We're in the process of planning a move from Vancouver, BC to Los Angeles. We still have six months before we move, but within that time we need to think about how to make it all work. Part of our planning has to take into consideration the fact that we don't know Los Angeles very well and need some time to figure out which neighborhood would be the best place for us to live. I'm hesitant to buy property there without first experiencing more of the city. After all, it's a big place with so many neighborhoods, with each being very distinct. Some are more expensive than others and some are better suited to our needs.
Usually, we jump in with both feet and just move. But this time, we've decided to take our time in finding the right house, the right neighborhood and the right place for us to be. With that in mind, I've been researching short term housing options and have discovered that this might just be what we need to help us navigate our move.
Why You Might Consider Short Term Rental Housing
- Moving, but not taking the furniture. My sister and her husband are planning a permanent move to Mexico. They've decided not to take anything with them except their clothes, their laptops, their two dogs and one cat. In other words, they need to get rid of all their furniture and furnishings before they go. But at the same time they need the house to be furnished in order to have it properly staged for selling. Their solution? Short term rentals. The plan is to stage the house, sell the house then move into short term housing while they sell the house's contents. This way they're free to sell pieces as buyers come along without worrying that they won't have a place to sleep or a place to eat since short term rental housing, or what some people call "corporate housing" gives you a completely furnished space, with everything you need in a temporary home.
- Moving before your new home is ready. This is a common occurrence; selling your old home before your new home is ready to move into. While you negotiate with your home buyer on when they can move into your old home, it's not always possible to time the move in such a way that your new home is ready for you. Often, you can negotiate with the moving company, asking them to keep your things until your new home is ready, but you still need a place to stay. If it's a relatively short time, say a few days, then maybe a hotel is your best bet. But if you need someplace to live for a week or more, then short term housing might be a better solution.
- Moving to another city or country and don't know where to live. This is our current situation. We really want some time to get a sense of the city, to find out where we'd like to live, what areas we can afford, to look at schools and commute times and which neighborhoods have the best conveniences. There are just so many things to consider when moving to a new city, that it's often difficult to make quick decisions, even if you do your research. There's really nothing better than actually living in the area for a while, even if it's just for a few weeks or a couple of months; remember, it's important to visit the potential area at different times during the day. Often, a neighborhood has a different feel during the day than it does at night. Knowing which area is best for you and your family is important whether you're buying a new home or renting; either way, you'll be locked into your housing choice since it may be difficult to re-sell quickly or to break an apartment lease.
