Discover what furnished temporary housing is, who it’s for, and how flexible stays offer comfort during life transitions
Life has a way of shifting course. Whether you're in between homes, managing a relocation, or navigating a major family change, where you stay matters — especially when permanence is on pause.
Temporary housing offers more than just a place to stay. It’s a flexible, fully furnished apartment that feels like home and provides comfort, consistency, and peace of mind during times of transition. With seamless move-ins and thoughtful amenities, it’s a calm, reliable solution when life feels unpredictable.
In this guide, we’ll explore what temporary housing is, when it’s most valuable, how it compares to other options, and why AVE is trusted to support individuals and families through life’s most pivotal moments with flexible stays designed to help you Live Better®.
Table of Contents
What Is Temporary Housing?
Temporary housing refers to short-term or flexible living arrangements that typically include a fully furnished, move-in ready residence when your permanent home isn’t yet available (or isn’t an option). These stays serve as a bridge through periods of transition, offering comfort and stability without the commitment of a long-term lease.
While the situations vary, the purpose is the same: to provide a welcoming, fully equipped apartment that supports your lifestyle while you figure out what’s next.
What Does Temporary Housing Include?
Temporary housing often includes all the essentials you need to feel settled from day one. All-inclusive rates and thoughtful amenities simplify the experience, so you can focus on what’s next.
Key features typically include:
- Fully furnished apartments with stylish, functional layouts
- Flexible lease terms, often starting at 30 days
- Fully accessorized kitchens, in-residence washer and dryer, and premium linens for everyday ease
- All-inclusive conveniences like high-speed Wi-Fi, utilities, and housekeeping services
- Welcoming communities designed to support comfort, privacy, and peace of mind during transitional periods
When You Might Need Temporary Housing During Life Changes
Temporary housing is designed to provide stability and comfort during many of life’s transitions, including:
- Divorce or Separation: A private, fully furnished space that offers stability, dignity, and flexibility during a time of personal transition.
- Home Renovation or Remodel: Avoid the noise and disruption of construction while staying close to your permanent home.
→ Explore our guide to where to live while waiting for your new home
- Home Repairs & Insurance Claims: Move-in ready comfort while your primary residence is restored.
→ Learn more about navigating temporary housing for insurance claims
- Aging Parents or Caregiving: Flexible living near loved ones, or a peaceful space for them to stay near your support system.
- Seasonal Stays Near Family: Spend the holidays close to loved ones while enjoying the comfort, privacy, and independence of your own space.
- Estate Transitions: A welcoming, move-in ready option that provides breathing room for families managing estate matters or downsizing.
- Real Estate Timing Gaps: Bridge the space between closing dates, new construction, or move-in delays without stress.
- Student & Career Transitions: From internships to relocations, furnished apartments provide short-term stability during big next steps.
- Downsizing: Make the shift into a smaller home smoother with a temporary stay that keeps life comfortable and organized.
- Digital Nomads: For those living and working remotely, furnished apartments offer reliable Wi-Fi, workspace-friendly layouts, and the freedom to explore new cities without long-term commitment.
Comparing Temporary Housing Options – Pros & Considerations
If you’re navigating a life transition, there are several types of temporary housing to explore. Each offers a unique balance of comfort, flexibility, and support. Understanding the differences can help you choose the option that best fits your needs.
| Housing Type |
Best For |
Pros |
Considerations |
| Furnished Apartments / Corporate Housing |
Relocations, insurance stays, renovations, career transitions |
Professionally managed, move-in ready apartments with flexible lease terms, consistent service, and all-in-one pricing |
May require advance planning in high-demand areas |
| Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb, VRBO) |
Leisure-focused travel, flexible stopovers |
Wide variety of furnished options, often bookable on short notice |
Quality and support vary by host; fewer services and harder to extend long stays |
| Extended-Stay Hotels |
Short assignments, weekly business travel |
Hotel conveniences with housekeeping and on-site staff |
Smaller living spaces, less privacy, and often no full kitchen or laundry |
| Serviced Apartments |
International assignments, business travel in major metros |
Apartment-style layouts with hotel-like amenities such as housekeeping and concierge |
Typically, higher cost and less lease flexibility |
What to Look for in Temporary Housing – A Quick Checklist
Finding the right temporary housing is about more than just location or lease terms. It’s about comfort, ease, and support when you need it most.
Here’s a quick checklist to guide your search:
- Location & Proximity: Choose a community that’s close to work, school, loved ones, or essential services.
- Safety & Accessibility: Look for secure building access, well-lit spaces, and a neighborhood that feels welcoming.
- Comfort & Amenities: Fully furnished apartments with everyday essentials like a full kitchen, in-unit laundry, and fast Wi-Fi to help you settle in with ease.
- Flexible Lease Terms & Transparent Pricing: Opt for housing that offers short-term flexibility, all-inclusive monthly rates, and no surprise fees.
- Support & Service: On-site team members who can assist with move-ins, logistics, and everyday needs make a big difference, especially during transitions.
