Discover 15 expert tips to make your corporate housing stay unforgettable! From personalizing your space to exploring your new city, these ideas will help you settle in, stay productive, and enjoy your time to the fullest. Updated for 2024.
May 15, 2024
From ensuring a smooth arrival to getting to know the community. We’re sharing 15 tips for making the most of your corporate housing stay.
Corporate housing has quickly become the preferred choice for professionals seeking a comfortable, home-like experience during extended stays—and for good reason. As remote work and flexible living arrangements continue to rise, more people opt for corporate apartments over traditional hotels.
If you’re new to corporate housing, check out our blog What Is Corporate Housing? to learn why it’s the ideal solution.
If you’ve already chosen a furnished corporate apartment for your upcoming extended stay, you’re in for a great experience. But how do you ensure you get the most out of your stay?
“The key to a successful extended stay is knowing how to make the most of all the amenities and services available to you,” says Craig Hufft, the National Operations Manager at Viciniti Corporate Housing.
With his expert guidance, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 15 ways to transform your corporate housing experience. Whether on a long-term assignment, relocating, or in between homes, these expert-approved tips will help you get even more out of your corporate housing stay.
Preparing for your arrival is key to a smooth start in corporate housing. In the week leading up to your stay, you’ll receive an email with essential arrival instructions, including the apartment’s location, parking details, and key retrieval information. While it’s easy to think that keeping the email handy on your phone is enough, unexpected issues like spotty cell phone coverage can create unnecessary stress.
Modern corporate housing has embraced technology, with 73% of luxury properties now offering digital access solutions, according to Smart Apartment Data. However, it’s always a good idea to have backups. Here’s how to ensure a stress-free arrival:
“Stress-free arrival involves having multiple access options,” says Craig. Combining digital and physical preparations ensures you’re covered, no matter the situation.
For more information, watch this video about arriving with Viciniti.
Getting familiar with your new neighborhood before you arrive can make a world of difference, especially if you’re navigating in heavy traffic or arriving late at night. By taking advantage of modern tools and technology, you can reduce the stress of the unknown and feel more confident as you settle into your new surroundings.
Neighborhood Preview Checklist:
Familiarizing yourself with your surroundings virtually is an easy way to make your arrival smoother, giving you a sense of home before you even set foot in your new city.
At Viciniti, we love to greet you when you arrive. You do need to schedule this free service in advance, but it is a great way to have help getting the lay of the land right away.
Our staff will meet you at the door to hand over the keys, get you inside for the first time, and show you the amenities available to you in your new apartment community. They can also answer any questions about the city and recommend local stores and restaurants.
“Our welcome experiences are designed to make guests feel at home from the moment they arrive,” says Mark Champagne, Senior Business Development Manager at Viciniti. “Whether they prefer in-person or digital interaction, we ensure they have all the information they need.”
Corporate housing is about more than just a place to stay—it’s about making your transition seamless. A little pre-arrival preparation goes a long way in ensuring your time in your new city starts stress-free. From groceries to prescriptions, having the essentials ready can make your arrival smoother and more comfortable.
Pre-Arrival Essentials Checklist:
Pro Tip: Many providers, including Viciniti, offer support like starter grocery packages or recommendations for trusted local services. Don’t hesitate to ask for help!
Preparing for essentials like food and medications ahead of time will help you focus on settling into your corporate apartment and exploring your new city without unnecessary stress.
While preparing for your stay, take some time to review the inventory list of what is provided in your apartment. While we try to cover everything you need for a temporary stay, sometimes our guests need additional items.
You may need a tea kettle or a blender. Or maybe you are bringing your family along and need a crib and high chair for the baby. By contacting your guest service agent, you can place those extras in your apartment before you arrive.
Many apartment communities today offer amenities that rival those of a resort hotel. And since being on the road can be stressful even when you have a nice place to stay, take advantage of those extras!
The pool is the pride of most apartment communities, and it shows. You will likely find zero-entry pools, saltwater pools, private cabanas you can reserve for the day, and sometimes even a staffed tiki bar.
Pool Amenities:
Grab a novel and a big sun hat, and get down there. You deserve it!
Apartment communities have redefined fitness with advanced on-site amenities that make staying active both convenient and enjoyable. Whether you prefer state-of-the-art equipment or outdoor activities, your corporate apartment offers everything you need to keep your fitness routine on track.
You’ll find some combination of weight machines, exercise balls, and free weights with the cardio machines. Sometimes, they’ll even have a separate yoga studio, an on-staff fitness trainer, fitness-on-demand classes, or even a massage therapist.
For many, the fitness center at the apartment community is so complete there is no need to join an outside gym while staying in your corporate apartment.
Modern Fitness Features:
When choosing an apartment in a more suburban setting, you will often find hiking/running trails right past your apartment building. It is an excellent complement to the on-site fitness center and allows you to get outside and enjoy fresh air.
It’s fun to make new friends in a new city, regardless of whether you will stay there long-term.
Apartment communities do a great job of facilitating these social interactions through resident events. We’ve seen all sorts of fun activities like holiday parties, wine tastings, painting parties, and luau parties by the pool. You may also have the opportunity to work together with other residents to adopt families at the holidays or serve a meal to people in need.
