Apartment hunting is fun, right? Well, at least it should be. The excitement of stepping into this new chapter in your life should overlook the stressful process that moving can be. That’s not the case all the time, though. Whether you’re a first-time renter or this is your second or even third rodeo, you want the smoothest and easiest transition. For this reason, you may want to consider a fully furnished apartment. It’s a more convenient process and can save you time and money in the long run. Even still, is this option really best for you? Here is everything to consider before renting a furnished apartment.

How To Know if a Furnished Apartment Is Right for You

While furnished apartments are convenient for some, they’re not meant for everyone. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to find out if this housing option is best for you.

How long do you plan on staying?

Furnished apartments are typically ideal for short-term stays, such as temporary work assignments, extended vacations, or transitional periods between permanent residences. If you plan on staying in a location for only a few months to a year, opting for a furnished apartment can save you the hassle and expense of moving bulky furniture multiple times.

Do you have enough furniture to furnish an empty apartment?

If you lack essential furniture pieces or are unwilling to invest in furnishing an entire apartment, choosing a furnished unit can offer immediate comfort and functionality without the need for additional purchases. This is especially beneficial for individuals or families who are relocating to a new area and need a quick and convenient housing solution.

How committed are you to your location?

Furnished apartments cater well to individuals or families who are committed to a specific location for a predetermined period. Whether you’re exploring a new city, completing a short-term work project, or attending a temporary educational program, furnished apartments provide the flexibility and comfort needed for your stay.

The Pros of Renting a Furnished Apartment

Just like with any decision you make, renting a furnished apartment comes with its pros and cons. Here are the pros of renting a furnished space.

Moving is easier and less time-consuming.

Thanks to a fully furnished apartment, moving is a lot easier and less time-consuming. Typically, the process consists of loading and unloading heavy furniture in and out of a moving truck repeatedly until all of your items are settled in your new home. Carefully moving furniture and properly fitting it into your new place takes time. With a fully furnished apartment, you can say goodbye to those worries. You’ll save double the time it takes so that you can apply that time elsewhere.

It can be cheaper.

Hiring a moving team and buying furniture is expensive as is. Now, spending money on furniture is one less thing you have to worry about. With everything provided in a fully furnished apartment, you can focus on settling into your new city and enjoying your living arrangements without the added financial strain or logistical challenges.

It’s more flexible.

The average lease for a furnished place is short-term. This flexibility is perfect for those who are always on the move. Whether you’re relocating because you work remotely and want to explore a new area or you have a hard time committing to one location, it’s much more convenient when you don’t have to carry around furniture.

Cons of Renting a Furnished Apartment

With every pro, there’s a con.

It’s missing your personal touch.

You won’t get the privilege of personalizing your space with furniture already there. You also don’t have a say in the furniture type, color choice, or how they all work together for an aesthetically pleasing home that fits you. So, you’ll have to manage with what’s there and decorate around that. Think of it as elevating a space that has already set the foundation.

The pieces could be low quality.

Assuming your specific apartment has been rented prior to your move-in, the furniture may not be in tip-top shape. It’s likely the pieces have lost their sparkle and don’t shine like they used to, as they’ve been used, damaged, or are dirty. Before you sign your lease, speak with the landlord about the maintenance and upkeep of the furniture.

Your renting costs can increase.

In a fully furnished space, you’re not only paying for the actual apartment but the furniture in it, too. This can result in higher fees across the board. Higher deposits, monthly rent prices, and other fees can be added on due to furniture.

It’s not as common as unfurnished apartments.

There aren’t as many furnished apartments as there are unfurnished apartments. This means you’ll have fewer places to browse while apartment hunting. As a result, you may have to compromise on things that really matter, to you such as preferred location or pricing. Filter your search to ensure you’re getting results that accommodate your needs.