If the contract is not too far away, and even if it is, it's worth a weekend away to drive around the area, find out where you would not want to live, buy a map, get to know the town by districts, so that when you're back home and telephoning b&bs you have some idea where they are and the type of area.

Use Google Earth

Geographical information searches have improved vastly since the advent of GE and it's worth using to see where you'll be working, where you might be living and how far it is between the two, use the ruler from Tools / Ruler. When researching b&bs get the postcode and see where it is by postcode before you even phone them, see how far it is away from work, where are the nearest shops, retail outlets, how far to / from the motorway to get home at weekends.

Book a month ahead

In the first few weeks you'll be reliant on local guest houses because you won't have local knowledge. It will take you that long to get a room even if you find out from fellow employees when you start work, and you need to have somewhere reliable to stay.

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Accept paying over the odds initially

Starting a new contract you won't have first choice of accommodation, you may be pushed up the cost ladder because the cheaper b&bs will be booked ahead long term by other contractors. You will need somewhere to stay while you get your foot in the door at work and gain access to their inhouse noticeboards and obtain local information about rooms to let.

Use the following tools :- Yellow pages | Up my street | Monday to Friday | Travelodge | FMC | ERM | Spare

Travelodge do Saver rooms at £19 although you have to book 21 days ahead. If you plan carefully you can get five nights in a row at the same place, a bit soulless to stay in though.

Find the company notice board, get access to the bulletin board and post a wanted advertisement.

Chances are you'll find a room locally with another employee within a few weeks and be able to halve your costs.