If you’re moving into a new place but don’t want the hassle of buying furniture, a furnished apartment could be your perfect solution. For many renters, especially those with a transient life style or who prefer convenience, furnished apartments offer flexibility and a stress-free experience. Whether you’re relocating for work, school, or just want an easier move, furnished apartments can simplify your life.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into what furnished apartments are, the benefits they offer, how they compare to unfurnished rentals, and tips for finding the best one for your needs.
Quick Summary
A furnished apartment is a rental that comes with essential furniture and appliances. These apartments are perfect for those looking for convenience, short-term stays, or people who want to avoid the hassle of buying and moving furniture. While rent may be higher, furnished apartments save you upfront costs and are easier to move into. You’ll typically find furnished rentals in cities, tourist areas, and near universities. When choosing between short-term and long-term furnished rentals, consider flexibility, costs, and your personal needs.
Types of Furnished Apartments
Furnished apartments come in different forms depending on your needs. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common types:
Fully Furnished Apartments
A fully furnished apartment comes with everything you need to live comfortably. This includes all the major furniture (like a bed, couch, dining table, etc.), kitchen appliances, and often basic housewares like dishes and utensils. It’s pretty much a move-in-ready solution.
Semi-Furnished Apartments
A semi-furnished apartment typically includes the essentials, such as major appliances (fridge, stove) and possibly some larger furniture items like a bed and couch. However, you’ll likely need to bring your own smaller items like kitchenware, curtains, and sometimes even a mattress.
Luxury Furnished Apartments
These are upscale apartments designed for those seeking premium comfort. Along with furniture, luxury furnished apartments often include high-end electronics, designer decor, premium bedding, and top-of-the-line appliances. They may also come with extra amenities like housekeeping or concierge services.
Corporate Apartments
Corporate apartments are furnished units meant for business travelers or professionals. They’re typically available for short-term leases and come equipped with everything you’d need for an extended stay. Many of these apartments also include services like high-speed internet and laundry.
Benefits of Living in a Furnished Apartment
There are tons of reasons why people opt for furnished apartments, but here are some of the biggest perks:
Convenience and Time-Saving
One of the biggest advantages of renting a furnished apartment is convenience. You don’t have to worry about buying, moving, or assembling furniture. Just pack your clothes, move in, and you’re ready to live!
Perfect for Short-Term Stays
If you’re only in town for a short period—say, for an internship, school term, or work assignment—a furnished apartment saves you from the hassle of buying furniture only to sell it later. It’s ideal for those who need a place for a few months to a year.
Lower Upfront Costs
Moving is already expensive, but buying furniture adds an extra financial burden. Furnished apartments eliminate the need to shell out thousands on sofas, beds, and kitchen essentials upfront.
Flexibility for Nomadic Lifestyles
For people who like to move frequently, whether for work or personal reasons, furnished apartments provide the flexibility to relocate easily. This is perfect for digital nomads, remote workers, or anyone who thrives on change and adventure.
Stress-Free Relocation
Moving across the country or internationally? Furnished apartments make relocation way less stressful. Since everything is provided, you only need to worry about packing your personal items, and you’re good to go.
Common Features and Amenities
What can you expect when moving into a furnished apartment? Here’s a list of common features and amenities that are often included:
Essential Furniture
The basics, such as a bed, sofa, dining table, closet and chairs, are usually provided. Some furnished apartments may even include desks or bookshelves in the bedroom.
Kitchen Appliances and Utensils
Most furnished apartments come with all the kitchen necessities, such as a fridge, stove, microwave, pots, pans, plates, and cutlery. Some might even include coffee makers, toasters, or blenders.
Bedding and Towels
Many furnished apartments come with fresh linens and towels, especially if they cater to short-term stays. Some high-end furnished apartments may even provide luxury bedding.
Electronics
A furnished apartment often includes electronics like television, internet routers, and sometimes even gaming consoles or smart home devices.
Utilities
In some cases, utilities (water, electricity, internet) are included in the rent, making it easier to manage your monthly budget.
