December 19, 2024

439 Views

All You Need to Know About Travel Nurse Housing

Posted on December 19, 2024November 27, 2024 by Medical Solutions

Medical Solutions provided this article.

Travel nursing offers an incredible opportunity to explore new places while advancing your career. However, one of the most significant aspects of travel nursing is securing housing that suits your needs and lifestyle. Finding the right home away from home can greatly impact your experience. Whether you’re new to travel nursing or a seasoned professional, understanding your housing options is essential. Here’s everything you need to know about travel nurse housing!

Understanding Your Housing Stipend

Most travel nursing contracts include a housing stipend—an allotment provided to cover the cost of accommodations. This tax-free stipend makes it an attractive option for many nurses looking for private travel nurse housing. The stipend amount varies depending on factors like the location of your assignment, the cost of living in the area, and the terms of your contract.

High-cost cities, such as San Francisco or New York, will typically offer larger stipends to help offset the expense of housing. However, the stipend might be lower if you’re in a more affordable area. Careful budgeting is key to ensuring your housing costs remain within your stipend, allowing you to pocket any remaining funds.

Company-Provided Housing vs. Finding Your Own

You have two main options: company-provided housing or finding your own accommodation.

1. Company-Provided Housing

Many travel nursing agencies, such as Medical Solutions, offer the option of securing private paid housing for travel nurses. This arrangement eliminates the hassle of searching for a place to live, as the agency handles the logistics. Company-provided housing is often fully furnished and conveniently located near your assignment.

However, this option usually means forfeiting your housing stipend, as the accommodation cost is deducted from it. While it’s a stress-free option, it might not provide the financial flexibility to find your own travel nurse housing.

2. Finding Your Own Housing

If you prefer more control over your living arrangements, you can opt to find your own housing. This allows you to customize your living situation based on your preferences—whether that’s a quiet suburban apartment, a shared rental with fellow travelers, or even a short-term Airbnb.

Finding your own housing can often save money, especially if you choose cost-effective options like extended-stay hotels or rental properties with long-term discounts. It also gives you the freedom to explore neighborhoods that match your lifestyle.

Tips for Securing Travel Nurse Housing

When it comes to how travel nurses find housing, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are some tips to help you along the way:

1. Start Your Search Early

As soon as you accept an assignment, begin your housing search. Popular cities or seasonal destinations have limited availability, so starting early gives you more options to choose from.

2. Leverage Travel Nurse Communities

Travel nurse forums, Facebook groups, and online communities can be invaluable resources for housing recommendations. Other travel nurses often share listings, advice, and reviews, making finding a trusted place to stay easier.

3. Utilize Housing Websites

Websites, like Furnished Finder, Airbnb, and VRBO, cater to short-term housing needs and are particularly popular among travel nurses. These platforms often feature furnished rentals and flexible lease terms to accommodate your assignment length.

4. Negotiate Lease Terms

When securing housing, don’t hesitate to negotiate lease terms. Many landlords are willing to adjust the duration of a lease or provide discounts for longer stays. Explain your situation as a travel nurse, and you might find more flexibility than expected.

5. Consider Proximity to Work

While affordability is important, consider how close the housing is to your assignment. A short commute can save you valuable time and money on transportation costs, enhancing your overall work-life balance.

Preparing for Your Stay

Once you’ve secured housing, there are a few additional steps to prepare for your stay:

Pack Smart: If your housing is furnished, check what’s included to avoid bringing unnecessary items.
Budget Wisely: Track all housing-related expenses, including utilities, parking, and renter’s insurance.
Research the Area: To make your transition smoother, familiarize yourself with the local amenities, including grocery stores, healthcare facilities, and recreational activities.

Making the Most of Your Housing Stipend

If you’re savvy about housing, your stipend can stretch further. For instance, some travel nurses choose to stay with friends or family in the area to save money. Others opt for RV living, which offers flexibility and eliminates the need to find new housing for each assignment.

The key is to weigh the costs and benefits of different housing options and choose the one that best suits your financial and personal needs.

Finding Your Next Place to Call Home

Securing travel nurse housing is vital to your overall experience, and having the right resources and support makes all the difference. At Medical Solutions, we’re dedicated to helping travel nurses thrive—offering exceptional assignments and expert guidance on housing and other essentials.

Whether you prefer company-provided housing or need advice on making the most of your stipend, we’re here to support your journey every step of the way. Let us help you focus on what matters most: providing outstanding patient care and enjoying the adventure of travel nursing.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By Furnished Finder

September 29, 2024

1732 Views

Pros & Cons of Renting a Room vs. a Whole Place on Your Next Assignment

Posted on September 29, 2024September 26, 2024 by Furnished Finder

When you first start your travel nurse adventure, a good thing to focus on is your why. Why are you traveling? Do you want to save money? Pay off debt? See and experience new places? Your why will be the guide for how you make decisions, especially when it comes to location and housing, especially renting a room vs. a whole house.

