Where to Stay When You Need to Make an Interim Move

When there is a gap between moving out of your old home and into your new one, you need a strategic interim plan. This post outlines practical housing solutions—from month-to-month leases to extended stay hotels—while providing a blueprint for an ‘Essentials’ packing strategy. Learn how to manage the logistics of a two-step move and why specialized storage is critical for protecting furniture and electronics during the wait.

There are many reasons why someone may need to make an interim move. It is more common than you think. In fact, our movers and packers see it all the time. Sometimes people are in the process of building a new home that will not be ready by the time they need to be out of their current home. Or, perhaps they have been re-located for work and have not yet found a permanent place to call home.  Whatever the reason, an interim move means you need to find a place to stay for a short period of time. Our next series of articles will discuss some ideas to explore should you be faced with needing to make an interim move. Let’s take a look:

SHORT TERM VACATION RENTAL

There are numerous short term vacation rental options available through online marketplaces such as VRBO and Airbnb. Since they are fully furnished, you don’t have to worry about moving your belongings out of your home and into an interim residence. Your moving and storage company can simply store them for you until you are ready to move to your permanent location.

MONTH-TO-MONTH LEASE

There are some rental homes, condos, and apartments that offer month-to-month leases. You may pay a little more, but you won’t be bound to a long-term contract. This is ideal for people who prefer not to put their belongings in storage because there are usually both furnished and unfurnished options available.

Our next article will discuss more options to consider for an interim move.

3 Guys Moving is a moving and storage company with a 23,000 square foot climate-controlled warehouse that is fully equipped to meet your interim storage needs.  In fact, we are an approved storage facility for the US military.  Our long distance and local movers and packers take pride in what they do and have the experience to do it well. We even handle piano moving and employ some of the most knowledgeable piano movers in the business. If you need a moving and storage company you can trust, then give 3 Guys Moving a call today.

Extended Stay Hotels vs. Corporate Housing

While many think of Airbnb first, professional “extended stay” options often provide better value for a 30-to-90-day gap.

• Extended Stay Hotels: These are ideal if you need a “no-contract” solution. Most feature kitchenettes, weekly rates, and included utilities, which saves you the hassle of setting up new accounts for a short period.
• Corporate Housing: If you need more space or are relocating for work, corporate housing offers fully furnished apartments in residential communities. These are “turn-key” solutions where everything from high-speed Wi-Fi to kitchenware is already provided.

The “Essentials” Packing Strategy

The biggest mistake people make during an interim move is packing everything into deep storage. To stay organized, we recommend packing a 30-Day Transition Kit that stays with you at your temporary residence:

• Document Folder: Keep your closing papers, lease agreements, and moving contracts in a physical folder.
• Tool Basics: A multi-tool or a basic screwdriver set for quick furniture adjustments or opening boxes.
• Seasonal Rotation: If your interim stay spans two seasons (e.g., moving in late summer but finishing your home in late fall), ensure your transition kit includes the appropriate clothing so you don’t have to visit your storage unit to dig through boxes.
• Pet & Kid Kits: Familiar bedding, favorite toys, and a one-month supply of specialized food or medications to keep the routine stable during the chaos.

Why Climate-Controlled Storage is Critical in Florida

If your interim move lasts more than a few weeks, the Florida climate becomes a factor for your belongings. Standard garage or non-conditioned storage units can reach temperatures well over 100 degrees with high humidity, which can lead to:

• Furniture Damage: Wood can warp or crack, and leather can begin to peel or mildew.
• Electronics Failure: Sensitive components in TVs, computers, and appliances are not designed for extreme heat.
• Musical Instruments: As specialists in piano moving, we know that high humidity is the enemy of a piano’s soundboard and internal felt components.

Utilizing a climate-controlled warehouse ensures that when you finally move into your permanent home, your belongings arrive in the exact same condition they left in.