If you’re getting ready to rent an apartment, one of the first choices you’ll face is about furnished vs unfurnished apartments. Which one is right for you?
The answer depends on your lifestyle, budget, and how long you plan to stay. Each option has its pros and cons, but the best fit often comes down to how much flexibility, convenience, or personalization you want.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences between furnished and unfurnished rentals, help you decide which is better for your situation, and walk you through the benefits of a furnished apartment, especially when it comes to saving time and stress during a move.
What Is a Furnished Apartment?
A furnished apartment comes with everything you need to live comfortably. The apartment includes furniture, appliances, and often basic household items like cookware, linens, or even decor. The only things to bring are your clothes and personal items.
Furnished apartments are ideal for:
- People relocating for work
- Students or interns
- Remote workers
- People who need a temporary place to stay while moving between homes
- Anyone wanting a short- or mid-term lease, which typically is between 1 to 6 months
Companies like Properties By Preston offer move-in-ready furnished apartments across many U.S. cities, making transitions easier than ever.
What Is an Unfurnished Apartment?
An unfurnished apartment comes as a blank slate. You’ll typically find only the basics, such as the walls, flooring, lighting, and fixed appliances like a stove or refrigerator. Everything else, like beds, couches, and dining tables, needs to be bought.
Unfurnished rentals are best for:
- Long-term renters
- People who already own furniture
- Renters who want to customize every part of their space
If you’re looking to settle into a permanent home and decorate your way, an unfurnished apartment may give you the control you’re looking for.
Furnished Rentals: Pros and Cons
Pros of Furnished Rentals
Choosing a furnished rental comes with some real advantages, especially if you’re looking for flexibility or convenience. Here are some key benefits to consider:
- Move-In Ready: You don’t need to shop, haul, or assemble anything. It’s all there when you arrive. This is one of the biggest benefits of a furnished apartment, especially for busy professionals or travelers.
- Flexible Lease Terms: Furnished rentals often offer short-term or month-to-month leases, which makes them ideal for people in transition.
- Lower Upfront Costs: Buying furniture can cost thousands. With a furnished apartment, you skip the buying and save money upfront.
- Perfect for Temporary Stays: If you’re in town for a few months or are not sure how long you’ll stay, a furnished rental gives you a comfortable, hassle-free option.
- Ideal for Remote Work: With the right setup, furnished rentals provide everything remote workers need, such as stable Wi-Fi, desk space, and a peaceful environment.
Cons of Furnished Rentals
While furnished rentals are super convenient, here are a few things to know:
- Slightly Higher Monthly Rent: Since the unit includes furniture and items, the rent may be a bit higher than unfurnished places. However, this often balances out with lower move-in costs.
- Limited Decorating Freedom: You won’t be able to fully customize the space since the furniture is already in place.
- Wear and Tear Considerations: Some items may show signs of previous use. Reputable providers, like Properties By Preston, handle upkeep to ensure quality and cleanliness.
These trade-offs are minor for most renters, especially when compared to the time and energy saved by not furnishing an apartment from scratch.
Unfurnished Rentals: Pros and Cons
Pros of Unfurnished Rentals
Unfurnished rentals offer more control and can be a better long-term choice for some renters. Here are a few reasons why people prefer to furnish their own space:
- Full Control Over Decor: You choose every item from furniture to textures to match your taste and lifestyle.
- Usually Lower Monthly Rent: Rent may be lower since the unit doesn’t include furniture or extra amenities. Over time, this can add up to savings.
- Better for Long-Term Plans: If you plan to stay in one place for a year or more, investing in your own furniture may make sense.
Cons of Unfurnished Rentals
While unfurnished rentals can be a great option for some, they do come with a few drawbacks, especially if you’re not planning to stay long-term. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Higher Upfront Costs: You’ll need to buy furniture, kitchenware, linens, and home essentials, often all at once. Even basic setups can cost thousands.
- More Time to Settle In: Moving into an unfurnished apartment isn’t a quick process. You may spend weeks waiting for furniture deliveries, assembling items, or just making the space feel livable.
- Moving Costs Add Up: Renting a truck or hiring movers isn’t cheap. If you’re relocating to another city, long-distance moving becomes a major expense.
- Storage Headaches: If your next move is temporary or you’re downsizing, storing furniture becomes a hassle. Storage units add monthly costs and extra logistics.
- Risk of Wear and Repairs: When the couch or table is yours, so are the repair costs. Damage or wear happens over time, and replacements come out of your pocket, not the landlord’s.
- Limited Flexibility: Life changes quickly. With an unfurnished setup, it’s harder to make a fast move for a new job or an emergency.