Travel nurse housing is super flexible these days, and you can usually find many options to fit your budget and preferences. Thanks to tools like Furnished Finder, you can find the perfect private home or rent a room from someone if you are trying to be more budget-friendly. There are, of course, pros and cons to renting a room or a whole place.

Pros of Renting a Room vs. a Whole Place

Saving Money
- This is the most obvious reason, but still important. If your goal while travel nursing is to maximize profit, sharing a room is a great way to do that.
Making Friends
- Hopefully, you will hit it off with your roommate and can either meet people through them or at least have someone to chat with when you are at home. This can make a big difference when you know absolutely no one in a new place.
The Space May Be Nicer
- If the house is the landlord’s personal home, they will usually furnish and decorate a place they live in in a way that is nicer than a separate rental. Often, rental spaces can feel a little generic or have less homey touches, but if you are living with your roommate, the space might be a little more spruced up.
You Might Score a Semi-Private Space
- If you take the time to look, you can find places that still have things like a private bath or small kitchenettes listed as a “room for rent.” These are often cheaper than an entire space but may be perfect if you don’t cook a lot or don’t mind going to the main part of the house on occasion.

Cons of Renting a Room vs. a Whole Place

Pets are Trickier
- Again, if the housing is the landlord’s personal home, they might be more hesitant to host a pet if they are living with said pet every day. Or, other pets in the household may not be friendly to your furry friend tagging along.
Less Privacy
- If you want to come home and lounge on the couch in your underwear after a day at work, renting a room may not be the best option for you.
Visitor Restrictions
- If you are staying in a room in the landlord’s personal home, they may not allow guests. Just because a landlord is willing to host travelers in their home does not mean they are willing to host friends or relatives who come to visit. If your family, boyfriend, or kids like to come visit regularly, it might get trickier if you have to coordinate visits with your landlord’s comfort.
Night Shift Might Be Harder
- If you are a light sleeper and work nights, you may want to check if potential roommates will be home a lot during the day. Sleep is so important–so make sure you won’t be suffering on empty for 13 weeks.

Thankfully, Furnished Finder’s search option makes it easy to find the space that has the right amenities and living situation for you. For example, if you have a very strict budget, you can do a general search and see what is available in terms of Entire Units and Rooms.

Or, if you prioritize privacy over everything else, you can choose to only look at Entire Units when you are searching for housing for your next assignment.

Better yet–if you are looking to find someplace that might feel impossible, you can use the various filters to narrow down your search even more. For example, you might be moving somewhere typically more expensive, like the Bay Area, and want to bring your pet. You can go in and specifically look for Rooms for Rent that are also pet-friendly. The beauty of Furnished Finder is there are a lot of ways to narrow down your search to find the perfect midterm rental for your next travel assignment.

Every traveler will have different housing needs–and these might even change from assignment to assignment. Some travelers might meet their best friend via a roommate situation, while others would never in a million years share a home with a stranger. The important thing is to choose the housing that is the best for you and your situation!

We hope you found this article on renting a room vs. a whole place helpful. Do you prefer renting a room or a whole house? Do you have any other pros or cons of renting a room or a whole place? Comment below.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By Sophie B

September 21, 2024

1579 Views

How to Search for Housing as a Travel Nurse

Posted on September 21, 2024August 28, 2024 by Sophie B

One of the hardest parts of our work as travelers is constant moving and finding good, safe housing. After three years of doing this in eight different cities, I’ve gotten a pretty good system down. And I’m here to share my process with you!

How to search for housing as a travel nurse:

Check the crime map.

When I get a job offer and accept the position, I immediately check the crime map for the area. Most of the time, I am moving to a place I have never been to or that I don’t know very well. My first priority is being in a safe area that is still in a good location to work. Personally, I like to live close to work because I like to sleep as long as I can before going in for a shift. By looking at the crime map, you can get a general idea of neighborhoods to avoid or to focus on.

What are your non-negotiables?

This is something to consider before going on to check housing sites. What are your non-negotiables? For me, they tend to be things like free parking on the premises, in-unit laundry, and a full-size fridge. Oh, and maximum budget, of course. There have been times when I’ve had to flex on these things (good luck finding an affordable place in NYC with in-unit laundry), and that’s ok. These are just the things to consider when you start your search.

Check out Furnished Finder.

Once I have a few areas scouted, I go to Furnished Finder – I know Gypsy Nurse is affiliated with Furnished Finder, but I am not. I just truly like the site and app. I’ve had really great experiences using FF, and I recommend it to all of my travel nurse friends. I’ve even recommended it to people renting their property for mid-term rentals. The big thing I like about it is there are no additional fees added like another app we all know and love.

Most times, the rent includes all of my utilities as well, so I don’t have to make separate payments. And I don’t have to sign up for new internet every three months that I move!

Try Facebook housing groups.

