When you’re living the travel healthcare lifestyle, home becomes less about a permanent address and more about the feeling you create wherever you dwell. The most successful travelers can travel from assignment to assignment and get to feel like they’re home no matter where they end up. Whether it’s a three-month assignment or six, creating comfort and routine in a new space can make all the difference in your overall experience. Here are our tips on how to turn any temporary housing into a cozy, welcoming home away from home.
Unpack Essentials Right Away
Nothing says, “I live here now,” quite like unpacking. Even if you’re only in a rental for a short time, unpacking your essentials right away helps you mentally settle in. Set up your bathroom with your favorite toiletries, hang a few clothes, and stock the kitchen with your go-to coffee mug and snacks. This way, you can establish new routines from the very beginning. Even just grabbing your favorite mug in the morning can help create normalcy in a new space.
Display Art and Photos
Most furnished short-term rentals are decorated for mass appeal and can feel sterile at times, or like you stepped into a weird design catalogue. Luckily, there are a few personal touches that can make it feel like yours. Bring along a framed photo, a small piece of art, or a sentimental item. These visual reminders of home or happy memories can brighten your space and help ground you during moments when travel life feels overwhelming.
Add Plants
Plants instantly add life to a room — literally. Whether it’s a tiny succulent, a leafy potted plant, or fresh flowers from a local market, greenery can soften any space and make it feel more welcoming. Plus, caring for a plant can give you a small sense of responsibility and routine, something that’s often missing in temporary housing.
Rearrange What You Want
Just because the furniture is set up a certain way at your rental doesn’t mean you have to leave it that way. Rearrange the living room to better fit your style or move a chair to your favorite reading nook. Making small adjustments to suit your lifestyle helps the space feel more aligned with you. It’s your home, at least for now, make it work for your habits and comfort. Just make sure you take pictures before rearranging so you can remember how to set it back when you leave.
Spend Time in Your Temporary Housing
Spend intentional time in your home to acclimate and make it feel like home. Cook meals, unwind with a book, and set up your nightly routine. But also keep in mind, balance is important to feeling settled. While you want to spend intentional time in your new home, you also want to make time to go out and explore. Find your favorite coffee shop, take a local yoga class, discover the best hiking trails, or spend some time with coworkers. The more you engage with your surroundings, the more connected you’ll feel not just to your rental, but to the city as a whole. Plus, by exploring, you’ll find comfort in coming home to a space that feels familiar and safe after a day of exploring something new.
Have a Housewarming Party
Who says you can’t throw a housewarming party just because you’re in temporary housing? Host a casual get-together with co-workers, fellow travelers, or new friends you’ve met in the area. Sharing your space helps you feel more rooted, and it’s a fun way to celebrate the adventure you’re on. Even a simple dinner or game night can go a long way toward making your new space feel warm, lived-in, and yours.
Travel with Ventura MedStaff
Home isn’t just a place, it’s a feeling you create. With a little effort and intention, you can make any temporary housing feel like a home away from home. Because no matter where you roam, you deserve a space that brings you comfort, peace, and even a little joy! If you’re ready to start the healthcare travel adventure, connect with a recruiter today!