For people who value simplicity, these downsides may be deal-breakers. That’s why many renters choose furnished options, especially when moving to a new city or starting a new job.
Who Should Avoid Furnishing Their Own Rental?
Choosing between furnished vs unfurnished apartments isn’t just about rent price. It’s about lifestyle. Some renters are better off avoiding the hassle of buying and moving their own furniture altogether.
Here is a group that benefits more from furnished rentals:
- Frequent Travelers: If you’re often on the move for work or personal reasons, having to move or store furniture every few months just doesn’t make sense. A furnished rental makes it easy to come and go as needed.
- Professionals on Short-Term Contracts: Whether it’s a 3-month work project or a year-long assignment, you probably don’t want to fully furnish a space you’ll only live in temporarily.
- Remote Workers Testing New Cities: If you’re trying out different cities before choosing where to settle, furnished rentals give you the freedom to explore without committing to furniture or long-term leases.
- Students and Interns: Buying furniture for a dorm, off-campus apartment, or internship housing is rarely worth it, especially if you’re only staying for a semester or two.
- First-Time Renters: If you’re just starting out, you may not own much furniture yet. A furnished unit can help you get started without overwhelming costs.
- People Between Homes: Individuals or families who are in a temporary living situation because they are selling their current home and waiting to move into a new one, or dealing with renovations or repairs in their home.
- Military Personnel on Assignment: For service members who move frequently or are stationed temporarily, a furnished apartment offers convenience and stability without a long-term setup.
- Individuals Going Through Life Transitions: Whether you’re going through a divorce, relocating unexpectedly, or recovering from a major life change, furnished rentals make the process smoother with less stress.
For all these scenarios, a furnished apartment is not just a convenience. It’s the smarter and simpler option.
Furnished vs Unfurnished Apartments: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Furnished Apartment | Unfurnished Apartment |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture Provided | Yes (bed, couch, dining table, etc.) | No |
| Kitchen Essentials | Often included (cookware, utensils) | Not included |
| Upfront Costs | Lower (no furniture to buy) | Higher (must purchase all essentials) |
| Monthly Rent | Slightly higher | Often lower |
| Best For | Short stays, relocations, remote work | Long-term renters, permanent setups |
| Move-In Time | Immediate | It can take days or weeks |
| Lease Flexibility | Short or flexible leases | Typically 12+ month leases |
Is Furnishing a Rental Worth It?
That depends on your situation. If you’re staying in one place for a long time and want full control over your space, furnishing it yourself might make sense.
But for many renters, the answer is simple. A furnished apartment is absolutely worth it.
Why?
- You save time, money, and energy.
- You skip the moving hassle.
- You get a place that’s comfortable from day one.
Whether you’re a student, digital nomad, traveling nurse, or someone starting over in a new city, a furnished rental provides peace of mind and built-in convenience.
Choosing What Works for You
When it comes to furnished vs unfurnished rentals, the right answer depends on what matters most to you: flexibility, control, convenience, or long-term savings. Furnished apartments are best if you want less hassle, quicker move-ins, and an easy transition. They’re ideal for people on the go or anyone who prefers simplicity. Unfurnished apartments work better for long-term renters who want to fully customize their home and already own furniture.
No matter what you choose, it helps to work with a trusted provider. If you’re considering a move and want something that’s already set up for comfort, Properties By Preston has fully furnished apartments ready when you are. Contact us today or browse our furnished properties across the U.S. and find your perfect short- or mid-term rental today.
FAQs
1. Can I customize a furnished apartment with my own items?
Usually yes. You can add personal items like decor, throw pillows, or small appliances. Just check with the property manager before removing or replacing existing furniture.
2. How do I know if a furnished apartment includes everything I need?
Ask for a detailed inventory list before signing the lease. Some rentals include just the basics, while others offer kitchenware, linens, and cleaning supplies.
3. Is renters’ insurance required for furnished apartments?
It depends on the lease. Some landlords require it, especially for furnished units. It’s a good idea either way to protect your belongings.
4. Do furnished apartments require a higher security deposit?
Sometimes, yes since the unit contains furniture and items that need protection. However, it varies by property and lease terms.
5. Can I extend my lease if I start with a short-term furnished rental?
In many cases, yes. Flexible leasing is one of the perks. Always ask about extension options when signing your initial agreement.
6. How do I compare pricing between furnished and unfurnished apartments fairly?
Look beyond monthly rent. Factor in furniture costs, moving expenses, setup time, and storage needs. All of which adds up in an unfurnished unit.
7. What should I check during a walk-through of a furnished apartment?
Make sure all furniture and appliances are in good condition. Test lights, water, and major electronics. Take photos of anything worn or damaged and ask for a full list of included items to avoid disputes later.