There have been times when the places listed on Furnished Finder are either out of my budget or just aren’t what I’m looking for. Sometimes, there aren’t a lot of options in that specific city. In those situations, I’ve gotten on Facebook – yeah, I know – and used travel nurse housing groups. In fact, Gypsy Nurse has one that I use! It may seem outdated, but there are a lot of great options there, and often, there will be comments from people who have stayed there before, letting you know if it was a good or bad experience.

Try other housing sites.

If both of those fail, I have used Air B’n’B before. Again, this is my last resort because of the added fees. Usually, I will book a one-month stay, get to know the landlord, and ask to pay them outside the app for the other 2-5 months that I might be there. This also allows me to decide if I want to stay in that area longer or not. There are pros and cons to this.

Look into agency-provided housing.

Another option that I don’t think is talked about very often, and one that I’ve never used is going through your agency. If all of this just seems like too much work and stress or is super overwhelming, most travel agencies have a housing department that can help you find a place to live. All 4 of the agencies I’ve worked with have offered this to me. I just personally prefer to use my own resources and save some (a lot) of my hard-earned money!

If you decide this is the route you want to go, you will not receive a housing stipend on your paycheck. It is one or the other. I promise you can find housing for way less than your stipend allows, so I would only recommend this route if it is truly something that causes you a lot of stress.

Always as for Facetime, Zoom, etc of the housing.

Another tip for the house hunting process: Always ask FaceTime, Zoom, etc., with the landlord so you can get an idea of who they are and see the place in real-time. As travelers, we can’t really pop over to view an apartment when we are 3000 miles away! They should accommodate that, and if they don’t, I would take that as a red flag. This also gives you a chance to see how the landlord is. We’ve all had crappy landlords, might as well try to eliminate that obstacle if you can!

Lastly, make sure that wherever you decide to live is a spot that you will enjoy on your days off!

We typically work 3-4 days a week, so what will you be doing with the other 3-4 days off?! Half the point of travel nursing (at least for me) is enjoying and exploring new places! Don’t forget to have fun, too! Happy housing hunting!

If you want to read more travel content, check out Sophie’s blog at thetravelingsopha.com.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By Medical Solutions

September 16, 2024

1574 Views

How Travel Nurses Find Housing

Posted on September 16, 2024September 5, 2024 by Medical Solutions

Medical Solutions provided this article.

Finding travel nurse housing is one of the most significant challenges when starting a new assignment. With so many options available, from agency-provided housing to stipends for self-selected accommodations, the task can feel overwhelming. With the right resources and planning, securing a comfortable and convenient place to stay doesn’t have to be stressful. Let’s explore how travel nurses find housing and the best strategies for creating a home away from home during assignments.

Agency-Provided Travel Nurse Housing: A Stress-Free Option

One of the most straightforward ways for travel nurses to find housing is through their staffing agency. Many agencies offer housing as part of the compensation package. This option is incredibly convenient because the agency handles everything—from finding the accommodation to setting up utilities. All you need to do is specify your preferences, such as the number of bedrooms and amenities and whether you’re traveling with pets or family members. The simplicity of this makes it a great option for first-time travel nurses!

With agency-provided housing, nurses can focus on their work and enjoy their new surroundings without dealing with rent, utilities, or lease agreements. This route is ideal for those who want to avoid the complexities of coordinating living arrangements, offering peace of mind from day one.

Travel Nurse Housing Stipends: Flexibility for Independent Arrangements

On the other hand, many travel nurses prefer to find their own housing. You can opt for a housing stipend, which is a sum of money provided by the agency to cover the cost of rent and utilities, allowing nurses to choose where they want to stay. This option provides flexibility, enabling nurses to select accommodations that suit their personal needs, whether staying in a short-term rental, an Airbnb, or even with family or friends.

However, one crucial aspect of using a housing stipend is budgeting. The amount of the stipend can vary significantly based on location. For example, a stipend for an assignment in California will typically be higher than one for Nebraska due to the cost of living differences. If you choose this route, you’ll want to carefully evaluate housing costs and factor in expenses such as utilities, parking, and additional fees to ensure their stipend covers all their needs.

Best Travel Nurse Housing Sites

Online platforms have made the process much easier for those who choose to find their own housing. Several websites cater specifically to travel nurses, offering short-term, furnished rentals in convenient locations near medical facilities. Here are some of the top platforms that travel nurses frequently use:

Furnished Finder: A top choice for travel nurses, offering short-term, fully furnished accommodations across the U.S. with flexible lease terms.
Travel Nurse Housing: Designed for healthcare professionals, this platform offers verified apartments, condos, and houses with personalized booking support.
Airbnb: Airbnb is popular for its flexible rental options, from private rooms to entire homes, though additional fees should be factored into the budget.
Vrbo: Ideal for those traveling with family or pets, Vrbo focuses on whole-home rentals, offering space and privacy for longer stays.
Extended Stay America: Offers fully furnished rooms with amenities like free Wi-Fi, laundry, and breakfast. Discounts are available for travel nurses through agencies.

