Moving Before December? Your 4-Week Shortlet Accommodation Checklist

December plans have a way of sneaking up on you.

One minute, you're thinking about visiting family, attending events, relocating for work, or spending the holidays somewhere new. The next, you're scrolling through apartment listings, comparing prices, and wondering if you should have started looking weeks ago.

If you're planning to travel or relocate before December, finding accommodation shouldn't be the last thing on your to-do list.

A shortlet can give you a temporary place to stay while you visit family, explore a new city, settle into a new job, or figure out your next move. But finding one that suits your needs takes more than choosing the apartment with the prettiest pictures.

Here's a practical four-week checklist to help you find your next shortlet, compare your options, and confirm the important details before you pay.

Week 1: Decide What You Need

Before you start browsing listings, get clear on what you're looking for.

It's easy to fall in love with a beautiful apartment and forget that it's too far from your destination, outside your budget, or missing something you actually need.

Start with these questions:

Where do you need to stay?

Choose an area based on the purpose of your trip. If you're visiting family, consider the distance to their home. If you're travelling for work, look at your workplace and transport options. If you're relocating, you may want somewhere that makes it easy to explore the neighbourhood before committing to a longer-term home.

How long will you be staying?

Are you booking for a weekend, two weeks, or an entire month? Your intended length of stay will affect which options make sense for your budget.

What can you comfortably afford?

Set a realistic accommodation budget before you start searching. Remember to account for transportation, feeding, and other expenses during your stay.

Also, ask about additional charges that may not be included in the advertised price, such as cleaning fees, caution deposits, or utility costs.

What do you need in the apartment?

Make a list of your essentials. These might include reliable electricity, water, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a kitchen, parking, or adequate security.

Separate your must-haves from the features you'd simply enjoy having.

By the end of Week 1, you should have a preferred location, travel dates, a budget, and a clear list of requirements.

Week 2: Start Your Search and Compare Your Options

Now that you know what you need, it's time to look at what's available.

Start your search early enough to compare several properties instead of rushing into the first available option.

You can use Realestway to begin exploring accommodation options that fit your plans.

As you browse, don't judge a listing by its pictures alone. A beautifully furnished living room won't tell you whether the apartment is conveniently located, whether the electricity arrangements suit your needs, or whether the total cost fits your budget.

Compare your shortlisted properties using these criteria:

- Location: How close is the apartment to the places you'll visit regularly? What are the transport options?

- Total cost: What will you pay for your entire stay, including any additional charges?

- Amenities: Are the facilities you need available and functional?

- Property details: Do the description and photographs give you a clear picture of the accommodation?

- Booking terms: What are the cancellation conditions, check-in times, and deposit requirements?

If you're relocating from abroad or another Nigerian state, ask whether someone you trust can view the property on your behalf or whether the host can arrange a live video walkthrough.

Don't be afraid to compare several options before deciding. The goal is to find accommodation that works for your needs and budget, not simply the one that looks best online.

Week 3: Verify the Details Before You Pay

You've found a few promising apartments. Now comes the part you shouldn't skip.

Before making any payment, confirm that the property and booking arrangements are what you've been told they are.

Confirm the exact property.

Ask whether the photographs show the actual apartment you'll be staying in. Request recent pictures or a video walkthrough if necessary. Where possible, arrange a viewing or have someone you trust inspect the property.

Clarify the full price.

Ask for a breakdown of the amount payable. Confirm the accommodation cost, any caution deposit, cleaning fees, utility charges, and other applicable costs.

If a deposit is refundable, find out what deductions may apply and when you should expect your money back.

Get the booking terms in writing.

Confirm your check-in and check-out dates, arrival time, cancellation policy, refund conditions, and any house rules that could affect your stay.

Verify who you're paying.

Check the identity of the host or property manager and clarify any unexplained differences between their details and the payment recipient's account.

Be cautious if someone pressures you to transfer money immediately, refuses reasonable verification requests, or offers a deal that seems suspiciously cheap.

Keep your messages, agreed terms, booking confirmation, and payment receipts. These records can be important if a disagreement arises later.

Remember: finding an available apartment is only part of the process. You also need to know what you're agreeing to before your money leaves your account.

Week 4: Confirm Your Booking and Prepare for Arrival

With your preferred accommodation selected and the important details verified, it's time to prepare for your stay.

Start by confirming that your booking is final. Save your confirmation, the host's contact details, the property address, and any instructions you'll need to access the apartment.

Then, work through this final checklist:

Confirm your check-in and check-out dates.

Save the full address and directions to the property.

Confirm how you'll collect the keys or gain entry.

Save the host's contact details and an alternative contact if available.

Reconfirm the amenities included in your booking.

Make sure you understand the house rules.

Keep your payment receipt and booking confirmation accessible.

Arrange transportation to the property.

Confirm any outstanding payment or deposit requirements.

Keep essential travel documents and personal belongings ready.

If you're arriving late or travelling a long distance, confirm that someone will be available to help you check in.

Once you arrive, inspect the apartment and test the essential facilities. Take photographs or videos of its condition and report any existing damage or problems to the host promptly, preferably in writing.

A little preparation can make the difference between arriving ready to settle in and spending your first evening trying to resolve avoidable problems.

Don't Leave Your December Accommodation to the Last Minute

Whether you're visiting family, travelling for an event, relocating for work, or spending the holidays in another city, your accommodation deserves a place on your planning list.

Starting early gives you more time to compare options, ask questions, and make a decision without unnecessary pressure.

You don't have to choose the most expensive apartment or book the first attractive listing you find. You need a place that fits your plans, meets your essential requirements, and comes with clear booking terms.