Most communities have a social platform where they can get the word out about events or things happening in the community. Those platforms also provide a way for residents to interact with each other. This is especially helpful if your cat goes missing or you need a restaurant recommendation.
Living in a corporate apartment is becoming more sustainable than ever, with companies like Viciniti embracing sustainable practices like:
Take advantage of Eco-Friendly Transportation Options
If you have selected an apartment downtown or in an urban area, one of the amenities you might see is a bike or scooter hub.
With so many cities working to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, they encourage using bikes or scooters. Bike or scooter hubs are often positioned around apartment communities to make it even easier.
Many communities are located near public transit, making your commute easy and sustainable.
Check out your sustainable options before you arrive at your temporary destination:
Corporate apartments have a full-sized kitchen and all the cookware and dinnerware needed to make and serve a meal. This means you can keep your healthy diet on track by preparing your meals at home while on the road.
The kitchen is by far one of the most loved benefits of corporate housing guests, but it may have a slightly different feel from cooking at home. To get some tips for cooking while in corporate housing, or for inspiration, check out our article, Tips, and Tricks for Healthy Cooking While in Corporate Housing.
If cooking isn’t your style, don’t worry—many corporate housing and apartment communities provide handy resource guides to nearby restaurants, cafés, pubs, and nightlife spots.
At Viciniti, we take it a step further with our online city guides, featuring local attractions, dining hotspots, and must-visit recommendations for every city we serve.
One of the best things about corporate housing is that you can bring your furry companion along for the adventure. Nothing beats being greeted at the door by your excited pet—it’s an instant stress reliever after a long day.
Many apartment communities go above and beyond to welcome pets, offering amenities like off-leash dog parks and pet-washing stations. Plus, those hiking trails we mentioned earlier? Your four-legged friend is going to love exploring them with you!
Tips to Make Your Stay with Your Pet the Best It Can Be:
Before you and your pet settle into your temporary city, here are a few suggestions to ensure a smooth and comfortable transition:
Taking these steps before you arrive ensures a stress-free experience for you and your pet, setting the stage for a pawsitively perfect stay!
No matter how amazing your corporate apartment is, it’s natural to miss the comforts of home during an extended stay. To make your space cozier and more personal, plan to bring along a few reminders of home to help you settle in.
Small, familiar items like framed photos or a beloved mug can create a sense of comfort. Scent also plays a big role—if you have a favorite air freshener or room spray, pack it to recreate the smells of home. Just be mindful that many apartment communities may not allow candles, so it’s best to check the community’s policies before bringing them.
While your provider will supply quality linens and towels, bringing an extra pillow or a favorite throw can add a touch of personal comfort.
Tips to Make Your Space Feel More Like Home
With just a few personal touches, you can transform your temporary apartment into a space that feels uniquely yours, making your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
One of the most exciting parts of moving to a new city is exploring and immersing yourself in its unique offerings. Before you arrive, take some time to research local attractions, activities, and experiences to make the most of your stay.
Once you’ve settled in, set aside time to discover your new city. Look into local landmarks, hidden gems, and fun activities that will make your temporary home memorable. Are there walking or food tours to help you navigate the city and its culture? What parks, museums, or entertainment venues should you check out? Planning ahead will ensure you don’t miss out on your city’s best offers.
Tips to Prepare for Exploring Your New City:
Your temporary city has so much to offer—taking a little time to plan ahead will help you maximize your experience and create lasting memories.
Your time in corporate housing isn’t just an opportunity to settle into a new city—it’s also the perfect chance to grow your professional network and set yourself up for success. With a little planning and intentionality, you can make meaningful connections and leverage your temporary stay to advance your career.
Tips for Networking and Professional Growth During Your Stay:
Taking proactive steps to engage with your professional community can turn your corporate housing stay into a rewarding experience that benefits your career and personal growth.
Relocating to a new city is an exciting opportunity, but it can also be a challenging adjustment for you and your family. Staying in a corporate apartment offers more than just a comfortable, home-like space—it also gives you the time and flexibility to explore your new city, find the right neighborhood, and make thoughtful decisions for your family’s future home.
Corporate housing provides a stress-free environment where you can settle in temporarily, giving you the opportunity to familiarize yourself with different parts of town and connect with a local realtor who understands your needs. Using this time wisely ensures that your permanent home is a perfect fit for your family.
Tips to Make Relocating Easier for Your Family:
For more tips on keeping your family happy during a relocation, check out our blog: How Can Corporate Housing Keep Your Family Happy While Relocating?.
Relocating can be an incredible growth opportunity for your family. By leveraging the convenience and flexibility of corporate housing, you can make a smooth and successful transition into your new city.
By following even one of these 15 tips and suggestions, you are bound to have a fantastic corporate housing stay.
To learn more about corporate housing and the benefits of working with Viciniti, check out our resource center for more articles.
Keep up to date with all the business travel, relocation, and corporate housing news by subscribing to our #StaySmart newsletter on LinkedIn, or watch our videos on YouTube.