Alternative Housing Options

Travel nurses who enjoy thinking outside the box can explore creative housing solutions. Some opt to travel in an RV or live a van life, offering flexibility and significant cost savings. Platforms like Campendium help nurses find RV parks and campgrounds, allowing them to enjoy nature while working in new locations.

For those with friends or family near their assignment location, staying with a loved one can be an affordable and comfortable alternative. While this requires coordination, it often leads to significant savings and a built-in support network during assignments.

Tips for Securing Housing

Regardless of the housing option chosen, travel nurses should plan. Securing housing in competitive markets can be challenging, so starting the search early gives nurses time to evaluate options, negotiate terms, and address potential issues. Proactive planning ensures that nurses find the right accommodation that fits their needs without the stress of last-minute scrambling.

Finding housing as a travel nurse is vital to ensuring a successful assignment. Whether you choose agency-provided housing for convenience or opt for a stipend to select your own accommodation, numerous options are available. With online platforms, extended-stay hotels, and alternative living arrangements like RVs, travel nurses can create a home wherever their assignment takes them. By leveraging the right resources and planning, securing the perfect temporary home can be a seamless and enjoyable process.

Make a Difference While Earning More! Travel with the Best Nursing Agency

Use your skills where they’re most needed, explore travel nursing opportunities nationwide, and join the effort to provide premium patient care. Apply with Medical Solutions now—Medical Solutions makes company-paid and private housing easy for nurses! Start your journey toward making a meaningful impact.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By Geraldine Mills

May 19, 2024

2212 Views

How Busy Travel Nurses Can Keep Their Temporary Housing Clean

Posted on May 19, 2024May 13, 2024 by Geraldine Mills

Given the nursing shortages that rose after the pandemic, there is a rising need for travel nurses. Plenty of opportunities are available if you’re a travel nurse. That said, part of being a travel nurse is constantly moving from one accommodation to the next.

While you might be too busy with work to keep up with the maintenance, it’s not a good idea to keep your travel nurse temporary housing messy because it can affect your physical and mental health. With that in mind, here are tips on keeping your temporary housing clean, even as a busy travel nurse.

Tips on keeping your temporary housing clean as a busy travel nurse:

1. Consider Professional Cleaning Services

According to Maid Sailors, a maid service NYC, working with a professional cleaning service is an excellent way to keep travel nurse’s temporary housing clean. Instead of dealing with more chores just as you finish a brutal shift in the hospital, you can have a professional cleaning service clean your house for you and use your free time to rest.

A professional cleaner will also be able to do a more thorough job than you, so they’ll be able to finish a lot more cleaning tasks than you might be able to do within the period of their service. While it might be an additional cost, occasionally hiring a professional cleaner, especially after consecutive days of hard shifts, can lighten your load.

2. Develop a Cleaning Schedule

Just as you have a schedule for your shifts, one way to better stick to the cleanliness of your home is by scheduling your cleaning.

Having a cleaning schedule that adapts to your work rather than being forced to follow your cleaning schedule is the key to consistency. There’s no point in having a schedule if you constantly can’t stick to it in the first place.

Aside from having a realistic schedule, it would help if you were realistic about the cleaning tasks you can accomplish. It’s more achievable to create small cleaning tasks that you do here and there but in a regular way to ensure that you can finish them.

3. Prioritize High-Traffic Areas

Instead of focusing on cleaning parts of the house you barely use, you should prioritize the high-traffic areas. These are the parts of your home that you’re always in, so they’re likely to get messy quickly. Therefore, if you have the time to clean your house, focus on the parts you use most often.

For example, your bedroom and bathroom are most likely the parts of your house you use often. If you cook a lot, remember to clean your kitchen area.

This cleaning method involves performing the cleaning tasks with the most significant impact. Thus, the energy you spend cleaning the house will reap the most results.

4. Invest in Time-Saving Cleaning Tools and Supplies

Before you head to your temporary accommodations, it’s a good idea to ask them what cleaning tools and supplies are available. That way, you know what cleaning tools to add to your arsenal to keep a clean home.

If you plan on getting your cleaning supplies, look at efficient products. That means they provide the most impact for as little effort as possible.

One way to do that is by getting effective cleaning solutions that aren’t too watered down to clean the mess quickly.

Using time-saving tools like wireless vacuums and microfiber towels, which are better at doing their jobs, is also a worthwhile addition to shortening your cleaning time.

5. Embrace Quick Cleaning Hacks

Aside from time-saving cleaning tools and supplies, it would be best to embrace quick cleaning habits that keep your home clean without giving more work for you in the future.

One quick cleaning hack is to pick a task you can do for five minutes each day. That way, you’ll constantly finish a cleaning task each day, and it won’t feel like it took you the entire day to do that. Plus, in some cases, starting is more challenging than continuing, so you might find yourself cleaning other things after that five-minute cleaning task.

