We moved out of our house & into a hotel
If you have followed my post you know that my husband lost his job and six figure income on the first of April.
Simultaneously we have been fighting without our landlord to fix the AC, the fence and other things around the house. He made excuses while we were miserable in 90-100+ degree weather every day.
At the end of July he decided not to renew our month to month lease so we moved out and decided to stay in a residential hotel until we find something more permanent.
It's weird to say going from a full size house to a hotel room but it's been a huge relief. Even though it's more expensive to pay for a hotel, and I have to walk the dog multiple times a day now,
It's well worth it because we have AC, and a smaller space means less stuff.
We massively downgraded our stuff. And only kept what we could fit in a storage unit. (Mainly the kids furniture and toys and our homeschool books, activities and curriculum I've accumulated over the years).
Currently we have a small toy cart for the kids, a couple of books and a few activities (playdoh and art).
The small space means I need to clean up several times a day too, but it's quick and easy to do. I can clean our entire space in 30 minutes to an hour depending on if there are dishes to wash.
While this would seem like the worst possible in outcome of our situation, to have to move out right as we are turning the corner, it's actually a good thing.
The only downside is that with the costs of moving and deposits on a new place we can't afford to pay for the books and supplies for both of our girls to return to their private school that they have a full tuition credit for. (We only have to pay for books/uniforms/school supplies. No tuition).
My youngest daughter doesn't need new uniforms and her books aren't too expensive. But my older daughter's books are almost double the cost and she needs a new uniform to meet the changing requirements for middle school that will run us at least an additional $150 in addition to her books and school supplies.
Unfortunately we just don't have it.
I've let the school know to see what they want to do but I'm thinking we will need to take her out of school this year.
If we do, we've decided it's best to enroll her in a virtual school or go back to homeschooling with my boys.
It's a stressful time but it's also an exciting time. It's an opportunity to build new habits, get out of a situation that was leading to struggles with depression and anxiety.
Life may not look better from the outside right now based upon how people think we should be living but it definitely feels a lot better.
So, you're wondering, "can you actually move into a hotel?" The short answer is yes, absolutely! While it might sound unconventional, especially after leaving a full-sized house like my family did, living in a hotel long-term is a reality for many people. It often comes out of necessity, a sudden life change, or a desire for flexibility, and it can offer a surprisingly different perspective on what 'home' truly means. From my personal experience, after our family faced job loss and tricky landlord situations, moving into a residential hotel was a big decision. We downsized dramatically, keeping only what fit in a storage unit – mostly kids' furniture, toys, and homeschool supplies. While it might seem like a step back, it's taught us so much about living with less and prioritizing what truly matters. We now have a small toy cart for the kids, a few books, and art supplies, which truly highlights how little you actually need. When considering a long-term hotel stay, it's important to differentiate between regular hotels and extended-stay options. Extended-stay hotels are specifically designed for longer durations, often featuring kitchenettes with basic appliances, laundry facilities, and more apartment-like layouts. They typically offer better weekly or monthly rates than standard hotels, making them more budget-friendly in the long run. Residential hotels, like the one we're in, can offer an even more home-like feel, sometimes with services like cleaning and utilities included, simplifying daily life considerably. There are definite pros to this lifestyle. For us, having reliable AC after suffering without it was a huge relief. Beyond that, there's the freedom from utility bills, property maintenance, and often, a built-in sense of security with front desk staff. It forces you to embrace minimalism, which, surprisingly, has been incredibly freeing. Less stuff means less to clean, and our small space can be tidied in under an hour, a stark contrast to our previous house. Even with my kids playing on the wooden floor of our hotel room, or tucked into their hotel beds, the adaptable nature of temporary accommodation has shown us how resilient we can be. However, it's not without its challenges. Cost, despite long-term rates, can still add up, especially if you're eating out frequently. Space is a constant management task; finding spots for everything, even essentials, can be tricky. Mail delivery usually requires a P.O. box or a family member's address. And while some hotels are pet-friendly, restrictions and fees can be a barrier. For families, ensuring kids have enough space to play and learn can be a balancing act, and maintaining routines is crucial. If you're thinking about moving into a hotel, my biggest tips are to research thoroughly, negotiate rates, and pack smart. Look for hotels with good reviews for long-term guests and inquire about all inclusive amenities. Creating routines for meals, playtime, and schoolwork helps a lot, especially when your living environment is constantly visible. Embrace the simplicity, and you might find, like us, that this unexpected chapter brings a surprising amount of peace and a chance to build wonderful new habits.
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