Moving to Brisbane? How to Find Temporary Accommodation When Relocating Interstate

Moving to Brisbane can be exciting. But what happens if your new home isn’t ready? CBD Movers helps people solve this problem every day. Finding temporary housing takes planning and the right information. 

Why You Might Need Temporary Housing 

Many people face this situation when moving to Brisbane. Your lease might end before the new one starts. Your home purchase could be delayed. Renovations might take longer than expected. These situations are normal and happen often. 

The good news is Brisbane offers many temporary housing options. You just need to know where to look and what to expect. This guide will help you find the right solution for your needs. 

Understanding Short Term Rentals Brisbane 

Short term rentals Brisbane options have grown significantly in recent years. These rentals fill the gap between permanent housing options. They give you flexibility while you search for your ideal home. 

According to the Queensland Government, Brisbane had 19,773 active short term rentals across Queensland in early 2023. Two-thirds of these are located in the South-East region. This means you have plenty of choices. 

Short term rentals Brisbane come in different forms: 

• Furnished apartments available for weeks or months 
• Holiday rentals that accept longer stays 
• Private rooms in shared houses 
• Studio apartments with flexible lease terms 
• Houses available for temporary rental periods 

These options cost more than traditional rentals per month. However, they require less commitment and come fully furnished. This saves you money on furniture and makes moving to Brisbane much easier. 

Finding Quality Short Term Options 

Start your search online through trusted platforms. Websites like Domain, Realestate.com.au, and Airbnb list many options. Filter your search by “short term” or “furnished” to find suitable properties. 

Contact property managers directly. Many real estate agencies handle short term rentals Brisbane specifically. They can match you with properties that fit your timeline and budget. 

Check university housing boards. The University of Queensland lists temporary accommodation options. Even if you’re not a student, these listings can point you toward available properties. 

Exploring Serviced Apartments 

Serviced apartments offer another excellent solution. These fully furnished units include utilities, internet, and cleaning services. You simply move in with your suitcase. 

Serviced apartments typically cost between $150 to $400 per night. Weekly and monthly rates reduce the daily cost significantly. Most providers offer discounts for stays longer than 14 days. 

These apartments suit professionals moving to Brisbane for work. They provide a comfortable base while you search for permanent housing. Office relocation clients often use serviced apartments during business transitions. 

Benefits of Serviced Apartments 

Serviced apartments come with several advantages: 

• No furniture shopping needed
• Utilities included in one price 
• Weekly cleaning services provided 
• Flexible lease terms available 
• Located in convenient areas 
• Professional management teams 

You can cook your own meals in the full kitchen. This saves money compared to eating out daily. The living space feels more like home than a hotel room. 

What to Do if New House Isn’t Ready 

Don’t panic if your new house isn’t ready on moving day. This happens more often than people think. Having a backup plan makes the transition smooth and stress-free. 

First, contact your removalist company immediately. Professional movers like do offer storage solutions. They can safely store your belongings until your home is ready. 

Next, secure temporary accommodation quickly. Book a serviced apartment or short term rental for 1-2 weeks. This gives you breathing room to finalise your permanent housing. 

Storage Solutions During Transitions 

Storage facilities solve the furniture problem. Your belongings stay safe while you wait for your home. 

Storage costs vary by size and duration. A small unit (3×3 metres) costs around $150-200 per month. Medium units (4×4 metres) range from $250-350 monthly. These prices include security and climate control. 

Many moving companies offer combined services. They move your items into storage, then deliver them to your final home. This saves you from handling everything twice. 

Temporary Housing Options Comparison 

Different temporary housing types suit different needs. Understanding each option helps you choose wisely. 

Hotels and Motels: Good for very short stays (1-7 days). They cost $100-300 per night but include no cooking facilities. This option works if your home will be ready within days. 

Serviced Apartments: Perfect for 1-4 week stays. Costs $150-400 per night with discounts for longer stays. Full kitchens and living spaces make them comfortable. 

