Mismatched… drab… cold and uninviting. If this is what you think of when you think of corporate housing, it may be because that’s how a lot of them used to be.
Ok, some still feel that way…
Regardless, whether aware of it or not, our environment impacts us. Thus, it makes sense – no matter where you kick off your shoes and prop your feet up after a long day – to settle in an inviting space. Somewhere you’re comfortable. A place that feels like home.
Why does any of this matter? Productivity is tied to wellbeing. So, in order to ensure success working in a new place, we’ve got 5 tips for creating a comfortable corporate housing environment wherever you are.
1. Find the perfect location
Perhaps you’ve been assigned to work for a few months in a place that wasn’t even on your radar. You’d never tell your boss this, but you’re not looking forward to it.
Here’s the thing: just because it’s a place you never thought about visiting – or worse – have never even heard of, doesn’t mean it’s a total waste. Think of it as a chance to explore something new; to try something you’ve always wanted. Creating a comfortable corporate housing environment starts with picking the right home. So even if you’re not too stoked on where you’re headed, choosing a place that promotes ease and supports your lifestyle is the first step to comfort.
Or, maybe you’re faced with the opposite dilemma. You have a work gig landing you in Miami for a few months. You’re excited, but don’t know where to start looking for a place to stay because there are so many corporate housing options in Miami. You feel really overwhelmed with the thought of weeding through them all.
From dense cities to rural locales, when looking for housing your best course of action is to narrow down your ideal location.
How?
Base it off what you know, such as a proximity to your jobsite for example, or your lifestyle. And of course, factor in budget.
Consider each. Think about what’s important to you, and use it to your advantage. By being intentionally driven and proactive – finding a location central to things you enjoy – you’re much more likely to settle in and thrive in your new environment.
2. The Perfect Place That Meets Your Needs
Your home – even when it’s a short-term rental – is where you’ll likely spend most of your non-working hours. It should support your lifestyle, habits, and reflect you.
So, what does your ideal home look like?
- Do you want a loft apartment in the heart of the city?
- Do you want something more low-key, with an onsite washer and dryer?
- Do you need a pet friendly place because there’s no way you’re leaving your cat behind?
- How about a kitchen, do you love cooking and need the space to indulge your inner Julia Child?
Make a list of what you’re looking for. Don’t forget to include space for positive change – things you’d like to implement.
3. Customize Furnishings
As the nomadic workforce becomes more commonplace, companies are beginning to take notice. They’re examining every detail that makes staying at a home away from home more enjoyable. An easy way to make a house comfortable is to pay attention to furnishing.
Travelers Haven helps you find the perfect place (essentially, they take your list of must haves, including location, and find you a list of places that meet the criteria – all you have to do is pick your favorite, oh and their service is free!) and if you want, they give you an option to customize your furnishings. What better way to make the place feel like yours?
4. Add Personal Touches
From a framed picture of you and your family to a stack of books you’ve been wanting to read. Adding little personal touches automatically makes a temporary space feel more like home.
Adding things like plants, which breathe life into a space, and candles, which create a warm cozy ambiance.
You don’t have to overdo it, a little goes a long way.
5. Settle In
One of the best ways to familiarize yourself with a new environment and start to feel comfortable is to get out and explore. Take a stroll through the neighborhood. Spend some time sipping a cappuccino at the local coffee shop. Check out the architecture, and discover who the first residents were. Why did they settle here? How has it changed, or is it still pretty much the same small town?
If you want to socialize and meet people, don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. Take some classes, join a group – whatever you do – don’t stifle your curiosity.
Conclusion:
Through the combination of choosing a corporate housing short-term rental that works for you, making it homey with personal touches, and familiarizing yourself with the community, you can’t help but start to feel right at home.