Finding an apartment as a remote worker can be challenging. Unlike leisure travelers, budget, style, or location cannot be your only priorities. You also need to think about your productivity. Figuring out how to find an apartment suitable for remote work will not only make you more productive but also allow you to enjoy your travels more.
What are the key factors to consider when looking for an apartment if you work remotely?
Besides some personal choices, like choosing between a studio or a one-bedroom apartment, there are other factors that apply to almost all remote workers. Here is what you should have in your short-term or long-term apartment:
Fast WiFi connection
A reliable internet connection is essential for remote workers. Especially if your job involves a lot of meetings, slow WiFi can be a pain in the neck. If you’re going to stay in a hotel or a hostel, consider checking the reviews about the internet connection. For Airbnb or similar platforms, ask your host for proof of WiFi speed. On marketplaces such as Anyplace, apartments are hand-picked for remote workers so a steady internet connection is guaranteed.
Flexible-term lease
Plans might change, especially for those who work while traveling. You might end up deciding to stay longer or shorter in your destination or have to cut your trip short. In this case, it’s best not to commit to a long-term rental contract. Plus, you can rent flexible-term apartments on short notice, which makes it easier to act spontaneously.
Fully-furnished rooms
Hiring movers, juggling your move with your remote job, and keeping your colleagues updated… planning a move while working remotely can be quite a hassle. To avoid this, consider looking for fully-furnished apartments. Besides remote workers, many corporate employees on business trips, entertainment professionals, and relocators opt for executive apartments that are already furnished and equipped.
A dedicated workspace
If you’re planning to work from home instead of coworking spaces, a comfortable workspace is crucial. Working from your bed might sound tempting, but it’s neither healthy nor productive. For your health and well-being as a remote worker, try finding an apartment that already has a comfortable desk, a chair, and any other tools that will keep you productive.
A safe neighborhood that matches your expectations
Especially if you don’t have a car or aren’t planning on renting one, check if the city is walkable, has public transport options nearby, or easy-to-find taxis or Ubers.
Think about the type of neighborhood you want to live in. Don’t forget — the neighborhood you choose will reflect the type of life you will have in your new destination. Do you want to be in a neighborhood where there are plenty of coffee shops and bars, like East Village in San Diego? Or maybe you want to spend your time visiting art galleries after work, like in Chelsea, Manhattan?
Last but not least, research if the neighborhood is safe and quiet. You can do this by reading articles on different neighborhoods, checking the apartment’s reviews, and asking locals.
Hassle-free move-in process
How is your host planning to organize your move? Do you pick up the keys from them? Are there specific hours for check-in? Whether you’re a traveler with a limited time in the city or a remote worker on a workation, weak communication with hosts and lack of flexibility can be super stressful. Make sure to sort out all the logistics before booking your accommodation. Prioritize booking from reliable websites that are known to offer high-quality service.
Additional amenities depending on your needs
Besides the fast WiFi, comfortable workspace, and furnished apartment, different types of remote workers need different amenities. For example, a content creator might need a webcam, a ring light, and user-friendly video conferencing tools. Digital nomads who enjoy meeting other travelers would benefit from conference rooms, coworking areas, and lounges. Many luxury apartments offer these services, in addition to other amenities such as cleaning, a fitness center, laundry, and a swimming pool.
All-inclusive price
There’s nothing worse than finding out about extra charges after checking out. Not only do these hidden fees mess up your budgeting, but they can also cause you a lot of stress. While booking your apartment, make sure to check that utilities such as electricity, water, gas, and internet are included in the rent.
What are the best ways to assess an apartment’s suitability for remote work before making a commitment?
Now you know what to look for in your apartment. But how do you know if the apartment is actually remote-work friendly?
Read the reviews
The best way to find out if the apartment is suitable for remote work is to see what the previous tenants say. Pay special attention to the reviews about WiFi, apartment size, and the move-in process.
Ask for a virtual visit
If possible, ask the hosts if you can arrange a virtual visit to see if the photos you saw online match the apartment’s features. This way, you would also avoid scams and see if you’re talking to a real person.
Book through a dedicated platform
Many locals sublet their rooms on Facebook groups. A lot of hostels seem to have reliable WiFi. The cool coworking space doesn’t seem that far from the apartment you found on Airbnb. But none of these guarantees a smooth booking experience, an intentional workspace, or an easy move-in process. If you book an apartment from a platform dedicated specifically to remote workers, like Anyplace, you won’t have this problem.
What are the ideal locations for remote workers?
Remote work is on the rise. Many people are working remotely in different cities all over the world. The ideal city would depend on your expectations. While choosing your next destination, keep in mind if you need to be in a specific timezone, what type of activities you want to do during your free time, and the availability of remote work-friendly apartments.
Anyplace offers top-notch remote work-friendly accommodation in the most beautiful neighborhoods of New York, San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
Where to next? Find monthly rentals designed for remote workers on Anyplace.
