocket moderators
Short answer
The usual options are an extended-stay hotel, a furnished monthly rental booked through an established platform, a short sublet, a month-to-month room in a shared house, or a friend's couch. Plan for two to six weeks, choose somewhere central to the areas you are searching, and make sure the booking can be extended or cancelled.
Each option trades cost against flexibility.
- Extended-stay hotels: no screening and weekly rates, but the most expensive per month and usually small.
- Furnished monthly rentals on established platforms: a real kitchen and the platform holds your payment. Never pay a host outside the platform.
- Short sublets: often the cheapest furnished option, and common in summer near universities. See sublets for how to do one safely.
- Month-to-month rooms: cheap and flexible, and a good way to meet locals, but you are living in someone else's home.
- Friends or family: free, but set an end date so it stays friendly.
Before you book, check three practical things. Can you receive mail and packages there? Can you extend by a week if a lease starts late? Is it close enough to the neighborhoods you are considering to view places after work?
If most of your belongings are coming later, ask your mover about storage until your new address is ready. Many movers offer it, and it is often cheaper than a second move.
Want the whole picture? Read How to Find Housing Before You Move to a New City.