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Original poster

Homeless in a travelodge - any tips???

176 replies

Mooovingonout · 10/12/2022 07:27

Anyone have any advice?

Currently staying in a travelodge as my landlord sold the house and we couldn't find anywhere else to rent.

Any tips to make this whole ordeal better???

The hotel floor we're on stinks of weed. Constant doors opening at night and running in halls. Kids are asleep and oblivious thankfully

OP posts:
Onnabugeisha · 23/12/2022 18:25

ds15 is year 11 so really don't want to disrupt his education

Im sorry I’ve only read your posts OP but wanted to mention please inform the school that you are homeless. Your DS will be entitled to an extenuating circumstance letter to go with his exam results as this will likely impact how well he does on GCSE mocks next month and the exams in May/June.

mamabear715 · 23/12/2022 19:01

No advice, @Mooovingonout , just wanted to send hugs & to hope you have the best Christmas you can possibly have in the circumstances. x

LizzieVereker · 23/12/2022 19:10

Hi OP, I’ve PMd you.

I’ll also put this here though, as it might help others too, lots of restaurants and supermarket cafes are still doing kids eat free. A lady in Morrisons today had two kids tucking into a lovely hot meal and she was saying it’s been so helpful to her. All the best x
Kids eat free

MeridianB · 23/12/2022 19:13

So glad they kicked the weed smoker out. What is wrong with people?!

I hope you get some peace and decent sleep.

Morgysmum · 23/12/2022 19:44

Have you contacted Shelter? They are around to help you, did you get a eviction notice, that you could take to the council. That way they will help you. But definitely try shelter.
I hope you get help, our landlord has sold our house too, I am just hoping this doesn't happen to us.

America12 · 23/12/2022 19:51

@Mooovingonout some councils will act as a guarantor , they have arrangements with local landlords.
Have you seen the Too Good to Go app ? Might be useful.

America12 · 23/12/2022 19:52

PS hope you get something soon.

OldFan · 23/12/2022 19:55

did you get a eviction notice, that you could take to the council.

@Morgysmum It seems the council put OP in a Travelodge.
I imagine it's an improvement on the Council B&B's I've known when it comes to size etc. They were grim.

But I hope you get something better soon @Mooovingonout x

Fleurdaisy · 23/12/2022 20:02

OP, I’m really sorry you and your family are in this awful situation.

As a PP has said “Social housing comes with no carpets or flooring of any any kind, no blinds, no curtains, not even curtain poles, no white goods.”

IF you find yourself in this situation you can be nominated to 52Lives — Jaime Thurston is an expert at getting homes carpeted, fitted out and decorated! I would be very happy to nominate you so feel free to contact me any time.

I hope you and your family find a new home soon. 💐

AllyArty · 23/12/2022 20:06

That's awful for you all. Just keep telling yourself it will pass, everything passes.

Hmm1234 · 23/12/2022 20:07

To use in a hotel room!? What planet are you living on

Woman81 · 23/12/2022 20:19

Hi not sure how late this info is but I can see some really useful info has already been posted however for what it’s worth, if you can get to a South Indian temple they also serve nutritious vegetarian food for free in the evenings, sending the universe positive wishes for you and your children. Stay positive and strong.

owdlass · 23/12/2022 20:23

Samaritans Helpline is available all day and night, and you could just phone them 116 123, It's free, from ANY phone. They can provide a listening ear. Don't be thinking that it's only for specialised problems.. And good luck to you, they may be able to suggest something, at least.

AdoraBell · 23/12/2022 20:56

Just seen this thread. OP I’m sorry you are in this position and I really hope you get some proper safe housing soon.

CheshireCat1 · 23/12/2022 21:03

There’s a good book that you may like to try “The No-Cook Cookbook” it’s full of recipes that don’t need heat to cook. It’s designed for kids learning to cook but it has some great recipes and will help pass the days until you get a home.
I hope things improve for you soon, it’s an awful situation to be in.

AliceOlive · 23/12/2022 21:13

I’ve spent ages in hotels but only for work. I found that terribly wearing and can only imagine how tough this is for you.

I started draping fabrics like scarves over things (lamps, tables) to make it feel less industrial. Might sound silly but it helped my mood.

