4 Ways To Find Temporary Housing in a Tight Housing Market

Move In Like a Crab: Quick, Quiet, and Comfortable

So, we made the big move to a new state!

As I sit on someone else's sofa (day 2 of 45) I recognize that it will take us some time before we get settled in and our identity in the former state may or may not carry over into the new state.

Temporary housing outside Annapolis is our basecamp while we hunt for our permanent place to land.

It’s a transitional time that has felt both exciting and chaotic. 72 hours ago we had literally sold our home to packing up our entire life and placed it in storage. Our host is commander of a Navy warship, one of the kids set off the fire alarm cooking dinner at 9pm last night and we are in an area we know nothing about.

We’ve done this before.

We know that with a little planning and the right mindset, this is our opportunity to explore, organize, and ease into our new life.

Here’s what to keep in mind if  you find yourself navigating this temporary phase:

🔑 Get the Logistics Right from Day One

Go Flexible, Not Flimsy Look for short-term leases, extended stays, or month-to-month rentals. Flexibility is key in case you find your perfect home sooner than expected—or need more time. Don’t forget to read the fine print: Are there move-out fees? What’s the notice period?

Location, Location… for Now You may not be able to live in your dream neighborhood yet, but choose a location that gives you easy access to the places you’ll be frequenting: potential neighborhoods, your job, schools, or public transportation and landmarks. It should be safe and has good selection of local treats nearby- like pizza, ice cream, donuts or in our case, crabs (trust us, that matters during stressful moves)!

Mail Mayhem Prevention Temporary addresses are tricky. Consider getting a PO Box or using a mail forwarding service. This keeps things simple when it comes to bills, deliveries, or anything official while you're still between homes.

🧩 Make Short-Term Feel Livable

Comfort Counts If you’re staying in a furnished rental, check for the basics: reliable Wi-Fi, kitchen gear, laundry access, and decent lighting. Feeling “kind of at home” matters more than you think during this limbo period.

Deal with the Stuff Dilemma Haven’t moved or find all of your belongings yet? Pack light with the reminder that this is temporary. Try to avoid over-buying during this phase—you don’t want to move boxes of temporary stuff into your permanent place.

🏠 House Hunt with Intention

Become a Neighborhood Sleuth Use your temporary stay as a launchpad to explore. Drive, walk or bike around different areas at various times of day. What’s the vibe? What’s the traffic like? Where do people shop, hang out, and send their kids to school?

Stay Ready to Jump Keep your mortgage/rental history, employment documents, credit reports, and reference contacts organized and ready. In competitive housing markets, a little prep can mean the difference between getting the home or missing out.

Know the Residency Rules Temporary housing may not count for things like getting a driver’s license or registering your car. Check your state’s residency requirements early, especially if you need to update legal documents soon.

🧠 Mindset: Stay Grounded While in Transition

Create Micro-Routines You might feel like you're floating in the in-between. Ground yourself with small habits—your morning walk, favorite meals, evening journaling or coffee breaks—that bring a sense of stability amidst the chaos.

Try on the Community Use this time to test-drive your new life. Go to the farmer’s market. Get a library card. Join a local gym. Attend a town event or chat with baristas and neighbors. It’s not just about finding the right house—it’s about discovering where you feel at home.

Final Thoughts

Temporary living isn’t just a waiting room—it’s part of your relocation story. With the right approach, it can help you transition not just physically, but mentally and emotionally into a new chapter. Be curious, be flexible, and be kind to yourself. You're building something big—even if it’s starting in a small, short-term space.

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