Need A Home? Housing Options For Those Who Travel

Need A Home? Housing Options For Those Who Travel

 

 

Some people travel frequently and need options for short-term housing solutions. These individuals face unique challenges in finding places to stay that are affordable and allow for more flexibility in a commitment. If your needs consist of moving several times a year, here are some of your housing options.

 

Short-Term Rental Properties

 

Most rental leases are for a year. If you are relatively certain you will be in a location for the duration of your lease, you can safely sign on the dotted line. Don't agree to a lease if you aren't expecting to remain through the end of it. Breaking your lease early can come with stiff penalties although you may be able to negotiate something with your landlord in extenuating circumstances. Fortunately for people who know they will move within the year, there are apartments, condos and even single-family homes landlords will agree to rent to you on a weekly basis, a monthly basis or even for a custom length of time. The best course of action is to either look for short-term rental properties specifically or simply to speak with landlords and explain your situation. Landlords lease for a set amount of time because they want to be assured of rental income. If they know you will leave at a set time from the beginning they can still plan accordingly.

 

RVs

 

If you travel a lot but still want to have a place to call home, an RV might be a good solution. RVs are particularly useful for carnival workers, professionals who primarily do field work and contractors who work by the project and must travel to where those projects are. It can be very liberating to live out of an RV. You are not dependent on a landlord and you don't have to get used to a new environment every time you move, as your home goes with you. Finding places to park your RV and receive important services can be more of a challenge, but there are networks for RV owners to direct you to the best spots. It's also important to carry the right kinds of insurance if you live out of an RV because you will need what is essentially both car insurance and homeowners insurance.

 

Airbnb

 

Airbnb, like many of its contemporary companies in the sharing economy, is upending how many people choose to find lodging accommodations. Although it is set up more like a hotel than a rental contract, many Airbnb owners are willing to rent weekly or monthly, with accompanying rates. Airbnb hosts are overseen by the company and are rated by guests, so there is less risk than finding a place to rent off of Craigslist or from a private landlord. Once you have completed your stay you will be eligible to rate and review your host. If you return to a specific area frequently, you can even return to the same host.

 

Long-Term Stay Hotels

 

Some hotels offer accommodations for travelers who will be staying with them for a while. These can include studio units or even suites with kitchenettes. You can look online to find long-term stay rates or call the hotel to inquire directly to the manager about them. The benefits to staying in a hotel include regular housekeeping services and free breakfasts, as well as facilities such as a fitness center or pool. Loyalty points will add up fast which you can use for future stays, but going this route may be the most expensive in the long-run. If you travel for business, your employer might agree to frequently put you up in hotels for prolonged periods of time.

 

For individuals who move several times a year, buying a house is not a viable option. Therefore, you must look into alternatives. Short-term rentals are often the smartest way to handle frequent moves, although buying a mobile home such as an RV are also legitimate options. Consider what arrangements will best meet your needs, as they may change depending on the situation.