Another cleaning hack you can do is leave cleaning supplies in the area where you use them. That way, you can quickly grab them whenever you need a quick clean.

6. Create a Cleaning Routine That Fits Your Schedule

If your shifts aren’t inconsistent, ensure your cleaning schedule accommodates that. There will be days when you have consecutive shifts, and on other days, you’ll have more free time. In that case, adjust your cleaning schedule based on your work.

Also, sometimes, you’re too tired to clean, so you can always move your cleaning schedule. Balancing your housekeeping responsibilities, relaxation, and working together is critical to making your temporary housing cozy and clean.

7. Utilize Storage Solutions to Minimize Clutter

Cleaning goes hand in hand with organizing, so how you manage the clutter in your home affects its cleanliness.

The proper storage solution can reduce the appearance of clutter in your house. For example, getting a dedicated storage solution for your bathroom items can reduce the items you put on the bathroom counter, making it look messier.

Reducing the items you bring on each assignment can also reduce the clutter.

8. Delegate Cleaning Tasks When Possible

If you share the temporary accommodations with roommates, colleagues, or your family that you brought, then a clean home is a group responsibility. You shouldn’t feel like the only one working on maintaining your cleanliness.

It would help if you told the people living with you that everyone should pitch in with the house cleaning. Setting these clear expectations reduces resentment in the future.

9. Stay Proactive to Prevent Messes Before They Happen

One way to reduce the cleaning you need is by being proactive. It would be best if you prevented messes from happening in the first place.

Put things back where you got them from so things aren’t all over the place. Don’t leave dishes that you need to wash overnight. Also, clean the kitchen as you’re cooking.

These habits will reduce how fast your home becomes cluttered and dirty. At the same time, if it’s cleaning day, you’ll have less work to do.

10. Maintain a Positive Attitude Towards Cleaning

While cleaning isn’t exactly the first thing you want to do as a way to relax, having a negative attitude toward it will make it much harder for you to start cleaning in the first place.

If you start developing a mindset around cleaning that shows you respect yourself and your environment, it will be easier to feel like you’re doing something that matters.

Conclusion

By having more realistic cleaning expectations and setting yourself up to make cleaning more accessible, you can maintain a clean house, no matter how busy you are. If you’re about to get to your next assignment, apply these cleaning tips to maintain the cleanliness of your temporary housing as a travel nurse.

We hope you found this article with tips for keeping your temporary housing clean as a busy travel nurse helpful. How do you maintain your temporary housing as a travel nurse? Comment your tips and tricks for keeping your temporary housing clean while on assignment.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By Host Healthcare

June 22, 2023

3996 Views

How To Furnish Your Temporary Home While Travel Nursing

Posted on June 22, 2023June 22, 2023 by Host Healthcare

Host Healthcare provided this article.

Figuring out how to furnish a temporary apartment without emptying your pockets can be challenging. How do you come up with the furniture and decor you need to be comfortable and feel at home without wasting the average housing stipend for travel nurses you receive on things you’ll inevitably leave behind?

If you’re planning to take a temporary position in a new city, you’re not alone. More than 25,000 nurses in the US work as travel nurses, taking assignments that generally last from 8 to 26 weeks unless you’ve availed of travel nursing extensions.

When there’s a market need, there’s bound to be someone to fill it, and furnishing temporary housing has an established business model through furniture leasing. But you can also look at a limited-time home as an opportunity to be playful, try out minimalism, or hone your bargain-shopping skills.

Let’s dive into all things apartment furnishing.

How Do You Furnish a Temporary Apartment?

The short answer, hopefully, is cheaply.

The truth is apartment furnishing can be incredibly expensive—especially if you’re trying to buy everything new. By considering used items, you can quickly furnish a temporary apartment and never even have to check the bank account.

To help you find tried-and-true bargain sources, consider:

Garage sales – Garage and yard sales are a great way to find deals and uncover new interior design choices you’d never imagined. Plus, while you’re there, you can get to know the neighborhoods around you.
Free furniture (if you can pick it up) – One step beyond the garage sale are the items that people will happily give away in return for you carting them off their property. Check Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Freecycle, OfferUp, and the Barter and Recycle sections of Reddit.²

How Do You Furnish an Apartment Long Distance?

Furniture leasing is a great model for either covering your furniture needs in an unfurnished apartment or starting out with critical pieces. At the same time, you fill the temporary space with bargains as you settle in. You can have furniture with a short-term lease of at least one month or indefinitely.

A great feature of this model is being able to shop online and have your items selected and your delivery day scheduled before you cross the country.

CORT furniture rental has been around for decades, but there are more options to choose from depending on where you’re headed, such as Feather, Brook Furniture Rental, Oliver Space, and Aaron’s.

Search for furniture rental by zip code or city to see which providers service the area, and choose one that suits your style the best.

