Severe weather can happen any time of year, but during the turbulent spring months, we’re frequently reminded of how much damage Mother Nature can do to our homes in just a few minutes. If floods, lightning, winds or hail displace you from your home, where can you stay comfortable while repairs are being made? Let’s explore your options on where to stay after your home is damaged by a storm.
Friends or Family
It’s not unusual for displaced families to stay with relatives or friends while their home is being repaired. While this is one of the most economical options, it’s not necessarily the best one. It’s challenging to maintain your own lifestyle when you’re under someone else’s roof. Living in guest quarters for extended amounts of time can make you claustrophobic and cause strained relationships with your hosts. Some people don’t even have the option of staying with friends or relatives, but if you do have that opportunity, weigh your options carefully. It may be months before you can move home again, and the money you save may not be worth the tax on the relationship.
Extended Stay Hotels/Airbnb
One option that gives you a bit more independence is to stay in a hotel during repairs. Many extended stay properties offer suites with seating areas, plus kitchenettes or full kitchens. A similar option might be to rent a furnished vacation home or apartment through a platform like Airbnb. The cost of your stay might even be fully or partly covered under your homeowner’s insurance, depending on your policy. The drawback with hotels is that even extended stay suites can feel claustrophobic over time, and not all Airbnb properties are geared for long-term stays. Also, these options are expensive, so if your stay is not covered, it doesn’t take long before it can start depleting your savings.
Corporate Housing
A third option, and one that can work quite well during home repairs, is to work with a corporate housing agency for extended stay lodging. With this option, you can stay in a fully-furnished apartment with all the comforts of home, along with any amenities offered by the complex. Corporate housing is the closest thing most people find to a “home away from home,” and for that reason, it works well in situations where you might be waiting months for your home to be livable again. Additionally, it comes at a fraction of the cost of most hotels.
If your home has been damaged in a storm and you need temporary lodging in Atlanta, Georgia, or Jacksonville, Florida, TP Corporate Lodging can help. Give us a call at 800.428.9997.