Moving rarely goes exactly as planned. Maybe your lease date doesn’t line up, your closing is delayed, or your new home isn’t quite ready. In these cases, temporary housing becomes more than just a stopgap, it’s what makes the in-between period manageable.
Choosing the right place to stay while you’re in transition is important. You’ll need a mix of flexibility, affordability, and practical amenities that make everyday life easier. To help, we’ve created a checklist of eight must-have features to look for when comparing temporary housing options.
During a move, you’ll likely be juggling bills, forwarding addresses, and deliveries. Missing an important letter or package can make things harder than they need to be. Look for housing options that offer secure mail handling or package acceptance.
When choosing temporary housing, consider how you’ll handle mail and package deliveries. Some extended stay hotel guests rely on parcel lockers, shipping centers, or carrier hold-for-pickup services until they’re settled into a permanent address.
Few things feel more inconvenient than needing clean clothes but having no washer or dryer nearby. Laundromats are expensive and time-consuming, especially if you’re already busy unpacking or settling into a new city.
Temporary housing with on-site laundry saves time and money. Whether it’s coin-operated machines or laundry facilities on each floor, the convenience of doing laundry where you live makes a huge difference. For families or contractors with longer stays, the guest laundry facility is one of the most valuable amenities to prioritize and one that the Uptown Suites provides.
Eating out is fun for a few days, but it’s not realistic, or affordable, over several weeks. Having an in-room kitchen lets you cook meals, save money, and stick to your normal routines. Look for kitchens that go beyond a microwave.
Full-size refrigerators, stovetops, coffee makers, microwaves, and plenty of cabinet space are key. This allows you to stock groceries, prepare balanced meals, and avoid living out of takeout containers. Many extended stay hotels, including Uptown Suites, offer these as standard features so you can feel more settled even during a temporary stay.
Flexibility is critical when moving. You may think you only need a place for a week, but unexpected delays can stretch that timeline. Traditional leases don’t offer that kind of wiggle room, and breaking them often comes with penalties.
Choose housing that allows you to pay by the week or month, with the option to extend your stay as needed. This way, you don’t overpay for unused time, and you’re not locked into a long-term contract. For movers who need adaptability, flexible rates are one of the biggest advantages of extended stay properties.
When you’re in the middle of a move, parking isn’t just about finding a spot for your car. You might have a moving truck, a rental vehicle, or even multiple cars if your family is relocating together.
Check whether the property has free on-site parking, reserved spaces, or options for oversized vehicles.At Uptown Suites, guests enjoy free on-site parking at every property, helping you avoid unexpected fees. While options for oversized vehicles vary by location, having reliable, no-cost parking makes unloading and settling in much simpler.
A property with reliable, safe, and accessible parking makes unloading belongings or coming and going much easier.
Even while moving, life doesn’t pause. You may still need to log into work meetings, complete school assignments, or manage your relocation online. Fast, reliable Wi-Fi isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.
Look for temporary housing that offers Wi-Fi included in the rate, with no extra setup required. Bonus points if the suites have built-in workspaces or tables. Uptown Suites offers both, plus a small on-site meeting space at every property that can be reserved, giving you flexibility for work or group needs without relying on coffee shops.
Nobody wants to set up utilities for a short-term stay. Calling power companies, paying deposits, and scheduling service is stressful enough for a permanent home, let alone a temporary one. At Uptown Suites, essential utilities like electricity, water, and internet are already covered in your displayed rate (with a small facilities fee included), so your costs stay predictable without surprise bills.
Finally, don’t overlook the importance of location. Your temporary housing should feel safe and be close to everyday conveniences like grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations. If you’re commuting to work or checking in on your new home’s progress, proximity to highways or public transportation is another big advantage.
Think beyond just safety and convenience, too. A property near parks, gyms, or entertainment options can make your stay feel less like a waiting period and more like an opportunity to explore your new community. Every Uptown Suites also features an on-site gym, so you don’t have to give up your fitness routine while you’re away.
Uptown Suites was built with transitions in mind. Every property is designed for people who need a place that feels practical, affordable, and comfortable while in between homes.
Each suite includes an in-room kitchen with a full-size refrigerator and stovetop, Wi-Fi, HDTVs with premium channels, and on-site laundry facilities. Weekly housekeeping, flexible weekly rates, and utilities included mean you won’t have to worry about setting up services or costly monthly bills. We also offer convenient parking options.
For movers, contractors, and families alike, Uptown provides a dependable space where you can settle in while waiting for your permanent home.
Explore Uptown Suites locations to find temporary housing near you.
Temporary housing is a broad category, while extended stay hotels are specifically designed for longer visits. Uptown Suites, for example, includes kitchens, laundry, and utilities in one weekly rate, making it more practical than a nightly hotel or vacation rental.
Most extended stay hotels, including Uptown Suites, do not accept guest mail or packages. Instead, guests can use nearby parcel lockers, shipping centers, or carrier hold-for-pickup services to manage deliveries during their stay.
Most extended stay hotels allow guests to stay for weeks or even months. With flexible weekly and monthly rates, you can extend or shorten your stay based on your move-in timeline.
No. Utilities like water, electricity, and internet are already included in your rate, so you won’t need to set anything up. This makes it one of the simplest options during a move.
Yes. In-room kitchens, multiple bed options, and laundry access make extended stay hotels a practical solution for families. Uptown Suites is designed to work for both individuals and families.