Furnished or unfurnished? This is the question you need to ask yourself when you’re beginning to look for an apartment. And knowing the answer to this is much more important than you think.
For one, it’s a financial question. You need to buy new furniture if you choose an unfurnished place and you don’t have any. But, it’s also a question of logistics when it comes to moving. Which pieces of furniture will you need to take with you and which ones get left behind?
Read on for valuable tips and information to help you decide this dilemma.
What’s the Difference Between Furnished and Unfurnished
Of course, the exact furnishing of each rental property varies. Some will have more basic furniture than others. Generally, when we talk about furnished and unfurnished apartments, this is what we mean:
- Unfurnished: Unfurnished apartments are limited to nominal fixtures and appliances. Window coverings, basic kitchen and bathroom fixtures, a fridge, and a cooker are usually included. However, you won’t find much else in an unfurnished apartment.
- Furnished: On the other hand, a furnished apartment will have more than the basic amenities. It may come with a bed, sofa, and storage solutions. Often, a furnished apartment will also have cups and cutlery ready for you when you move.
- Semi-furnished: Of course, how furnished an apartment depends on the landlord and property type. You can also get an apartment that only has a bed and a sofa, and nothing else. That’s what we call a semi-furnished apartment.
Why Rent an Unfurnished Apartment
If you already have lots of furniture that you don’t want to part with, this is an easy choice to make.
But even if you don’t have furniture yet, you can consider choosing an unfurnished apartments for rent. These three advantages are worth considering.
1. Renting Unfurnished Can Be Cheaper in the Long Run
Although buying furniture is no small expense, the price you pay upfront can help you reduce your overall expenses. Often, unfurnished apartments cost less, because there’s less insurance and liability for the landlord.
2. You’re More Likely to Get Your Deposit Back
A lot of people lose their deposits because they accidentally break or damage the landlord’s furniture. However, if you break your own furniture, you’re not liable for it. Plus, you have a better chance of getting your deposit back.
3. You Can Decorate the Apartment in Your Style
Making your apartment comfortable is easier if you’re the one buying the furniture. You can decorate it in your style and truly create a home for yourself.
Who Should Rent an Unfurnished Apartment
- Anyone who already owns their own furniture
- Anyone who wants to make their living space feel like a home
- Long-term lessees
- Families or pet owners
Why Rent a Furnished Apartment
Just like unfurnished apartments, furnished places have a lot of advantages too. If you don’t own any furniture yet, it’s a lot easier just to rent a place that gives you all the amenities to make your life comfortable.
1. Convenience When You Move
Less furniture means fewer things to move. No need to break your back by lifting a couch or bubble-wrapping a TV. You can move quickly and comfortably. Not to mention how much cheaper your moving expenses will be.
2. Flexibility
If you own furniture, you’re more likely to stay at your apartment longer. After all, who wants to move often and take their couch with them wherever they go?
However, if you rent a furnished apartment, you’ll be less tied down. If your living situation changes, you can easily move out and find another furnished place to call home.
3. Lower Initial Cost
Of course, if you don’t have any furniture and you choose a furnished place, you can save hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars. This can also significantly decrease your move-in costs.
Who Should Rent a Furnished Apartment
- Short-term lessees
- Overseas tenants
- Young professionals looking to live with roommates
Negotiate Your Rent Based on Furniture
No matter what you decide, you need to discuss it with your landlord. Make an inventory that lists what’s yours and what’s your landlord’s property.
Sometimes, you can even negotiate your rent based on what furniture you need. Yes, you can pay less rent every month if the apartment doesn’t come with everything you want, and you can convince your landlord.
If you want a couch in a semi-furnished apartment, you can include that in your offer or lease renewal agreement. Alternatively, if you want your landlord to remove a piece of furniture, you can also negotiate that.
Both furnished and unfurnished apartments have their pros and cons. Since every apartment, landlord, lease, and furniture is different, you have plenty of options to find the perfect place for you.
We hope you found this blog post Should You Rent a Furnished or an Unfurnished Apartment? useful. Be sure to check out our post Apartment Hunting 101: How Much Rent Can You Afford? for more great tips!
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