Relocating to a new city for a temporary corporate travel assignment is an exciting experience – especially when it’s your first time. However, as with any move, relocation comes with its own unique set of complications and adjustments to make. Corporate housing makes the actual moving process a far easier one, and chances are your HR department will hook you up so you won’t even have to worry about it. That being said, it’s not as if you won’t have to get acclimated in corporate housing once you’re there, and for a first-timer it can get a little overwhelming.
Pay attention to these tips on getting acclimated to your new corporate housing digs and the new city that will be home for the next several months. Hey – at least you don’t have to worry about schlepping your furniture cross country!
-
Get unpacked – This may be an obvious one, but it’s important. The sooner you get your things out of your suitcase and into furniture the quicker you’ll feel at home. Organize your clothes like you do at home so it’s easier to make dressing decisions in the morning, and don’t forget about finding a home for your ties, scarves and other accessories. Get to know your space and become accustomed to where all of your essentials will be located during your stay.
-
Decorate – Even the most suitably appointed corporate apartment still won’t feel 100% like home, mostly because it’s not your home. Bringing personal items such as photos, the kids artwork, or home accessories you’ve made yourself can really make you feel settled in. Set out items like your favorite books, magazines, and DVD’s. Tailor your space by adding familiar smells whether it is from candles, a home spray or by making your favorite meal.
-
Go grocery shopping – Don’t forget to stock your fridge and pantry! Your new digs come with a full kitchen stocked with everything you’ll need to prepare food for yourself and even do some light entertaining. Head over to your local grocery store (or better yet, scout out a farmers market in the area) and fill your cart with all the foods you enjoy. Explore some of the more local food items while you’re there and consider doing some culinary experimentations. The point is, load up your kitchen and you will prevent the desire to eat out often. That doesn’t mean never eat out; it’s just as important to get to know your new neighborhood too!
-
Get to know your housing coordinator – Regardless of whether you made your corporate housing reservations or your company made them for you, your housing coordinator is there to help you get acclimated and feel more comfortable in your temporary home. At PC Housing your housing coordinator is available to help out with even the smallest of tasks, like making sure your favorite brand of laundry detergent is in your apartment or finding a good local beer to introduce you to your new city. Our Personally Tailored Welcome Package allows you to specify how your new space is customized ahead of time to suit your individual needs. Contact your housing coordinator prior to your move and together you can create a completed place of your own. From groceries to toiletries and requested decorations, we’ve got you covered. With the Personally Tailored Welcome Package, all you need to do is arrive. (Oh, and this is a free service, by the way. As long as what you’re requesting is available and under a certain price, we’ll make sure you walk in to an apartment that is as home to you as possible.)
-
Help Fido acclimate – Pets are welcome at the majority of PC Housing residences so don’t forget to prepare for their move as well! Transfer their needed supplies or purchase new and have them ready when you arrive. The last thing you want to do is run around town looking for a new litter box at the last minute! You can also use our Personally Tailored Welcome Package to make sure your pets’ food is ready and waiting.
-
Relax – We’re told timing is everything, but we tend to disagree. With PC Housing, we understand that plans change at the last second and out of anyone’s control, so if you arrive earlier than planned don’t worry about trying to fill your minutes waiting for the clock to hit your original check in time. Your residence will be ready at the stroke of midnight the day you arrive, giving you the full 24 hours to check in. And if you’re coming before or after office hours we can either mail you the keys ahead of time or attach a lock box to your front door.
Heading to an unfamiliar locale alone may seem like a stressful task, but think of it more as a new experience with plenty of memories to be had. Plan ahead by taking these steps to ease your anxieties and enhance your comfort level.