Turning a New Apartment Into a Home

Creating a home is more than just unpacking your boxes and finding the perfect loveseat for Sunday evenings in front of the TV. You need room to give you that cozy, sigh-at-the-end-of-a-long-day feeling where you can fully relax and have a sense of space.

So, what makes it feel like home? Think about:

Scent – Every realtor knows the trick of baking chocolate cookies before an open house to trigger a happy home feeling. What scents evoke feelings of safety and care for you? A high-quality vanilla candle might be something to add to your just-landed shopping list.
Color and pattern – You may have some flexibility in furniture lease selections, but you’re likely not going to be adding temporary wallpaper to this apartment or installing custom drapery. Consider a large, lightweight throw that you can drape over a couch to provide a punch of red-orange, paisley, or whatever your favorite color or pattern is.
Texture – If you’re in a semi-furnished apartment or unfurnished apartment with painted white walls and neutral flooring, you can introduce welcoming textures that feel velvety, soft, plush, or furry to generate warmth. Particularly if you’re in a new place on your own, you want your home to feel like a warm hug. This can be done through texture.

What Do I Bring With Me to a Temporary Apartment?

Of course, your new apartment will feel like a home if you transport every framed photo and decorative item in your possession. But aside from the hassle and cost, you’d be missing out on the opportunity to move lightly, start fresh, and try out new environments.

Essential items that you can fit in a suitcase to help decorate the new digs may include:

Custom-printed textiles – Order a throw with a funny family photo or occasional pillow covers with your favorite vacation snapshots from a vendor like Shutterfly or Canvas Champ.
Photos – Grab some copies of friends and family photos printed on full-size pages and some removable poster putty to hang them. They’ll cover more wall space and cause no worries if they’re damaged or lost.
Practical items with sentimental value – If you’re headed to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, you’ll be bringing winter duds anyway, so why not pack the scarf your cousin knit for you inside a tote bag from your favorite hometown market? When you only have enough room for the necessities, look for the items that remind you of the people and places you love.

Ready to Plan Your Move?

If you are going to live in temporary quarters and change travel nursing jobs every few months, it helps to have a dedicated resource by your side every step of the way. At Host Healthcare, we partner with travelers to ensure their travel nursing experience is flawless.

We’ll work with you to find opportunities that will delight you professionally and support you in the process of becoming an active traveler.

Reach out today to talk to one of our friendly recruiters.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

Sources:

Beaker, Full. “Travel Nursing Jobs for Registered Nurses.” Travel Nursing, 25 Aug. 2021, https://www.travelnursing.org/nursing-jobs/.
Smith, Jen. “The Best Places to Find Free Furniture.” Modern Frugality, 3 Feb. 2021, https://www.modernfrugality.com/find-free-furniture/.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Furnished Finder

December 20, 2022

19893 Views

How To Find A Travel Nurse Roommate: Save Money & Make Connections

Posted on December 20, 2022April 29, 2024 by Furnished Finder

When it comes to looking for travel nurse housing, budget is a huge factor for most nurses. Whether you are trying to save money for a nice vacation or pay off a large amount of debt, most travel nurses are keen to pocket as much of their housing stipend as they can.

One of the most popular ways to save money on housing is to rent a room in someone’s home. Furnished Finder is a great resource because you can specify if you are looking for a single room or a private unit.

Rooms Vs. Private Space

Rooms are often about half the price of private space, and it is sometimes nice to have the homeowner on site because you know the place will be taken care of. However, it is always a gamble to understand the travel nurse lifestyle, be respectful of the night shift, or “get it” when you get done working three in a row and want to keep to yourself and binge some Netflix. If you travel with a pet, it may be difficult to find a landlord who is willing to welcome your furry friend into their personal home.

Alternates to room renting

A great alternative to renting a room in someone’s home is finding another travel nurse or two to share housing with while on assignment. This is a great way to make connections with people living a similar lifestyle to yours, and it saves both parties money. And if you travel with a pet, it is sometimes easier to take the pet into a new rental rather than an already occupied home.

Plus, as a bonus, you may even be able to spring for the nicer, more spacious rental you couldn’t afford as a single traveler. Want to live in an adorable two-bedroom condo within walking distance from the beach? Most travel nurses couldn’t afford this San Diego Condo on their salary alone, but splitting it with a roommate makes the cost more than reasonable.

So how do you go about finding a roommate?

First, try asking your recruiter. If you are taking a job at a hospital with multiple openings, there is always a chance your recruiter has placed someone else there recently. Try asking them if they know of any other travelers from their company headed in that direction. The bonus here is if you are starting at the same facility, you are likely to have similar start and end dates because most hospitals do batches of orientation.

Next, look for an area-specific group on Facebook.

Most big cities like Seattle, San Francisco, and Phoenix have specific groups for travelers living in or headed to that area. Try searching “ (X City) Travel Nurses” and looking under groups. Sometimes people post when there is a nice space they have an eye on or their roommate is leaving, and they want to extend. You could also go on these groups and post a little about yourself and see if you get any leads on a traveler who would want to share a space for a contract.

