As autumn projects ramp up across the UK and Ireland, many project managers face a familiar problem: teams are mobilised quickly, but accommodation isn’t yet in place. Last-minute bookings often lead to spiralling costs, logistical headaches, and stressed-out workers.
At Trade Stays, we’ve seen this time and time again, and we know that with the right approach, you can keep your project on track without blowing the budget.
Why Autumn Projects Often Mean Last-Minute Bookings
September signals a busy period in industries like construction, engineering, and energy. Deadlines tighten after summer, projects kick off, and mobilisation happens fast. The result? Accommodation often becomes an afterthought, which leaves teams scrambling to secure housing just days before work begins.
It’s tempting to think “we’ll sort accommodation later,” but the reality is stark:
- Last-minute bookings can swallow 20–30% of project budgets.
- Teams end up spread across multiple hotels, wasting time on commutes.
- Worker satisfaction and productivity dip when housing isn’t fit for purpose.
In other words, poor planning can cost you money and morale.
5 Ways to Avoid Overspending on Last-Minute Accommodation
✅ Plan for flexibility – Even if exact team numbers aren’t confirmed, secure block options that can flex up or down.
✅ Think beyond hotels – Short-term lets often give you more space, lower costs, and better worker satisfaction.
✅ Look at total costs, not just nightly rates – Factor in Wi-Fi, parking, utilities, and VAT.
✅ Choose providers with in-house stock – A wider network means faster placements and fewer compromises.
✅ Don’t delay communication – Loop in your workforce early, gather their needs, and avoid mismatches that cost more to fix later.
How Trade Stays Can Help
With our UK-wide network of 35,000+ properties, we specialise in securing accommodation for contractors and project teams, often within 24 hours.
That means no last-minute panic, no hidden charges, and housing solutions that scale with your project.
Conclusion
Autumn is one of the busiest times for workforce accommodation, but it doesn’t have to mean budget overruns. By planning smartly and working with a specialist provider, you can house your team quickly, cost-effectively, and comfortably.
👉 If you need accommodation for your project team this month, our team can usually have you placed in under 24 hours.,