When you still have no idea what “home” will look like
For many expats, relocation doesn’t begin with a perfect long-term home. It starts with something in between: a temporary apartment, a serviced flat, or a short-term rental that’s “good enough for now.” In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the popularity and demand for temporary accommodation among expats, foreigners, and digital nomads, fueled by the growth of the short-term rental market and the recovery of international travel. This transition phase can last weeks or even a few months.
Temporary accommodation options now range from extended-stay hotels and corporate housing to sublets, vacation rentals, and peer-to-peer offerings, with stay lengths varying from short stays of 1-5 nights in hostels to longer arrangements in corporate apartments. For foreigners, finding temporary housing in a new city can be complicated by inflexible leases, language barriers, and heavy documentation requirements, making the process stressful and challenging.
And while it’s easy to see it as an inconvenient stopgap, it can also be an opportunity — a chance to simplify, stay flexible, and avoid rushing into decisions you might regret later. That’s where a minimalist approach becomes not just practical, but powerful.
Why temporary housing can feel overwhelming
Moving abroad often means dealing with unfamiliar neighborhoods, unclear long-term plans, administrative delays, and emotional adjustment. For foreigners, the rental process is often not straightforward, with a lack of transparency in rental agreements and the need for extensive documentation making it more complicated than expected.
Add to that the pressure of setting up a full household too quickly, and things can become stressful fast. Many expats fall into the trap of trying to recreate “home” immediately — buying furniture, committing to leases, and accumulating things before they have even settled in. Using available resources and actively searching for temporary accommodation in the right location can help reduce stress and make the transition smoother.
A minimalist mindset helps you do the opposite.
What minimalist living really means in this context
Minimalism doesn’t mean living without comfort. It means keeping things simple, functional, and flexible.
In transition housing, this usually means:
- Bringing only the essentials
- Avoiding unnecessary purchases
- Choosing adaptable living solutions
- Focusing on what you truly need right now
- Choosing accommodations that are equipped with essential amenities, such as Wi-Fi and a desk, to support working remotely or studying
Many students and professionals working remotely are increasingly seeking flexible, amenity-rich temporary housing solutions that are easier to navigate than traditional rental markets.
Because during this phase, your life is still in motion.
Step 1: Choose flexibility over perfection
Your first accommodation abroad doesn’t need to be ideal, it just needs to be practical. Look for:
- Short-term leases
- Furnished apartments
- Monthly rentals
- Fully furnished properties
- Flexible cancellation terms
- Proximity to key services
When choosing temporary accommodation, evaluate the property, its site, and the available rooms to ensure it fits your needs, especially for families or longer stays. Be sure to review contracts carefully to understand tenancy terms and clarify what the rent covers, such as utilities or services. Many short-term rental options now offer flexible lease terms, and you can use filters for amenities and lease duration on specialized platforms or contact brokers for personalized assistance.
Popular options include serviced apartments, extended-stay hotels, or short-term rental platforms. These allow you to settle in without long-term commitment and give you time to understand your new environment.
For those looking for a more social and flexible setup, co-living as an expat can also be an interesting alternative, combining private space with shared amenities and a built-in community experience.
Step 2: Pack for real life, not “just in case”
One of the most common mistakes expats make is overpacking. During transition periods, focus on:
- Versatile clothing adapted to your destination
- Essential documents
- Basic personal items
- A few comfort objects
Many temporary accommodations provide amenities like Wi-Fi and housekeeping, so you can leave extra tech or cleaning supplies at home.
Everything else can wait. This reduces moving stress and makes it easier to adapt if plans change.
Step 3: Delay big purchases
It can be tempting to start buying furniture, appliances, or decor immediately. But in temporary housing, this often leads to:
- Unnecessary expenses
- Logistical complications
- Items that don’t fit your future home
Instead, rely on what’s already available—many temporary accommodations are fully equipped and include essential amenities like high-speed internet, kitchen appliances, and housekeeping, so you usually don’t need to purchase these items. Only buy items that are:
- Essential
- Easy to transport
- Useful long-term
Think of this phase as a test period, not a final setup.
Step 4: Create a sense of stability with less
Minimalism doesn’t mean living in a cold space. Even small touches can create emotional stability:
- A favorite blanket or pillow
- Personal photos or digital frames
- A consistent daily routine
- Familiar habits like morning coffee or evening walks
These elements help you feel grounded during a period of change.
Step 5: Stay adaptable, because plans will change
Relocation rarely goes exactly as planned. You might:
- Change neighbourhoods
- Extend your stay
- Move earlier than expected
- Adjust your priorities
A minimalist setup allows you to adapt quickly, without being tied down by possessions or commitments.
The financial advantage of minimalism
Temporary housing can be expensive, especially in major cities or expat hubs. Before committing, it’s important to set a budget and understand exactly what you need to pay for, including rent, deposits, and any additional fees.
By keeping your lifestyle simple, you can:
- Avoid unnecessary purchases
- Reduce moving costs
- Maintain financial flexibility
Vacation rentals, such as AirBnBs, can be excellent temporary accommodation options during off-peak seasons, often offering affordable, fully-furnished homes. These rentals can provide income for owners while giving renters cost savings and flexibility.
This is particularly useful when adjusting to a new cost of living or handling unexpected expenses.
Don’t overlook practical essentials like healthcare
While focusing on housing and logistics, many expats overlook one crucial aspect: access to healthcare during the transition phase.
Before your long-term situation is fully set up, you may not yet be integrated into the local system. At the same time, unexpected health issues can arise at any moment.
Having international health coverage, such as plans offered by Global Health, ensures you can access medical care without disruption, wherever you are in your relocation journey.
This provides real peace of mind, especially when everything else still feels uncertain.
Your mental health while living in transition
Temporary living is not just a logistical challenge — it’s also an emotional one. Many expats experience:
- A lack of routine
- Uncertainty about the future
- A feeling of being “in between”
- Decision fatigue
Minimalism helps reduce this mental load by simplifying daily life and limiting unnecessary choices.
A different way to see “temporary”
It’s easy to think of transition housing as something to “get through,” but it can also be:
- A period of exploration
- A chance to understand your new environment
- An opportunity to reset habits
- A moment to slow down
With the right mindset, it becomes a valuable phase rather than a stressful one.
Conclusion : a smoother transition into new life
Le logement temporaire fait partie intégrante du parcours d’un expatrié, mais cela ne doit pas nécessairement être chaotique. Lorsque vous passez d’un logement temporaire à un logement plus permanent, il est important de choisir des contrats flexibles qui ne vous obligent pas à signer deTemporary accommodation is a normal part of the expat journey, but it doesn’t have to be chaotic. As you transition from temporary accommodation to more permanent housing, it’s important to choose flexible contracts that don’t require you to sign long-term leases, giving you the freedom to adapt as your plans evolve.
Security and confidence in your choice are essential. Reputable providers manage the process for you and protect your interests, ensuring your rights are safeguarded and your stay is safe. You can contact providers via their website for free quotes, support, or to discuss your needs.
There are a variety of options to suit different needs in a new location or unfamiliar city, including short term apartment rentals, corporate housing for several months, and extended stay hotels, each offering different amenities and levels of comfort. Emergency housing services are also available for those facing crisis or displacement.
Choosing a convenient place in your new country and being aware of local regulations will help you settle in smoothly and make the most of your temporary stay.
By adopting a minimalist approach, you can:
- Stay flexible
- Reduce stress
- Avoid unnecessary costs
It allows you to focus on what truly matters. Because in the end, it’s not about how quickly you recreate a permanent home — it’s about how smoothly you transition into your new life.
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