5 Ways Long-Term Hotel Stays Simplify Cross-Country Moves
Booking a long-term hotel for a cross-country move can streamline daily life and provide flexible, affordable housing to reduce the stresses of a big change. Without comfortable relocation accommodations, you may not be at ease enough to make informed, unhurried decisions while hunting for an apartment or a home.
If you want to get your bearings in a new city, are unsure which neighborhood is right for you, or you want to avoid multiple short-term moves, you should consider staying in a hotel designed for monthly stays. Here are five ways apartment-style accommodations simplify a cross-country move:
1. Streamline Everyday Living
Routine can mean everything when you’re in a new city or changing jobs, especially if you’re moving as a family. A long-term hotel provides the everyday essentials that little ones (or pets) need to feel at ease:
- Full-size kitchens with full-size appliances allow you to meal plan and cook like you’re used to doing.
- Large HDTVs with guest room entertainment packages invite you to relax and unwind as if you’re at home, making kids’ naps and everyone’s downtime easier.
- Long-term hotel rooms offer walk-in closets, under-the-bed storage, and plenty of room to unpack, so you won’t need to live out of a suitcase.
- The comfortably furnished accommodations mean you can leave bulky items and breakables in storage until your final move.
- Amenities like the dishwasher and on-site guest laundry make everyday chores convenient.
- A fitness center eliminates the need to find a gym right away and allows you to stick to your routine.
- Pet-friendly accommodations let the entire family stay and experience the new city together.
2. Eliminate Housing Gaps
Since you’re able to easily extend your stay in a long-term hotel as plans change, you won’t need to worry about expiring contracts or leases or crashing with friends or relatives. A hotel bed is more comfortable than a couch or pull-out sofa, and there’s no chance you’ll wear out your welcome. While a short-term rental or apartment is an option, if your new home isn’t ready when your lease is up, you’ll be back to couch-surfing or signing another contract, which isn’t ideal.
Multiple temporary moves can be tough on kids — and parents. For families relocating a long distance, extended stay hotels are often a better choice than other temporary solutions because they offer privacy, ample space, and reservation extensions that make it easy to stay put until you’ve found your new home.
3. Provide Flexible, Practical Reservations and Amenities
Practical yet flexible accommodations can simplify a relocation. If your plans for a cross-country move change, a hotel that offers flexible reservations easily meets your needs. Simply update your room type or dates, and you can count on a private, move-in-ready space. Still on the road? Long-term hotels don’t only serve extended-stay guests. Book a room for a night or two and enjoy the comforts of home while traveling to your final destination.
When the property’s suites and amenities appeal to diverse interests, you can stay in a hotel before closing on a house without giving up your usual activities. Long-term hotels cater to fitness enthusiasts, grill masters, TV buffs, digital nomads, and other guests with gyms, outdoor patios, and in-suite technology.
4. Keep Costs Predictable
The all-in-one rates at long-term hotels eliminate surprise expenses that add stress or financial strain to a cross-country move. This doesn’t mean you’ll need to go without Wi-Fi or TV, either. Hotels offer furnished rooms, utilities, and amenity access in one convenient bill, so you won’t receive an unexpected invoice.
Inclusive room rates also limit upfront costs, especially compared to a short-term apartment’s application fees, large deposits, and utility bills. Pet-friendly suites reduce the need for expensive boarding or separate accommodations, too.
5. Reduce the Chaos of Moving
Moving is a stressful and emotional time, especially when you don’t have a calm, quiet place to reset and recharge. After house-hunting, working, or touring kids’ schools, the last thing you want is more projects or decisions. But moving requires many small tasks to set up utilities, arrange furniture delivery, and change addresses. If you choose a rental, you’ll potentially need to repeat these processes multiple times. A fully furnished apartment-style hotel can simplify or eliminate these tasks so you can focus on the big picture.
How To Stay in a Hotel When Moving
To enjoy an extended hotel stay when moving, you’ll need to choose your accommodations wisely, pack strategically, and organize your space to fit your needs. Use these tips to make your suite an extra-comfortable landing spot after a cross-country move.
Choose Accommodations Wisely
Select a furnished apartment-style hotel that provides money-saving amenities. When the on-site features are practical, you’ll spend less on utilities, eating out, and a gym membership, which can ease some financial strain of a relocation.
If you’re a dog or cat owner, search for hotels with pet-friendly suites to find a place to stay during a cross-country move. Read the property’s policies for weight, vaccinations, and other requirements so you’re certain your furry friend is welcome. Make note of any pet fees or deposits to avoid surprises on arrival.
Bring Necessities
For a long hotel stay during a cross-country move, pack clothes, toiletries, medications, electronics, and groceries, plus a few comfort items like a favorite mug or throw blanket. If you’re traveling as a family, remember the kids’ favorite toys, sippy cups, and blankets, and pet-specific items, including a leash, food bowls, and kibble. Apartment-style hotels will take care of many of your other needs, from dishes to furnishings, so you can keep most bulky belongings in storage until your next move.
Consider the Location
Whether you’re working or house-hunting, you don’t want to add a long commute on top of everything else. Find a hotel near major byways and conveniences to make grocery shopping, sightseeing, carpooling, getting to job interviews, and other tasks easier.
Create Zones
Organize your suite by designating areas for working and relaxing, or for kids and adults. Be glad if your hotel already features a separate living room, kitchen, and bedroom, because these defined spaces will help everyone in your family have the privacy they need to feel at home.
At stayAPT Suites, we’re happy to host travelers arriving after a long-distance move and those needing a place to rest during a cross-country drive. If you’re house-hunting, awaiting renovations, or in the process of closing on your dream home, our apartment-style hotels can simplify your transition. Explore all of our locations and book your stay in a flexible, affordable suite today.