Location & Proximity
- Close to your home, workplace, school, or caregiving responsibilities
- Convenient access to major roads or public transit
- Quiet, residential settings for comfort and privacy
- Nearby essentials like grocery stores, pharmacies, and banks
Safety & Accessibility
- Gated or secure building access
- Well-lit entrances, hallways, and parking areas
- Communities with strong reputations for safety and care
Comfort & Amenities
- Fully furnished apartments with kitchenware and home basics
- In-unit laundry or easy on-site access
- Reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi for work and connection
- Pet-friendly for furry companions
- Bonus features like fitness centers, coworking lounges, or optional cleaning services
Flexible Lease Terms & Transparent Pricing
- 30-day minimum stays with options to extend as needed
- All-inclusive rates that bundle rent, Wi-Fi, and utilities
- Clear terms for extensions, early exits, or deposits – no surprise fees
Support & Resident Services
- Friendly, responsive teams available on-site
- Simple, straightforward leasing terms
- Easy communication around scheduling, maintenance, and next steps
How Temporary Housing Supports Real Life Transitions – A Resident Story
When the unexpected happens, finding the right place to land can make all the difference. Just ask Adriana Carrig, Founder and CEO of Little Words Project. After discovering mold in her family’s home, Adriana needed a safe, comfortable, fully furnished apartment where she could continue raising her two young boys — and running her growing business — without disruption.
She found it at AVE.
“The transition was seamless,” Adriana shared. “We’re in a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with a full kitchen, in-residence washer and dryer, and all the accessories I could ever need. It’s been crucial in maintaining a sense of normalcy.”
From keeping her sons on their favorite tomato soup and grilled cheese routine, to hosting virtual meetings in AVE’s on-demand business spaces, Adriana was able to keep life moving forward. Even her wellness routine stayed intact thanks to the on-site yoga room and time spent unwinding in the community media room with her family.
As mold remediation work extended, AVE’s flexible lease terms made it easy to adjust their stay. “The AVE team has been incredible,” Adriana said. “They’ve made the experience of being displaced from our home feel just a little bit better — and honestly, it’s been nothing short of wonderful.”
Where AVE Offers Flexible Furnished Apartments
Life transitions don’t follow a set schedule or a single zip code. That’s why AVE offers fully furnished, flexible-stay apartments in desirable communities across the U.S.
Whether you're relocating, navigating a real estate delay, or caring for family, our residences are thoughtfully located near major employers, transit hubs, and essential services, making it easy to stay close to what matters.
AVE is proud to serve residents in the following regions:
| Region |
AVE Living Locations |
| Northern New Jersey |
- Clifton
- Florham Park
- Somerset
- Union
|
| Greater Philadelphia |
- Blue Bell
- King of Prussia
- Malvern
- Philadelphia
|
| Texas |
|
| Arizona |
|
| Silicon Valley |
|
| Florida |
|
| New York |
|
Each location offers flexible lease terms, high-touch resident support, and thoughtful amenities so you can feel at home, wherever life takes you.
FAQs
What’s the best temporary housing option for someone going through a divorce or separation?
The right choice depends on your priorities and situation. Some helpful factors to consider are:
- Value & Simplicity: Look for housing with all-inclusive pricing (furnishings, Wi-Fi, and utilities) to simplify expenses.
- Children: If you have kids, consider a community within their school district that helps maintain stability and routine.
- Flexibility: Short-term leases or month-to-month options allow you to adjust your stay without long commitments.
- Amenities: Essentials like a full kitchen, laundry, and reliable Wi-Fi make daily life feel seamless and familiar.
Many people find that a furnished apartment offers the right balance — private, home-like, and flexible. Communities like AVE provide these types of stays, designed to support residents and their families during transitions.
Can I find fully furnished housing while my home is being repaired?
Yes. Many temporary housing providers offer fully furnished apartments created for situations like home repairs, renovations, or insurance claims. These residences typically include everything you need from day one — kitchenware, laundry access, furnishings, and reliable Wi-Fi — so you can enjoy comfort and routine while your home is being restored.
Insurance companies often work directly with housing providers to place families in a convenient and welcoming option nearby. Communities like AVE specialize in these seamless move-ins, offering turn-key apartments that feel like home during the repair period.
Is temporary housing pet-friendly?
Many temporary housing options welcome pets, though policies vary by community. Some allow cats and small dogs, while others offer pet-friendly residences with green spaces and walking trails. It’s best to confirm details in advance, such as breed or size guidelines.
Communities like AVE provide pet-friendly furnished apartments in many locations, so both you and your furry companion can feel at home. In fact, AVE does not have breed or weight restrictions.
What are my options if I need housing due to insurance-covered damage?
When a home is damaged by fire, flooding, or another event, insurance adjusters often coordinate with housing providers to arrange temporary housing quickly. Options may include hotels, short-term rentals, or corporate housing, depending on your policy.
Many families prefer furnished apartments because they offer comfort, consistency, and the space of home during repairs. AVE regularly partners with insurance providers to coordinate seamless move-ins close to residents’ communities.
Yes. Temporary housing can be a wonderful solution for aging parents who need a comfortable residence near family or medical care. Features such as secure entry, accessibility, and helpful on-site services can make the experience seamless.
Communities like AVE offer fully furnished apartments with flexible leases, providing a safe and welcoming option for loved ones.
Do I need to sign a year-long lease for temporary housing?
Not at all. Temporary housing is designed to be flexible, with stays often starting at 30 days and extending for as long as you need. This makes it easy to enjoy freedom from long-term commitments when life is in transition.
At AVE, lease terms are flexible and tailored, so you can Live Better® — for one month, or many. Lease terms start at 30 days and can be extended as needed.
What if my move-in or move-out dates change?
Life doesn’t always follow a set timeline. Many temporary housing providers offer flexible terms that allow you to extend your stay or adjust move-out dates with ease.
At AVE, our Resident Services team members are here to make your experience seamless, helping you transition smoothly whether you need more time or an earlier move.
Going through a life transition? We’re here to help.
AVE offers fully furnished apartments with flexible lease terms and award-winning Resident Services so you can stay focused on what matters most.
Explore AVE’s Flexible Stay Apartments →
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