Furnished vs. Unfurnished Apartments - what's best for your lifestyle?
When scrolling through some of our awesome MedsHousing listings, you may have noticed that some are listed as “furnished”. This week, we're breaking down what a furnished apartment is, and how it can contribute to your personal experience as a tenant:
What is a furnished apartment?
A furnished apartment is an apartment that comes readily equipped with all of the basic amenities that you might need to live comfortably straight out of your suitcases. In practice, this can mean different things, and can range from furniture only to fully equipped kitchens and bathrooms. Sometimes, you might even luck out and get an apartment that is both fully furnished and decorated, allowing you to feel at home - instantly!
Furnished apartments can be incredible for some kinds of renters for a few reasons.
1. Furnished apartments come with lower upfront costs, especially if you're moving without furniture of your own.
No need to look for the perfect couch, a table to fit your space, or seating for guests - it's all taken care of! This means lower move-in costs for you, but bear in mind that furnished apartments can command higher rents.
2. Fully furnished apartments make moving easy.
Especially for cross-country residency moves, there's no need to figure out storage, shipping, or moving expenses in either city. Simply board your flight, and head out!
3. Perfect for short-term rentals
Furnishing an apartment that you love takes a ton of commitment. Investing in quality pieces, researching decor that you love, and putting a space together takes time that may not feel worth it to those renting for only a relatively short time.
Additionally, this applies to those moving out for the first time - if you don't need to make the upfront investment in a ton of furniture you may not love, you can save up for when you're ready to commit to a longer-term living situation
Of course, there are some renters for whom a furnished unit isn't necessarily the best fit. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
1. Rent can be more expensive
Because of the added convenience afforded by a fully-furnished apartment, the rents commanded can be higher! This is something to consider when planning out your budget - and it can be useful to consider if the additional cost of rent offsets your furniture costs (or not!).
2. It's not your furniture to damage
When it's your own couch, spilling a glass of wine is an inconvenience. In a furnished apartment, that can be the difference between keeping or losing your security deposit! Depending on your level of comfort with home care and maintenance, it can be worth considering this factor when making your decision.
3. You may need to think smaller!
If you have already invested in some quality pieces that you're unwilling to let go of, you may need to think about where to put them in a furnished apartment. If your furniture has a lot of practical or sentimental value to you, definitely consider whether or not a furnished rental is truly the best fit for you!