If you encounter the bad smells again, little bowls of vinegar will help absorb them.

AvocadoRock · 23/12/2022 21:47

I hope you manage to have a lovely Christmas despite the circumstances. I work for a LA in Housing and we have so many families in the same situation at the moment. I've never known it like this before and each and every case saddens me.
Do keep working with your housing officer and report any concerns you may have.
I hope you find somewhere to call home soon. Xx

cocodeluxe · 23/12/2022 21:49

Hi, the LA have to put you into self contained with your own cooking facilities by 6 weeks of being placed. If they don't they are acting illegally. They also can't move you out of the area due to school and your health conditions. If you can, get some legal housing advice. You can check online if you're eligible for legal help through the Legal Aid Agency. The Shelter website also has lots of useful information and advice. Good luck and don't be palmed off.

Frequency · 23/12/2022 22:08

www.amazon.co.uk/Ona-Gel-Pro-1-Liter/dp/B00AC1N4DM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2UEWPPCJMEVX9&keywords=ona%2Bgel&qid=1671833182&sprefix=%2Caps%2C89&sr=8-1&th=1

This will get rid of the weed smell. It's expensive but it works. It's used by people who grow it to absorb the smell from their plants when they're in flower.

Peppermint, cloves, and sandalwood also help to mask the smell.

I hope the New Year brings you better luck, OP.

ThereIbledit · 23/12/2022 22:26

I hope you manage to have some nice times over this next week or so. Please do take your friends and families up on whatever offers they make. Somebody mentioned south indian temples - I'd add specifically that Sikh, and Buddhist temples often do hot meals every day for whoever needs them, don't have to be their religion.

CountessWindyBottom · 23/12/2022 22:27

I didn’t want to read and run. I hope you and your family find a suitable home soon. The kids will be fine and are happy once they’re loved and have a parent present. I hope everything works out soon 💕

Kennykenkencat · 23/12/2022 22:37

Mooovingonout · 22/12/2022 07:57

Thanks everyone, your advice is really helpful and I do appreciate it.

With regards to renting - we tried, I failed the credit checks. We need a guarantor who earns at least £35k, we don't know anyone. Our joint income is £30k, haven't included Ds as I'm worried about affordability when he decides to move out. There's also the chance of future landlords selling up and us being in this situation again.

This hotel is on a bus route to dc's schools so lucky in that aspect, ds15 is able to get the bus to see friends.

Personally I would include his salary just to get somewhere more quickly.
If you can get somewhere that your employed Ds can have a bit of private space. Maybe make a mini “flatlet” from the main bedroom that can be split into bedroom/living room and small kitchenette that has a sink, microwave, kettle etc and it might keep him living at home for longer and when he eventually leaves one of the younger ones will be in work and can have the room.
What might look affordable on 3 salaries but less affordable on 2 salaries now. In a few years time things change and it might seem very affordable on 2 salaries

Atm I would think it can get very expensive very quickly when you don’t have a place to call home.

Donnaslayer · 23/12/2022 22:43

I know it's not great but think of the positives like the Free Heating at this time of year too, have it as hot as you like! Enjoy super long hot showers for all instead of sink washes to save on the gas bill, hopefully you have a bath too so nice long hot soaks for all instead of like us all sharing the same bath water at home. Free cleaner on hand to hoover etc and nice clean sheets and towels will save you a bit of money on laundry. Hand-wash clothes and dry on the radiator. Also the tea, coffee and biscuits are a bonus. About the weed, complain to management. No one is allowed to smoke inside or even vape, surely they can clearly smell which room its coming from to know who is doing it x

OldFan · 23/12/2022 22:46

Maybe make a mini “flatlet” from the main bedroom that can be split into bedroom/living room and small kitchenette that has a sink, microwave, kettle etc

@Kennykenkencat And you will be giving OP the money for this conversion I assume? :) And you know of a landlord that would be happy with someone doing this to a place they are renting? Who?

OldFan · 23/12/2022 22:58

What might look affordable on 3 salaries but less affordable on 2 salaries now. In a few years time things change and it might seem very affordable on 2 salaries

Rent hardly ever goes down does it , and salaries don't go up that much. This would be a real gamble when it's something as important as a roof over one's head. Have you had one too many glasses of mulled wine or something?