With a greater number of travel options available at low-rate prices, extended business trips have become a common part of work life for many professionals. From short-stay to longer assignments, Corporate Housing providers offer convenient and affordable accommodation solutions for an array of commercial functions. Although these apartments are fully equipped with all of the modern conveniences that you could need, it is often the simple creature comforts that travellers can miss when staying away from home. To keep homesickness at bay and make your stay as enjoyable as possible, there are certain steps you can take to get settled in…
Make Your Apartment Homely…
When staying away from home for an extended period of time, it is important to make your new surroundings cosy, comfortable and relaxing. An easy way to get settled in is to decorate your new living quarters with familiar items that you have brought from home. Comfy throws and pillows are a quick way to brighten up a room and add an inviting feel. Similarly, putting up photos or posters can make you feel more at home (although it is essential to check with your housing provider what modifications are permitted within your agreement)! Another cheap and easily reversible way to adorn your apartment is by introducing a pot plant or two; by introducing just a few memorable possessions, this will create a more personalised space that will help you to feel closer to home.
Keep Busy…
Although you may be living in an unfamiliar location, this doesn’t mean that you can’t partake in your usual routines. Despite residing in Corporate Housing for business reasons, it is important to maintain a personal life outside of office hours and so ensuring that you continue to take your regular trips to the gym or unwinding with your favourite TV series will provide you with some familiarity and will make the transition to a corporate stay that much easier. By sticking to a few everyday habits that you had back home, this will allow you to acclimatise to your new (albeit temporary) home and will prevent you from becoming overwhelmed by all of the other changes that you may be experiencing; something as simple as your favourite song can dispel feelings of homesickness, helping you to be ready for the challenges that your work assignment may bring.
Explore Your New Surroundings…
When staying in Corporate accommodation, although it is important to bring some reminders of home, it is equally important to get out there, explore your new city and make some new memories! Staying in a furnished apartment for a long or short-term assignment is a great opportunity to experience a new location that you may not have been able to before. Of course, keep in touch with family friends via social media or video chats, but do not dwell so much on your life back home that you forget to have fun in the present. When packing clothes for your trip, make sure you think ahead and take appropriate outfits according to the upcoming seasons (and the weather this may bring).
Ultimately, during an extended business trip it is inevitable that there will be moments of longing to be back home. However, by following these tips, you can keep these nostalgic thoughts to a minimum and make the most of your corporate accommodation experience.
Written by Gabriella Vianello – Executive Assistant at Alchemy Global Talent Solutions