Short Term Rentals: Best for 1-3 month stays. Monthly costs range from $2,000-4,000. These feel most like home and offer the best value for extended stays. 

Extended Stay Hotels: Designed for 1-6 month stays. They cost $3,000-6,000 per month but include housekeeping and amenities. Good for corporate relocations. 

Table 1: Brisbane Temporary Accommodation Costs 

Planning Your Move Timeline 

Good planning prevents housing gaps. Start looking for accommodation 4-6 weeks before moving to Brisbane. This gives you time to find the best options. 

Create a moving checklist with these steps: 

Week 1-2: Research areas and housing options. Contact real estate agents about short term rentals Brisbane. Get quotes from removalist companies. 

Week 3-4: Book temporary accommodation if needed. Arrange storage solutions. Confirm your moving date with your removalist. 

Week 5-6: Pack your belongings. Update your address with important organisations. Finalise all moving arrangements. 

Moving Week: Coordinate with your removalist. Move essential items to temporary accommodation. Store remaining items if necessary. 

Finding Affordable Options 

Moving to Brisbane costs money. Finding affordable temporary housing helps your budget go further. Here are proven ways to save money. 

Book longer stays for better rates. Most providers offer discounts for bookings over 14 days. A monthly rate often costs 20-30% less than booking week by week. 

Look slightly outside the city centre. Inner suburbs like Woolloongabba, Kangaroo Point, and Fortitude Valley offer lower prices. These areas still provide easy access to the city. 

Consider shared accommodation for budget savings. Renting a room in a shared house costs $800-1,600 monthly. This works well for single people or couples without children. 

Government Resources for Housing 

The Queensland Government housing services provide valuable information. They maintain lists of temporary accommodation providers. Their website includes rental assistance programs for eligible people. 

The Residential Tenancies Authority offers guidance on short term leases. Understanding your rights protects you from unfair rental terms. These resources are free and easy to access. 

Suburbs to Consider 

Brisbane has many great suburbs for temporary housing. Each area offers different benefits and price points. 

South Bank: Close to the city with excellent transport. Serviced apartments and short term rentals Brisbane abound here. Expect to pay $3,000-5,000 monthly. 

Fortitude Valley: Vibrant area with good nightlife. More affordable than South Bank at $2,500-4,000 monthly. Great for young professionals. 

Toowong: Family-friendly suburb near universities. Short term rentals Brisbane average $2,200-3,500 monthly. Good schools and parks nearby. 

Kangaroo Point: River views and city proximity. Prices range from $2,800-4,500 monthly. Popular with professionals moving to Brisbane. 

Interstate Moving Considerations 

Moving interstate to Brisbane adds complexity to your plans. You must coordinate timing carefully across state lines. Interstate removalists specialise in these transitions. 

Many people moving to Brisbane from other states need to vacate their old home completely. This makes timing critical. You might need professional end of lease cleaning to receive your bond refund. 

Bond cleaning requirements vary by state. Queensland has specific standards that vacate cleaners must meet. Professional services ensure you meet all requirements. 

Coordinating Two Locations 

Managing two properties during your move takes organisation. Your old lease might end before your new one begins. This gap creates the need for temporary accommodation. 

Book your end of lease cleaning services early. These services often book up quickly, especially at month-end. Professional move out cleaning services handle everything from carpet cleaning to oven degreasing. 

CBD Movers coordinates interstate moves with precision. We can collect your belongings from your old home, store them temporarily, then deliver to your new Brisbane home when ready. 

Essential Items for Temporary Stays 

Pack smartly for your temporary accommodation. You don’t need everything immediately. Focus on essentials that make daily life comfortable. 

Bring these items for any temporary stay: 

• Clothing for two weeks 
• Toiletries and medications 
• Important documents and electronics 
• Basic cooking utensils if not provided 
• Bedding if not included 
• Work essentials for your job 

Store everything else with your furniture removalists. This keeps you mobile and makes temporary living easier. You can access stored items if needed. 

