Posted on Friday, March 06 2026
The opportunity to move to another country for work can be a fantastic one: Instead of being just a tourist in the new country, you have the chance to settle down and feel like a local. And with a job waiting for you, you’ll already have some built-in contacts and, hopefully, won’t feel like a fish out of water for too long.However, that’s not to say that moving to a whole new country isn’t going to be stressful, especially if you’re moving with family who may not have the same opportunities to work as you do. Recent studies suggest that as much as 40% of international relocations don’t work out: Assignees either quit halfway through, don’t live up to their potential, or refuse further assignments.
It may surprise you to learn that many relocated employees say that corporate housing – furnished temporary homes in their new location – are a big factor in the success of their international assignments.
Here’s how:
Reliability and safety
There’s nothing worse than landing in a new country, with your family in tow, and discovering that the Airbnb apartment you booked online is not what you expected: It’s much smaller than the photos indicated; it’s in a sketchy neighbourhood; the bathrooms don’t work; you can’t find the ‘landlord’; and you suspect there are cameras in the ceiling lights.
Licensed and accredited corporate housing, on the other hand, has to meet higher standards, often on an international basis, so there are no unpleasant surprises – and a customer service department you can contact in the event of any difficulties.
Get to know the neighbourhood before making a commitment
A big challenge for international relocatees is knowing where to live, because this can have such a significant impact on quality of life. Do you want to live downtown, close to the action, or would you be more happy in the suburbs, even if you have to commute to the office? Making a long-term commitment to a particular type of accommodation before you’ve even had a chance to get your feet wet in a new location can make or break the success of an assignment.
Starting your stay in corporate housing gives you choices: Start in the downtown condo and see if you like it, then try the suburban option – or not. Furnished short-term rentals mean that you’re not stuck with a choice you made when you were 2000km away.
You’ve got options
One of the reasons companies and their employees choose Premiere Suites for their international relocations is that our network of over 10,000 furnished suites, homes and townhomes across Canada means that guests have options. Need a studio apartment for the first few weeks, but a three-bedroom townhome for when the rest of the family arrives? No problem! Feel like trying out a new neighbourhood? We can accommodate that, too.
All you need is some clothes and a toothbrush
Furnished corporate rentals are often known as the ‘easy’ option for international relocation, because you can show up with an overnight bag and find that you have everything you need, from kitchen utensils to towels, linens and even toiletries.
You don’t have to pack up your whole life in your home country, fret about logistics or where your furniture is – you can just relax and hit the ground running in your new opportunity. In today’s uncertain global transportation environment, this can be a huge help.
How Premiere Suites can help
As the largest provider of corporate housing in Canada, we’ve worked with thousands of organizations around the world, providing accommodation for employees who are traveling for work or relocating for a few weeks or months. With more than 1500 furnished suites, homes and townhomes across Canada, plus a network of more than 10,000 more furnished residences, we’ve got accommodations to suit just about everyone!