Staying in a Furnished Apartment Long-Term? Here’s How to Live Comfortably

So you’ve decided – or your employer has decided – that you’re staying in a fully furnished apartment for your long-term stay, whether it’s for work, leisure, or something in between. Firstly, you’ve made the right choice. But what about after you’re settled into the apartment? Well, you’ve made another smart choice by turning to this blog for answers to that question.  

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As a recognized industry leader in global temporary housing, we’re here to tell you all about how you can live comfortably and make the most of your furnished apartment, particularly if you’re staying for a while. Here are our tips.

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First, assess what you’ll need to bring

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The good news is that corporate housing is move-in ready and fully equipped, containing nearly everything you’ll need for the day-to-day. However, you’ll need to put a little more thought into what to bring than you would for a quick weekend stay in a hotel, for instance. A longer stay throws more variables into the mix.

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To help you decide what to pack, assess what your needs will be during your long-term stay. You may want to ask yourself some questions, such as:

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• How long is your stay?
• How much time will you be spending at home vs. out and about?
• Will you be working from home, in an office, or both?

• What is the climate like in your destination? How will the weather be during your stay?
• Do you plan on exercising regularly during your stay? What kind of exercise will you do?
• What else do you foresee yourself doing in your free time?

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Answering these questions should help inform you of what to bring – as well as the next section.

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Know what’s included in your furnished apartment

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Staying in a furnished apartment, especially long term, is not like staying in a hotel. It’s meant for longer stays, and it’s meant for living. In most cases, you’ll have at least one bedroom, a separate living space, a desk to work from, and best of all: a kitchen. And not just any kitchen, but a full kitchen you can prepare meals in, equipped with cooking and dining essentials: pots and pans, utensils, silverware, plateware, glassware, etc.

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Knowing what’s included in your furnished apartment will help you not just with packing, but with staying comfortable and making the most of your stay. For example:

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• If your apartment has a great kitchen, find some recipes and cook more meals at home
• Does your apartment have an open space with great natural lighting? Bring a mat and practice yoga or other workouts at home
• Is there a smart TV with streaming capabilities? Queue up some great content and enjoy an epic binge-watch

• Discovering your apartment has an in-unit washer and dryer will encourage you to travel lighter, and give you peace of mind about laundry during your trip
• Are you lucky enough to have a private balcony? Add some plants, or use it as a reading nook

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If you’re unsure about what will be included in your apartment, just ask your corporate travel manager, or your housing provider directly. They’re happy to answer your questions, and can even customize your accommodations to meet your needs.

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Take advantage of the amenities available to you

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Many individuals staying in temporary housing are not aware that they can use the amenities in the building. Amenities vary depending on the type of building – for instance, Synergy corporate apartments range from walk-up “garden style” buildings with a few basic amenities, to luxury high-rises with numerous upscale amenities. This is a game changer, especially for long-term stays.

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Depending on the building, amenities may include:

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• Fitness center
• Swimming pool
• Laundry facilities
• Parking (potentially valet)

• Lobby attendants and/or building concierges
• Package receiving
• Communal terrace or rooftop lounge
• Clubhouse or community lounge
• Business center

• Conference rooms
• Game room
• Bike storage or other extra storage
• On-site dog park, pet grooming stations, and other pet amenities (more on pets in the next section)

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In short, take advantage of these amenities! They will make your stay all the more productive, comfortable and enjoyable. Again, for information on the exact amenities you’ll have available in your building, ask your housing provider.

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Bring your pet!

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The majority of temporary housing options are pet-friendly for dogs and/or cats (check with your housing provider to be sure), so if you’re the proud parent of one, forego the kennel and bring your furry friend with you instead. Some buildings even have pet amenities, which may include an on-site dog park, facilities for grooming and bathing your pet (sometimes called a “pet spa”), or doggy daycare. Pets are family too, and bringing them will make your entire experience feel more like home.  

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Speaking of which…

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Make your furnished apartment feel like home

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Although furnished apartments are quite comfortable, we all know there’s no place like home. There are, however, many things you can do to make your temporary housing seem not so temporary, and feel more like home. Following the aforementioned tips in this blog is a great start, but you may also want to consider:

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• Displaying photos of your friends, pets and loved ones
• Fully unpacking your belongings – try not to live out of your suitcase!
• Decorating the apartment in a way that reflects your personal style

• Bringing comfort items from home, like your favorite pillow or blanket
• Ensuring the kitchen is stocked with everything you need to cook your favorite meals

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Do whatever you need to do to make the place look and feel more like home, and remember that your housing provider is also there to help you do so. A home away from home is still a home, after all!