Moving house rarely happens in a neat, one-day handover. More often, there’s a pause in the middle, whether it’s a few nights, a couple of weeks, or even longer than you planned.
That in-between phase is where temporary accommodation in Australia becomes your safety net.
Whether settlement dates don’t line up, a lease ends early, or renovations are taking longer than expected, short-term stays in Sydney, Melbourne, or elsewhere in Australia can turn a stressful gap into something far more manageable.
This guide is here to help you navigate that window of temporary accommodation between homes with more ease. We’re covering:
Temporary accommodation is not just for last-minute emergencies or mid-move sleepovers. Many movers include it deliberately in their bigger moving plan, especially when flexibility matters.
You might consider a short stay if your move has a few tricky timing or lifestyle issues, including:
Settlement dates don’t align, or there’s a gap between leases.
Rental ending before your new place is ready for occupation.
Waiting on renovations or repairs that are taking longer than planned.
An interstate move, where having a bit of breathing room in a short stay makes everything feel less rushed
Relocating with pets and struggling to find somewhere that actually works for everyone.
A chance to explore suburbs, test the commute, and get a feel for daily life before committing if you’re moving cities.
Temporary accommodation gives you space to pause, settle, and move forward on your terms.
There’s no one-size-fits-all option here. The best choice depends on how long you need, how much space you want, and whether you’re travelling solo, as a family, or with pets.
Here are some of the most popular short-stay options in Australia.
For many movers, Airbnb is the first place they look, and for good reason. It’s flexible, familiar, and often feels more like a home than a stopover. Short-term rentals work especially well if you only need somewhere for a few nights or a couple of weeks, or if you want a bit of space to spread out.
Most Airbnbs include the entire property, whether it’s a studio apartment or a multi-bedroom home. Having a kitchen, lounge, and separate bedrooms can make a big difference when you’re in between homes, particularly if you’re moving with kids.
Because Airbnbs can usually be found in every neighbourhood, it’s a good option if you want to stay close to your new area. This allows you to get to know the area, assess the traffic, and settle into the rhythm of daily life before you move in.
If you’re travelling with pets, it’s worth filtering carefully and reading the fine print to find a listing that allows them. Fees, cleaning costs, and minimum stays can vary a lot, especially in busy cities and peak seasons, so check the full cost upfront to avoid surprises later.
Serviced apartments sit between hotels and rentals, giving you the best of both worlds.
They usually come fully furnished, often include utilities and internet, and are professionally managed, so there’s a lot less to worry about. Many come with kitchens, lounges, and laundry, which makes day-to-day life much easier while you wait for your new place.
Serviced apartments are ideal for people who want the space and comfort of an apartment, but don’t want to deal with setup, maintenance, or day-to-day upkeep during a short-term stay.
Serviced apartments in cities like Melbourne or Sydney are especially handy as short-term accommodation in big cities can be tricky to find, and costs can run high.
If you’d like to compare different options, sites like Plum Guide and ServicedApartment.com make it easy to browse serviced apartments across Australia, filter by budget, and check what’s included before you book.
Hotels might not be the first thing you think of for a longer stay, but they can be really handy for short gaps.
A standard hotel can give you a comfortable, no-fuss place to land if you only need a few nights. Extended stay hotels take it a step further, with many offering kitchenettes, laundry facilities, and discounted weekly rates, making life much easier while you bridge the gap between homes.
If you only need a few nights, or your other options are limited, a hotel can be a simple and convenient choice. Extended stay hotels are better suited to slightly longer stays, where having basic cooking facilities and extra amenities makes day-to-day life more comfortable.
They may not be the most spacious, and costs can add up over time, but they work well if you need somewhere practical and comfortable while you wait for your new home.
Temporary accommodation can feel pricey if you’re not prepared, but a little planning goes a long way. To avoid surprises, it helps to think through your budget upfront.
Build in a buffer: Even if you expect to move into your new place quickly, add a few extra nights or a week just in case things run over. It’s better to have a little extra time than to feel rushed and stressed.
Compare nightly vs weekly rates: In some cases, staying a few extra nights can actually work out cheaper than paying a higher nightly rate.
Factor in all the extra fees: Make sure your budget includes all the additional costs, such as:
Cleaning charges
Deposits
Pet fees
Parking
Utilities (if applicable)
If you’re staying in temporary accommodation that’s fully furnished, you won’t be able to take all your belongings with you.
That’s where storage comes in. Putting your things into short-term storage can give you breathing room to live comfortably, even if your new home isn’t quite ready.
Many removalists offer short-term storage options, with flexible and personalised services. Trusted removalists across Australia who understand split moves, storage coordination, and changing dates can adjust as plans evolve, rather than locking you into rigid schedules.
Temporary accommodation stops don’t have to be a headache. With the right short stay, a clear budget, and removalists who can work around flexible dates, that tricky in-between phase can actually feel simple.
If you’re planning a move and want to take the stress out of timing, Upmove can help. Compare quotes from trusted removalists who understand changing timelines, storage needs, and short-term stays. Book trusted Australian removalists on Upmove today and make your move simple, flexible, and stress-free.
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