Keep this in mind. It is still prudent to take the time to discuss important lifestyle preferences and habits. If you smoke, plan on having overnight guests, or have very particular cleanliness habits, it is best to be upfront about these things. That way, you can pass on roommates who won’t quite mesh with you and avoid problems later down the road.

While living with roommates at this stage in your career was maybe not something you had envisioned for yourself when working as a travel nurse, this can be a great way to ease some of the loneliness that comes with the job. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and make a few connections–the worst-case scenario is only thirteen weeks!

Have you taken advantage of the benefits of living with roommates as a travel nurse? Are there benefits to housing with roommates that we left out? Comment them below.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

December 19, 2022

1632 Views

Questions to Ask Your Agency’s Housing Department (If They Have One)

Posted on December 19, 2022February 7, 2023 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

TNAA Healthcare provided this article.

There are a few things that can make or break a travel nurse assignment, and housing is at the top of the list. Not having safe, comfortable, affordable housing is an assignment dealbreaker.

Travel nurse housing is an industry pain point for travelers and agencies, but some of these can be fixed by squashing a myth around travel nurse housing and explaining how it works.

Often, when a traveler hears an agency offers housing assistance, they think the agency will not pay a per diem. Because of that, travelers won’t reach out to an agency’s housing department at all. What should be understood is that there are multiple types of housing assistance, and some agencies do it better than others.

Housing Assistance With a Per Diem

Say you pay a mortgage in your home state and qualify for a per diem when you take a travel nurse assignment. When a traveler takes the per diem, sometimes their agency’s housing assistance ends there. However, other agencies will still help you find safe accommodations within your budget, whether you want to stay in an apartment, private rental, long-term hotel, or elsewhere.

Even if you take a per diem, talk with your agency to see what housing resources they offer. After all, your agency is supposed to be your support system on the road.

Housing Paid For by the Travel Nurse Agency

The next statement is a big point to understand: When you take housing that’s paid for by your agency, you won’t receive a housing per diem. This is because you’re not duplicating expenses by paying for your own accommodations. Instead, the agency is handling the bill.

In the industry, it’s becoming less frequent to take agency housing. Many travelers feel they can find accommodations at a better rate and pocket the rest of the per diem, or they aren’t happy with the ‘paid for’ options they’re provided.

Regardless of whether or not you take the per diem, you’ll want to work with an agency that can assist you in finding the right place to stay, especially in a tight housing market. To help you, here are the travel nurse housing questions you should ask when researching agencies.

Questions to Ask About Travel Nurse Housing

Do you have a housing department, and will I get a dedicated housing specialist?
If the agency pays for housing…
1. Will I be working with the housing department or an outsourced vendor to secure a place to stay?
2. Will I have multiple housing options presented to me?
3. How much input do I have in the option picked?
4. Are utilities put in the agency’s name or my name?
If taking the per diem…
1. Will the housing department assist me if I take the per diem?
2. Does the agency have a leads list I can use to find reliable private owners renting to travelers?
3. Will the agency help me find an extended-stay hotel and get the best rate?
4. Can the agency assist with some of the upfront costs of moving, like having to pay deposits or the first and last month’s rent?
5. Does the agency have discount codes I can use to get the best rate?
If traveling with others…
1. Will the agency assist me if I want to travel with my friends, family, or pets?
2. Does the agency consider whether the housing option is in a family-friendly location?
3. Does the agency consider whether the housing option is in a pet-friendly location?
Will the agency help me find another place to stay if I don’t feel comfortable or safe when I arrive?
Will the agency help me if I want to see the area before I make a final housing decision?

As a travel nurse, you have plenty of to-do’s with each assignment, and finding housing is one of them. With the current housing market, it can be easier to work with an agency with a housing department and specialists dedicated to finding a safe, affordable, and comfortable place for you to stay that accommodates you and any others you bring along for the ride.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Nurse First Travel Agency

November 11, 2022

3883 Views

7 Things to Consider When Looking For Travel Nurse Housing Rentals

Posted on November 11, 2022November 11, 2022 by Nurse First Travel Agency

Nurse First Travel Agency provided this article.

Travel nursing is a great career choice because it allows nurses to travel across the country or even around the globe. This job also offers flexible hours and the chance to earn extra income from home.

However, finding the perfect travel nurse housing rental isn’t always easy. You want to choose a place with good amenities, such as a pool, gym, laundry facilities, etc. Also, you don’t want to pay too much for rent.

Here are five things you should consider when searching for travel nurse housing rentals.

How Do Travel Nurses Find Housing?

Travel nurses often find themselves looking for affordable housing while working in a different city. While many travel nurse agencies out there specialize in providing housing for travel nurses, most aren’t very good at it. They usually just hand over a list of apartments or houses that they’ve found. This isn’t ideal because it doesn’t allow you to pick what works best for you.

