We exist to improve the lives of everyone we touch, and that starts with yours. One thing we often hear from traveling healthcare professionals is that securing safe temporary housing arrangements for an assignment can be a major pain point. So, we’ve put together a list of hacks to help ease your stress and simplify the housing process — these are the top 10 housing tips to find allied health or travel nurse housing.

• Start your housing search early
• Take advantage of resources
• Carefully read reviews
• Map it out
• See it in person (if possible)
• Ask about flexibility
• Verify amenities and utilities
• Double-check safety and security
• Review lease terms before signing
• Budget for deposits and move-in fees

10 Tips for Finding Temporary Housing as a Healthcare Traveler

Start your housing search early

It feels good to have housing options, and that’s what you’ll get when you begin your search as soon as possible, as in as soon as your job contract is signed, sealed, and delivered. By getting a head start on researching temporary housing options, you not only open yourself up to more living possibilities, but you can also avoid the stress of settling for something that doesn’t quite fit your needs or budget.

A bonus? You’ll have more time to compare prices, read reviews, and potentially negotiate a better rate. Allowing yourself plenty of search time to find housing equals peace of mind.

Take advantage of resources

It may feel like a big task to find allied health or travel nurse housing, but the good news is when you travel with us, you don’t have to face it alone! With a housing resource guide*, as well as preferred housing sites and corporate partnerships with reliable housing providers such as Extended Stay America and Furnished Finder, we’re here to help you secure a place that checks your boxes.

Whether you’re looking for something close to your assignment, pet-friendly for your four-legged friends, or just a cozy spot to unwind after a long shift, use the resources available to you and take the guesswork out of your search.

*Reach out to your Fusion Medical Staffing recruiter for access to our housing resource guide.

Carefully read reviews

For traveling healthcare professionals, where you stay can make or break your experience while on an assignment. One way to ensure your short-term rental is safe, legit, and aligns with what you’re looking for IRL is to carefully read online reviews from previous tenants.

Think of it as getting the inside scoop from people who’ve already been there. Reviews can reveal the good, the bad, and the “I wish I’d known this sooner” about a property so you don’t have to find out the hard way.

Map it out

Where you stay while on assignment isn’t just about having a roof over your head; it’s about creating a temporary lifestyle that fits your flow, and mapping out your potential housing location can be a game-changer.

Start by checking how far it is from your assignment facility and consider the other spots that make life easier and more enjoyable for you — coffee shop, gym, grocery store, etc. Mapping it all out helps you visualize your daily routine and ensures you’re not just close to work, but also near the things that make your off-duty hours fulfilling.

See it in person (if possible)

The truth is, online photos and descriptions can only tell you so much about a unit or property, but being there in person gives you a real feel for the space and environment.

Is it as spacious as it looks? Does the neighborhood feel safe? Are there any surprises like unforeseen noises or weird smells? These are the little things that can make a big difference in your day-to-day comfort.

Of course, it’s not always possible to visit in person, especially for traveling healthcare professionals. In those cases, lean on virtual tours, video calls with landlords and property owners, and trusted reviews from other travelers to fill the gaps. The goal is to gather as much information as you can so you can make the best and most educated decision for your home away from home.

Ask about flexibility

Life for traveling healthcare professionals can be unpredictable, and it’s nice when your housing situation can also roll with the punches. That’s why it’s so important to ask hotels and property owners about flexible rental terms, especially when it comes to your lease length.

Locking yourself into a rigid lease can add unnecessary stress, but flexible terms give you the freedom to adapt as your assignment evolves — for example, maybe you love your current assignment and want to extend your contract. So, don’t be shy about asking questions like, “Can I adjust the lease if my assignment changes?” or “Do you offer month-to-month rental payments?” Your lodging should work for you, not the other way around.

Verify amenities and utilities

It’s easy to get excited about a place that looks perfect, until you realize the Wi-Fi is extra or utilities aren’t included, and suddenly your budget feels a smidge too tight. Skip the headache and instead, verify the housing amenities and utilities in advance and ask whether they’re included in the overall cost. These details may seem small, but they can have a large impact on your monthly expenses and livelihood.

Double-check safety and security

Your temporary home is your sanctuary while on an assignment and feeling safe and secure is a must. Before you sign or agree to any terms, double-check the safety of both the unit and the neighborhood.

When doing your housing safety recon, research the area’s crime rate and read reviews to get a sense of what it’s like to live there. Also consider whether the building has secure entrances, security systems and cameras, and well-lit common areas. Taking the time to ensure your housing is secure means you can spend more time thriving in your role and enjoying your adventure!

Review lease terms before signing

While it may not be the most titillating part of your healthcare travel journey, thoroughly reading your lease agreement is a crucial step in the process. When you go through the lease with a fine-tooth comb, you’ll clearly know what you’re agreeing to and avoid any unwelcome surprises down the road. If something isn’t clear, don’t hesitate to ask questions — it’s your right to know what you’re paying for.

Budget for deposits and move-in fees

After researching and reviewing place after place, it can feel simpler to focus on the monthly rent and forget about the upfront costs. But that can lead you to get bamboozled into paying more, so instead, create a line in your budget for various housing deposits (i.e. pet deposit, security deposit, etc.), as well as booking fees or move-in fees.

Oftentimes, these housing costs and additional fees are required before you can move into your new place, so baking them into your budget can save you from a last-minute scramble. Financial planning now can offer you even more peace of mind down the road.

We know that finding safe, comfortable housing can be one of the biggest challenges you face, but with the right tools and tips, it doesn’t have to be that way. Now that you’re well-equipped with tried-and-true housing hacks, you can put them into action and navigate the process with confidence and ease.