Rental Agreements and Terms
The lease terms for furnished apartments tend to be more flexible than for unfurnished units. Here’s what you should know:
Short-Term Leases
Most furnished apartments offer shorter lease terms—think anywhere from a month to six months. This makes them ideal for temporary housing, internships, or extended vacations.
Long-Term Leases
Though not as common, you can also find long-term leases for furnished apartments, particularly in cities with high demand for flexible housing options.
Higher Rent
Furnished apartments typically come with higher rent than unfurnished ones due to the convenience and extra amenities they provide. However, when you factor in the cost of furniture and appliances, the overall price may still be competitive.
Cost Comparison: Furnished vs. Unfurnished
When comparing furnished to unfurnished apartments, it’s essential to look beyond just the monthly rent:
Furnished Apartment Costs
- Higher Rent: Furnished apartments tend to have higher rent, but that’s because they include all the furniture and sometimes even utilities.
- No Upfront Furniture Costs: While you pay more monthly, you won’t need to buy furniture, kitchenware, or even electronics.
- Lower Moving Costs: No need for movers or rental trucks—just pack your personal belongings.
Unfurnished Apartment Costs
- Lower Rent: Unfurnished apartments typically come with a lower rent price, but you’ll need to furnish the entire space yourself.
- Furniture Investment: Expect to spend a significant amount on furniture, appliances, and other home essentials.
- Flexibility to Personalize: You have the freedom to decorate and furnish the space to your liking, but this also adds time and costs to your move.
Suitable Locations for Furnished Apartments
Furnished apartments are more common in certain locations, so knowing where to look is key:
Urban Centers
Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco are hotbeds for furnished apartments. These cities attract business professionals, students, and travelers who often need short-term housing.
College Towns
Furnished apartments are a popular choice for college students who may only need housing during the academic year. These are usually located near universities and come with shorter lease terms.
Tourist Areas
In popular tourist destinations or vacation spots, furnished apartments are often available for short-term rental to cater to visitors.
Corporate Hubs
Cities with large corporate presences, such as Seattle or Austin, often have an abundance of corporate housing options. These fully furnished rentals cater to business travelers and professionals.
Duration of Stay Options
One of the great things about furnished apartments is their flexibility when it comes to how long you can stay.
Short-Term Rentals
If you’re looking for a temporary stay of a few weeks or months, many furnished apartments offer month-to-month leases. This is perfect for people on business trips, in-between moves, or traveling for extended periods.
Long-Term Rentals
Some furnished apartments offer leases for six months to a year or longer. This could be ideal if you’re new to a city and want time to settle before committing to buying furniture or a more permanent housing option.
How to Find a Furnished Apartment
Finding the perfect furnished apartment takes a bit of research, but here are some ways to get started:
Online Rental Platforms
Websites like Apartments.com, Zillow, and Furnished Finder make it easy to search for furnished apartments in your area. You can filter by location, rent, and lease terms to find options that fit your needs.
Real Estate Agents
In some cities, working with a real estate agent might be helpful. They have access to listings that might not be available online and can help negotiate terms.
Word of Mouth
Ask friends, coworkers, or family members if they know of any furnished apartments available. Sometimes the best deals aren’t advertised online.
Moving In: What to Expect
So you’ve found your dream furnished apartment—what happens next?
Inspect the Furniture and Amenities
Before you sign the lease, make sure to inspect the apartment’s furniture and amenities. Check for any damage or wear and tear, and document it to avoid disputes when moving out.
Understand the Lease Terms
Make sure you fully understand the lease terms, including rent, utilities, and maintenance policies. Are utilities included? Who is responsible for repairs? Make sure you get everything in writing.
Tips for Short-Term vs. Long-Term Rentals
Depending on the length of your stay, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Short-Term Rentals
- Look for Flexibility: Choose a place with flexible lease terms, especially if your plans may change.
- Consider Utilities: Short-term rentals often include utilities, so check if that’s part of your rent.
Long-Term Rentals
- Negotiate Rent: For long-term rentals, you may have more leverage to negotiate rent, especially if you’re signing a year-long lease.
- Furniture Quality: Ensure the furniture is durable and comfortable for a long stay since you’ll be using it every day.