However, there are agencies out there that do a better job. These agencies actually work directly with landlords and property managers, allowing them to make sure that the properties are safe, clean, and well-maintained. In addition, they’ll take care of everything for you, including finding you a roommate if necessary.

The downside is that these agencies charge a fee upfront. Some charge up to $1,500 per month, while others charge around $500 per month. But, depending on how much money you want to spend on rent, this could end up being a small price to pay.

3 Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Next Housing

1. Location

The location of your accommodation is important. Is it near public transportation? Are there good restaurants nearby? What are the crime stats like? Does it have a pool? How much does rent cost? These questions can help you determine whether or not a certain area is worth considering.

2. Amenities

If you end up choosing a house or apartment, make sure that it offers amenities that you’ll actually use. For example, do you really need a dishwasher? Will you actually cook meals there? Can you store luggage safely? Make sure you know what you’re getting into.

3. Safety

Safety is another factor to take into consideration. Some places are safer than others. Ask around to see how safe a neighborhood seems. Also, check online forums to see if anyone else has been robbed or assaulted while staying in a particular area.

7 Tips for Finding Travel Nurse Housing

1. Ask about security deposits

Most landlords require a security deposit ranging anywhere from $500-$1000, depending on where you live. Make sure you ask about it upfront. You don’t want to find out later that you’ve been charged too much.

2. Check references

Your landlord may provide references for previous tenants, but it’s always best to check online. If you find anything suspicious, you’ll know immediately. Ask around and find out what people think about the property manager and ask friends and family members if they’ve heard anything about the landlord. If there are many negative ones, it might mean that the landlord isn’t very trustworthy.

3. Find out about pet policies

Some properties allow pets; some do not. This is something to consider before signing a lease. If you plan on bringing your dog along with you, be sure to let your landlord know ahead of time so he/she can prepare accordingly.

4. Research Local Amenities

When searching for furnished housing rentals, one of the most important things to research is the neighborhood itself. Look for areas that offer amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, parks, etc. These are often considered “must haves” when moving to a new city.

5. Know what you’re paying for

It’s easy to get caught up in all the excitement when searching for an apartment, but you should also keep track of what you’re spending. Don’t sign a lease without knowing exactly how much you’re spending.

6. Do an inspection

Before you sign any paperwork, make sure that you inspect the place thoroughly. Look for things such as mold, leaks, and other potential problems. Don’t forget to look under sinks and behind appliances.

7. Consider Extended Stay Hotels

Extended-stay hotels are typically located near airports or major highways. They offer guests many of the same amenities as regular hotels, such as free Wi-Fi, cable TV, laundry facilities, and roomy suites. These hotels often feature kitchenettes, making it easy for travelers to cook meals or keep snacks handy.

While some travelers prefer the convenience of staying in one place for several days, others enjoy the freedom of being able to move around town without having to worry about finding a hotel. Extended-stay hotels make traveling easier for both types of people.

With a little planning, you can find an extended-stay hotel that suits your needs. Check out our guide to finding the best extended-stay hotels.

Conclusion

Finding travel nurse housing can be difficult, especially if you have no experience doing so. However, once you start looking, you’ll quickly realize that this type of accommodation doesn’t come along every day. Take advantage of these tips and tricks to help you find the perfect place to call home.

Traveling is fun, but it’s also stressful. There are so many different aspects to consider, but if done right, you can find the perfect home away from home!

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Understanding Your Housing Stipend

Company-Provided Housing vs. Finding Your Own

1. Company-Provided Housing

2. Finding Your Own Housing

Tips for Securing Travel Nurse Housing

1. Start Your Search Early

2. Leverage Travel Nurse Communities

3. Utilize Housing Websites

4. Negotiate Lease Terms

5. Consider Proximity to Work

Preparing for Your Stay

Making the Most of Your Housing Stipend

Finding Your Next Place to Call Home

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

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How to search for housing as a travel nurse:

Check the crime map.

What are your non-negotiables?

Check out Furnished Finder.

Try Facebook housing groups.

Try other housing sites.

Look into agency-provided housing.

Always as for Facetime, Zoom, etc of the housing.

Lastly, make sure that wherever you decide to live is a spot that you will enjoy on your days off!

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

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Tips on keeping your temporary housing clean as a busy travel nurse:

1. Consider Professional Cleaning Services

2. Develop a Cleaning Schedule

3. Prioritize High-Traffic Areas

4. Invest in Time-Saving Cleaning Tools and Supplies

5. Embrace Quick Cleaning Hacks

6. Create a Cleaning Routine That Fits Your Schedule

7. Utilize Storage Solutions to Minimize Clutter

8. Delegate Cleaning Tasks When Possible

9. Stay Proactive to Prevent Messes Before They Happen

10. Maintain a Positive Attitude Towards Cleaning

Conclusion

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment