Every new construction and renovation project is unique. Some will allow you to get through the entire process with minimal changes to your daily life. Others could uproot your entire life for weeks, months, or even over a year! During these lengthier projects, you will more than likely consider temporary housing during construction. Our expert movers bring years of observation and experience so that you do not need to stress your way through trial and error.

This guide covers:

  • How to decide if temporary housing is the right move for you
  • Where to stay during home construction
  • How to handle factors like moving and storage
  • How to ensure moving out and returning are smooth with minimal stress

Let’s start with the centerpiece of your entire plan: Where you’ll stay during renovations.

Can You Live in Your Home During Construction?

Building and renovating the perfect home for you and your loved ones is an exciting journey. One of the major hurdles is deciding where you will stay. Will you tough it out on-site? Or will you find temporary housing during construction? There is a lot to consider.

Factors to Consider Before Staying

Before deciding to stay in your home during construction, consider the extent of the renovation. Minor cosmetic upgrades may allow you to remain, while structural overhauls can make staying unsafe or impractical. Key factors include:

  • The expected length of time and any possible delays
  • Common safety hazards like exposed wiring, heavy machinery, debris, and chemical fumes
  • If it is an older house, the likelihood of exposure to older hazards like asbestos or lead
  • Daily noise and dust levels
  • Access to essential utilities like water, electricity, and heating/air conditioning
  • Access to essential needs like toilets and sleeping space
  • Impact on your family’s quality of life and special circumstances, especially in things like healthcare, work, or remote learning.

Once you determine how disruptive the renovation will be to your life, it is easier to weigh the pros and cons of staying or leaving.

 

Pros and Cons of Staying vs. Relocating

Where you stay during renovations impacts many things, including your budget, daily routine, and overall comfort. Weighing the pros and cons of each option helps you minimize disruptions and prioritize what works for your living situation.

Staying in Your Home

Staying in your home is often the most cost-effective option when it is possible to do so. 

Pros:

  • Cost Savings. Avoiding rent and temporary housing expenses can significantly reduce overall renovation costs.
  • Hands-On Oversight. Being on-site allows you to monitor progress, address issues immediately, and communicate directly with contractors.
  • No Moving Hassles. Staying put eliminates the stress of packing, relocating, and unpacking twice.
  • No Major Changes to Commutes and Routines. You are able to leave for work, school, and regular events at the same time using your familiar routes.

Cons:

  • Daily Life Disruptions. If you work from home, you may find it very busy or noisy during your working hours, or you may need to change your sleep and work schedule. If you have allergies, things like dust and paint fumes may trigger them.
  • Safety Risks. Construction zones often hold nails, sharp tools, and unstable structures. If you have a young child or pets, they might be tempted to hide and play in the construction area.
  • Limited Access to Key Areas. Kitchen and bathroom remodels may leave you without essential living spaces for weeks or months. Rebuilding a stairway could block you from bedrooms and bathrooms. Exterior and entryway renovations may limit when and how you can come and go.

Relocating Temporarily

Relocating temporarily is generally safer for larger projects and allows far more freedom to sleep, eat, work, and commute on your own schedule. In some cases, it may be the only option available.

Pros:

  • Reduced Stress. A quieter, cleaner environment allows you to establish and keep normal routines without the noise and chaos of construction. You also do not need to worry about things like sudden losses in electricity or internet connectivity while you are trying to work or study.
  • Better Living Conditions. Full access to functional kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
  • Improved Work Efficiency. Contractors can work uninterrupted, and they do not need to accommodate a family’s needs on site. This can potentially speed up the project timeline.

Cons:

  • Additional Costs. Rent, covering utility bills at two locations, and paying storage fees can add up quickly. Depending on your location, you may also have parking fees, extra transport costs for commutes, food and disposable cutlery costs, increased delivery fees, and other living expenses.
  • Storage Challenges. Bulky furniture and personal belongings may need to be stored in a dedicated space or off-site, requiring extra planning and security measures.
  • Less Autonomy. While you will have more freedom, you are a guest. You will be held to the host’s rules and standards, and the host or landlord can ask you to leave at any point.
  • Multiple Move. Transitioning into temporary housing and back adds logistical complexity and moving expenses. You may also need to perform additional moves if a problem arises with your temporary location.

In some cases, you may not have a choice. If construction involves a whole house build, major structural modifications, or prolonged water and power shutoffs, staying at home can become impractical and unsafe. Relocating ensures your safety and lets contractors complete work efficiently.

If you need help with temporary relocation and/or storage, we can help make the transition smooth. Give us a call at (847) 674-7779, or get an online quote.

Where Can You Live While Your House Is Being Built?

It’s challenging to determine where to stay during home renovation. Here’s a guide to help you decide.

 

Finding the right temporary housing during construction depends on the length of your stay, budget, and personal needs. Whether you need a short-term solution or a longer-term arrangement, several options offer varying levels of convenience, affordability, and comfort.

Emergency Repairs and Renovations

Are you making emergency renovations due to a fire or storm damage? If renovations involve emergency repairs to issues that made your home unlivable, your home insurance might help you attain temporary housing for free or at a significantly reduced cost. Check your policy and consult with your insurance agency to see if the situation qualifies for their assistance.

 

Short-Term Temporary Housing (Less Than Three Months)

If your stay will be relatively short (a few days to three months), there are several no-lease options available to you.

Extended-Stay Hotels

Extended-stay hotels provide fully furnished accommodations with amenities like housekeeping, free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and kitchenettes. Some also offer extra conveniences like pet-friendly rooms, limited concierge services, or a business center for work-related tasks. Many regular hotels also offer discounts on extended stays and flexible extensions, making them a convenient choice for homeowners who need a hassle-free short-term stay. 

This option works well for individuals, couples, or families who prefer not to worry about utilities or furniture. However, the room rates can add up, and there is always a risk that they may be unable to extend your stay if everything becomes booked due to a major event in the area. You would also need to contend with things like storage, limited cooking and food storage options, and limited privacy.

Vacation Rentals (Airbnb, VRBO)

Vacation rentals provide a home-like atmosphere with more space and flexibility than hotels. These properties are ideal for families who need extra room because they often include full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and private yards. In some cases, you can even bring your pets or add on-site storage to your package.

Many rentals allow month-to-month leases, providing flexibility during unpredictable construction timelines. However, availability and pricing fluctuate based on area demand, and you are subject to the owner’s rules when using their space. The host or hostess can also choose not to extend your stay for reasons outside of availability. If you choose this option, look over the location and agreement carefully..

Friends and Family Housing

Staying with friends or family is one of the most cost-effective temporary housing solutions, but it requires careful planning. Space limitations, privacy concerns, personality clashes, and other potential inconveniences can make this option challenging. 

If you do go this route, be sure to sit down with your hosts and have a thorough chat regarding duration, payment or other compensation, house rules, and shared responsibilities. Also, have a contingency housing plan to fall back on if you or your hosts find the situation unlivable before the duration is up. That way, you won’t be scrambling to find a place to stay at the last minute.

 

Mid-to-Long-Term Housing (3+ Months)

Are you doing complex renovations or wondering where to live while building a house? Here are places that work well for long-term stays.

Corporate Housing and Month-to-Month Rentals

Corporate housing and short-term rental apartments provide living spaces with flexible lease terms. These accommodations offer more stability, especially if the space is under a lease agreement.

Long-Term Rentals

Building a house or adding to a building can take a substantial amount of time. Some people on Reddit reported their homes taking anywhere from seven months to over a year and a half. In this case, a longer-term rental may offer significant savings and freedom over your living space. Options often include anything from a studio apartment unit to an entire unfurnished single-family home with a yard that you can fill with your personal belongings.

One challenge to this choice is the lease or contract. While your stay is protected by tenant laws, there will often be a penalty if you leave the lease early. If you reserve too much time, you may be paying rent on a building you no longer need or a hefty penalty fee to get out of it.

Co-Living Spaces

Co-living spaces are community-style housing where residents rent private rooms and share common areas like kitchens and lounges. These spaces cater primarily to individuals and couples looking for a cost-effective and social living arrangement. 

While they provide a unique experience, co-living may not suit families or those needing more privacy.

On-Site Temporary Housing

If the situation permits, consider hooking up a temporary home on your property. Options like RVs, tiny homes, and mobile homes allow families to live on-site and oversee the project. This setup eliminates commuting hassles and ensures that you remain involved in the renovation process. 

Make sure to do your research before investing in this option. On-site housing requires proper city permits and access to utilities like water, electricity, and sewage. Space limitations, zoning restrictions, and HOA regulations could also block this option entirely.

Storage During Temporary Moves

When relocating to temporary housing during construction, you will also need to decide where your belongings will stay during renovations. Will they all fit in the temporary space? Will you be able to fit displaced items into a room or garage? How safe will they be from damage and theft? 

A well-planned storage strategy prevents clutter, protects belongings, and ensures easy access to important items.

What to Store vs. What to Bring

Since most temporary housing options offer limited space, you should store non-essential items and bring only what you need for daily living.

Items to Store:

  • Large Furniture. Sofas, dining tables, dressers, and other bulky items may not fit in temporary housing. Storing anything you don’t need to furnish your temporary home prevents potential damage.
  • Seasonal Items. Holiday decorations, sports equipment, and out-of-season clothing take up space. They can be stored away until needed. Make sure they are clearly labeled in an accessible spot if you need them later during your temporary stay.
  • Excess Kitchenware. Specialty appliances, extra dishes, and bulk pantry items that will not fit your temporary kitchen can be packed away.
  • Decor and Collectibles. Framed artwork, fragile decorations, collectibles, and sentimental items should be securely stored to avoid breakage or theft.

Items to Bring:

  • Daily Essentials. Clothing, toiletries, bedding, and personal care items ensure comfort in the temporary home.
  • Important Documents. Passports, birth certificates, security cards, insurance papers, and financial documents should always stay accessible.
  • Work and School Supplies. Laptops, chargers, office supplies, and necessary books or references. Leave any rarely used items in a secure but easily accessible spot in storage.
  • Basic Kitchen Essentials. If your temporary housing has a kitchen, bring essential cookware, utensils, and pantry staples for convenience.

Storage Options

Choosing the right storage solution depends on access needs, budget, and security requirements. 

  • Garage or an Unused Room. If part of the house will not be touched during construction, locking your belongings away in a garage, a shed, or a spare room is a budget-friendly option. However, they will be vulnerable to construction dust, damages, and potential theft.
  • Self-Storage Units. Self-storage facilities offer flexible, cost-effective solutions for storing household items during renovations. Many facilities provide 24/7 access, climate control, and short-term rental options. This option is ideal if you need to retrieve items periodically, but it involves a lot of time and multiple trips for storing and unstoring your belongings.
  • Moving Company Storage
    Many professional moving companies offer short—and long-term storage services to their customers if they need them. Most will even handle pickup and transportation to their secure storage site, so you don’t need to make multiple trips to a storage facility.

We can take the stress out of storing your valuables during your temporary move. Joey’s Movers provides the Chicagoland area with short- and long-term storage options to keep your belongings safe and secure. Plus, we’ll move everything back to your home when the renovations are complete.

Moving Logistics for Temporary Relocation

During the renovation process, you will need to move at least twice—once to your temporary living space and again back into your home. Careful planning is required to minimize costs, effort, and disruption. 

Minimize Moving Costs During a Home Renovation

Moving expenses add up fast. Here are a few examples of how you can reduce your financial burden.

  • Rent a Moving Container. Companies like PODS and U-Haul allow homeowners to load their items at their own pace, store them securely, and have them delivered when needed.
  • Consolidate Belongings. Sell, donate, and discard unnecessary belongings before packing. This reduces everything from packing time to how much storage space you need.
  • Time the Move Strategically. U-Haul and other moving equipment companies often have lower rates or special discounts for certain days of the week or slower times of the month. You can also time moves to when helpful friends and family members will be available.

Pack Smart for Easy Access

Efficient packing makes temporary living more manageable and ensures an easy transition back home. Tips for organized packing include:

  • Use Labeled Bins and Clear Containers. Clearly marked storage bins help you quickly find what you need without opening multiple boxes, and clear plastic bins work well for frequently used items.
  • Pack a Separate Essentials Bag. Each person should keep a suitcase or duffel bag with daily necessities. This bag should include vital things like at least two season-appropriate changes of clothes, uniforms, toiletries, medications, chargers, and important documents.
  • Organize by Room and Priority. Pack items based on their future location in the renovated home. This simplifies the unpacking process and reduces unnecessary handling.

Need an extra hand? We also offer handy packing tips and moving checklists to make the process easier!

 

Hire Professional Movers for a Stress-Free Transition

Managing multiple moves during renovation can be overwhelming. Professional movers simplify the process by handling the logistics, heavy lifting, and transportation. For example:

  • Full-service moving companies can efficiently pack and unpack belongings to save you time and effort.
  • Many moving companies provide storage options to ensure your items remain secure until they’re needed.
  • Professionals transport belongings directly to temporary housing and to the finished home.

If you plan ahead and choose cost-effective moving solutions, you can minimize stress and disruption during your temporary relocation.

Returning Home After Renovation: Move-In Strategies

Moving back into your newly renovated home requires careful planning to ensure a smooth transition. A structured approach helps you and your partner or family settle in quickly without unnecessary stress. Here are some tips to get a head start while you are planning your move.

Final Walkthrough Before Moving Back

Before moving in, conduct a detailed inspection of the home to confirm that:

  • All Renovations Are Complete. Check through the entire place to make sure contractors finished all agreed-upon work, including minor touch-ups. Also, make sure everything meets safety and building codes and that any exterior changes follow any applicable HOA regulations.
  • Utilities Are Fully Functional. Test water, electricity, gas, heating, and cooling systems to verify they are operational. Address any issues before moving in to avoid last-minute surprises.
  • The Home Is Clean and Move-In Ready. Renovations often leave behind dust and debris. Hire a professional cleaning service to deep clean before unpacking to remove chemical residues and allergens.

Unpacking and Reorganizing

Moving back is an opportunity to declutter and reorganize.

  • Unpack Essentials First. Start with kitchenware, toiletries, work/school supplies, and clothing for immediate use.
  • Deep Clean Before Settling In. If you didn’t hire a professional cleaner, wipe down surfaces, vacuum carpets, and sanitize high-touch areas to remove construction dust and any chemical residues.
  • Reassess Storage and Organization. Use this time to rethink furniture placement, install new storage solutions, and donate or discard items you no longer need.

Did you know we offer unpacking services? We can take the stress and effort off your hands so you can focus on other things.

 

Update Utilities and Billing Address

To avoid disruptions in essential utilities and services, make sure you update everything as soon as possible, ideally before you move. 

  • Contact utility providers to transfer or reinstate electricity, water, gas, internet, and trash collection before move-in day.
  • Notify banks, insurance providers, and subscriptions.
  • Update government agencies like DMV, SSA, and USPS to ensure seamless service continuity.

Planning ahead ensures a low-stress return home and helps you adapt to any surprises along the way..

FAQ Section

Can I live in my house during construction? If the renovation affects critical systems like plumbing or electricity, moving out is safer. Minor renovations may allow you to stay with some inconveniences.

Where can I live while my house is being built? Depending on your budget and comfort level, options range from extended-stay hotels and vacation rentals to on-site solutions like RVs and mobile homes.

What is considered temporary housing? Temporary housing includes any short-term living arrangement, such as month-to-month rental apartments, corporate housing, hotels, or staying with family.

Final Recommendations

Planning for temporary housing during construction requires balancing cost, convenience, and logistics. Without a plan and research into your many options, it can easily become overwhelming. A moving company can simplify the transition by managing parts of the process like packing, storage, and relocation. Joey’s Movers handles all of this and more!

Call us today at (847) 674-7779 or get a free online quote to make your temporary move stress-free!

Photo by Thới Nam Cao and Rene Terp