If you are looking for temporary housing and have no idea what to expect or where to start, then you are in the right place. The first thing to remember is — this is about YOU and your expectations. When it comes to temporary housing, you need to be aware of what to look for to ensure a quality renting experience. While there are, for example, several different companies offering fully furnished apartments here in St. Louis, keep in mind that, just as there are different levels of restaurants, coffee brands, and smartphones, there are also different quality levels when it comes to finding a corporate housing provider.
Whether you are relocating for an incredible long-term opportunity or teaching the ropes to a sister branch in a different city for several months, you will get to experience a plethora of exciting new places and personal growth while traveling for business. However, it can be very stressful, especially if you’re completely unfamiliar with the area. And if you’re moving to our area, searching for a fully furnished apartment in St. Louis – in the right neighborhood – can be even more challenging!
What are Fully Furnished Apartments
Let us discuss the term “fully furnished apartment” (or, if coming from the UK, a “serviced apartment”). The industry definition and the basic premise is: A short-term furnished apartment which is move-in ready with professional, serviced support. To some, “move-in ready” implies that you can bring your suitcase and personal items and you are all set. To others “move-in ready” is another way of saying that the apartment is ready to move into. Both of these interpretations are accurate, and if you’re in the market for a fully furnished apartment, both interpretations should be true!
What to Look for in a Fully Furnished Apartment Provider
Now let’s get back to the different levels of corporate housing (aka fully furnished apartment) providers. For starters, there are 2 types: industry-vetted providers and those who are not industry-vetted. The corporate housing industry is a worldwide industry with very high expectations and standards that not all furnished providers possess. Not having achieved industry certifications or being vetted doesn’t make a provider not good, it just makes them not as good. (And there’s a difference!)
Also, the best corporate housing providers will offer additional services, beyond just the apartment rental, such as cleaning, laundry, and concierge. That said, looking for temporary housing, here are some basic provisions to look for:
Industry Reputation
At Arch Interim Housing, we have over 40 years of combined corporate housing and guest service experience. We are industry vetted and hold numerous individual industry titles. Yes, you have options when it comes to choosing a corporate housing provider, but we encourage you to go with a vetted, industry-trusted company.
Flexibility of Terms
It is important to find a corporate housing company that will work with you on various terms of service. Whether you will be leasing for 30 days or 9 months, make sure to discuss options for increasing or decreasing the time of your stay. As you could always get shipped off a little sooner or be asked to stay a bit longer, you don’t want to end up stranded. By discussing any possibilities in changing the length of your visit, you will know what choices you have ahead of time.
Several Different Options
Many companies offering temporary, fully furnished apartments provide an array of price points, add-ons, and locations. Be sure to discuss what you need, what you don’t, the amount you want to spend, and the location you would like to be near. Contacting the company directly rather than just looking at available properties on their site will give you a better idea of what is actually available.
With so many options, there is no need to settle for a place you won’t be happy with for the duration of your stay. For example, if you’re looking for fully furnished apartments in St. Louis, we at Arch Interim Housing have a variety of properties to choose from, each with unique amenities specific to that location. Tell us exactly what your preferences are, and then we go from there!
Good Customer Service
If you choose a corporate housing provider that doesn’t supply a wide range of services, you are truly missing out. At Arch Interim Housing, we add on access to fitness and wellness centers, housekeeping, and laundry services at most of our locations so that you don’t have to sweat the small stuff. Some of our properties even have concierge services to point you to the best restaurants, events, and attractions throughout the city.
Positive Reviews
Before solidifying your choice, you should look up online reviews for the company. Do your research to find out about other people’s experiences to ensure that you don’t get stuck in a bad situation. One of the best ways to check for customer service quality is to give the company a call. If they readily answer questions and provide important information, you are most likely in good hands.
By following these tips, you’re sure to find fully furnished apartments here in St. Louis that will meet all of your expectations.
Fully Furnished Apartments: What’s Included
When considering a furnished apartment, it’s important to know what furniture, housewares, etc., are included. Again, fully furnished in the corporate housing industry means a “move-in ready” home. Typically, this should mean that each room and living space are fully equipped with stylish and modern furniture, housewares with all linens from bedroom to kitchen, as well as updated electronics (including high-speed wireless internet and streaming entertainment on a smart TV).
While we can’t speak for every corporate housing provider, we’ve listed out the items that come along with staying in one of Arch Interim Housing’s furnished apartments here in the St. Louis area to give you an idea of what’s expected. (A bonus: We happen to own all of our furniture and home goods, so we’re able to ensure your apartment receives high-quality furniture while saving you money by cutting out the third party company!)
Arch Interim Housing Always Includes the Following:
Living Room – Sofa, Love Seat or Chair, End Table, Coffee Table, Lamps, Framed Artwork, 37” Flat Panel HD Ready TV, DVD Player, Silk Tree
Dining Room – Dining Table, Four Chairs, Place mats, Centerpiece
Master Bedroom – Bed – Queen Size – Memory Foam Mattress, Night Stand, Dresser with Mirror, Lamp, Framed Artwork, Clock Radio, Luxury Comforter, Bed, Skirt/Shams, Decorative Pillows, 4x – Spiral Spun Pillows, Bed Linens – High thread count
Bathroom – Bath Towels, Hand Towels, Face Towels, Bath Mat, Soap Dish, Toothbrush Holder, Waste Basket, Shower Curtain
General – Cable TV, Local Phone Service, Extra Linens, Iron and Ironing Board, Vacuum Cleaner, Laundry Basket, Broom and Dust Pan, Mop, Clothes Hangers, Light Bulbs, Knick Knacks
Kitchenware – Kitchen Appliances, Refrigerator, Microwave, Range/Oven, Dishwasher
Garbage Disposal, Coffee Maker, Toaster, Electric Can Opener, Dinnerware, Glassware, Cookware, Coffee Mugs, Silverware, Cutlery and Cutting Board, Measuring Cups and Spoons, Mixing Bowls, Cookie Sheet, Baking Pan and Glass Baking Dish, Serving Spoons and Spatula, Colander, Hot Pads, Bottle Opener, Corkscrew, Vegetable Peeler, Disposal Brush, Spatula, Trash Can
Optional Items – Weekly, bi-weekly or on-call Maid Service, Premium Cable Channels
Sleeper Sofas, Recliners, Office Desks and Chairs, Electronics (Big Screen TV’s, I-Home, Video Game Systems, etc.), Patio Furniture, and anything else you think you may need. If you want it, we can get it for you!
Stress-Free, Affordable, and Simple
By working with a trusted, vetted, and certified corporate housing company, you can ensure that all of your needs are met in a timely fashion while you focus on the business at hand. The majority of corporate and interim housing companies offer fully furnished apartments for extended periods of time that cost just a fraction of expensive hotel rates. They also provide accommodations that are near major city hubs, guaranteeing easy access to work locations.