Working With Professional Movers 

Professional removalists make temporary housing situations manageable. They understand the challenges of moving to Brisbane without permanent housing ready. 

CBD Movers offers flexible scheduling. If your home completion date changes, we adjust your moving date accordingly. This flexibility prevents stress and additional costs. 

Questions to Ask Your Removalist 

Before booking, ask these important questions: 

• Do you offer storage solutions? 
• What happens if my home isn’t ready on moving day? 
• Can you adjust the moving date with short notice? 
• How quickly can you deliver from storage to my home? 
• What insurance covers my items in storage? 

Good removalist companies answer these questions clearly. They provide written quotes that include storage costs if needed. 

Legal Considerations 

Understanding rental laws protects you during temporary stays. Queensland has specific rules about short term rentals and lease agreements. 

Most short term rentals Brisbane don’t fall under the standard Residential Tenancies Act. This means different rules apply. Always read your agreement carefully before signing. 

Serviced apartments typically use license agreements rather than leases. These give you less security but more flexibility. Make sure you understand the cancellation policy and payment terms. 

Making Temporary Housing Work 

Living in temporary accommodation feels different from having your own home. These tips help you settle in quickly. 

Establish a routine immediately. Set up a dedicated workspace if you work from home. Unpack your essentials and organise them well. This makes the space feel more like home. 

Explore your neighbourhood. Find the nearest supermarket, pharmacy, and public transport stops. Knowing your area reduces stress and makes daily tasks easier. 

Stay connected with your permanent housing search. Set up alerts for new rental listings. Visit properties quickly when they become available. The faster you find permanent housing, the sooner you can settle properly. 

Budgeting for Temporary Costs 

Temporary accommodation costs more than permanent housing. Plan your budget carefully to avoid financial stress when moving to Brisbane. 

Calculate total costs including: 

• Accommodation fees (daily/weekly/monthly rates) 
• Storage costs if needed 
• Moving company charges 
• Bond for permanent housing 
• Connection fees for utilities 
• Travel costs between temporary and permanent homes 

Set aside an emergency fund. Unexpected delays happen. Having extra money available prevents crisis situations. Most experts recommend budgeting an additional 20-30% above your estimated costs. 

Finding Your Permanent Home 

Use your temporary accommodation time wisely. This period lets you explore Brisbane and find the perfect permanent home. 

Visit suburbs during different times of day. Morning and evening visits show you traffic patterns and noise levels. Weekend visits reveal neighbourhood character and community feel. 

Attend property inspections quickly. Brisbane’s rental market moves fast. Good properties receive multiple applications within days. Having your house removalists on standby helps you move quickly when approved. 

Making the Final Move 

Once your permanent home is ready, final moving day arrives. This transition from temporary to permanent housing marks the end of your moving journey. 

Coordinate carefully with your removalist. Schedule delivery from storage when you receive your keys. CBD Movers ensures smooth delivery and careful unpacking of your belongings. 

Give proper notice to your temporary accommodation provider. Most require 7-14 days notice. Failing to provide notice might cost you additional fees. 

Clean your temporary accommodation thoroughly. Many providers charge cleaning fees if you don’t leave the property in good condition. Taking photos when you move out protects you from unfair charges. 

Closing: Your Moving Partner in Brisbane 

Finding temporary accommodation when moving to Brisbane doesn’t have to be stressful. With proper planning and the right resources, you can manage this transition smoothly. 

CBD Movers understands the challenges of interstate moves. We offer comprehensive solutions including storage, flexible scheduling, and expert advice. Our team has helped thousands of people successfully relocate to Brisbane. 

Don’t let housing delays stop your move. Contact CBD Movers today for professional assistance. We make moving to Brisbane simple, efficient, and stress-free. Let us handle the logistics while you focus on starting your new life.