Step 15 – Settling Into Your Travel Nurse Housing: Turning a New Place into a Home

Settling Into Your Travel Nurse Housing: Turning a New Place into a Home

Alright, you’ve got the keys to your travel nurse pad for the next 13 weeks. Time to make this place feel like your own!

Get Comfortable

First things first: Hopefully, you’ve got a few days to get settled before jumping into work. If you’ve followed our packing tips, unpacking should be a breeze. Everyone has their own groove for settling in, so do what works best for you—whether that’s unpacking first, hitting the grocery store, or exploring your new neighborhood.

What to Check

• Maintenance Matters: As you unpack, keep an eye out for any maintenance issues that might’ve slipped past your initial checklist.
• Furniture Check: Spot anything damaged or out of place? Make a note and notify the right person—whether that’s the leasing office or your company.
• Locks and Keys: Double-check that all locks, keys, mailboxes, and community areas are functioning properly.

Grocery Shopping Tips

Here’s a quick shopping list to get you started:

• Condiments
• Staples: flour, sugar, salt, pepper, spices
• Coffee and filters
• Paper products
• Trash bags and food storage bags

Since you’re not setting up shop for the long haul, don’t go overboard. Buy what you need for now and save yourself the hassle of excess.

Making It Homey

Turn your temporary space into a cozy home with some budget-friendly touches. Hit up places like Goodwill or Dollar Tree for affordable decor. If you’re renting through a site like Furnished Finder, you might have more of those homey extras. But if you’re going the corporate rental route, you might need to add some personal flair.

Here are some affordable items to consider:

• Candles or small decor
• Seasonal items
• Outdoor furniture/chairs (great for patios)
• Holiday decorations (Dollar Tree’s got you covered!)
• Essentials: broom, dustpan, trash containers, storage bowls
• Snow shovel (if you’re in a snowy area)

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