Renting Furnished Vs. Unfurnished: Which One Is Right for You?

You’re on the move again, and the inevitable question bubbles up as you browse through listings: “Is it better to rent fully furnished apartments?”

Indeed, choosing between renting a furnished rental or an unfurnished one can be more than a tad confusing. After all, each one has its merits. However, one might just inch ahead for those seeking ease and practicality. So, which one is it? Let’s size them up. 

Streamlined Living with Furnished Apartments

What you can expect to find in a “furnished” apartment can range a whole lot, depending on your rental agency and location. In general, though, you can expect to find basic furniture like a couch, a bed, a dining table and chairs, and kitchen essentials like pots and pans. Some dwellings might also include a refrigerator, an oven, a TV, and even a washing machine. Other spots can take it up a notch by dishing up more than the usual staples. For instance, the fully furnished apartments from Anyplace come with luxe amenities, such as a fully stocked kitchen, fresh linens, and professional cleaning services. 

If you’re wondering, “Are furnished apartments worth it, then? Here are some benefits and drawbacks to help you decide.

Furnished Apartments: The Pros 

Although the price difference between furnished and unfurnished rentals can be significant, they present unparalleled advantages that more than outweigh this consideration. 

1. Convenience

First off, they’re a no-brainer for convenience. You roll up with your bags, and you’re set—no frantic IKEA runs or puzzling over flat-pack furniture instructions. Having the basic furniture and appliances in place allows you to hit the ground running from day one. 

2. Short-term Flexibility

Another big win is for the short-termers. If you’re in town on a temp gig or just sampling the city life for a few months, “furnished” is the way to go. You live it up without the commitment of buying stuff you’ll have to sell later.

3. Stylish Aesthetics

These places usually have a cohesive look, so you won’t have that college-dorm-meets-garage-sale vibe going on. It’s all curated to look sharp and feel homey right from the jump.

Furnished Apartments: The Cons

While the perks are pretty sweet, there are a few things to consider when it comes to furnished apartments.

1. Less Personalization

With furniture and decor already in place, there’s typically limited room to make the space uniquely yours. If you’re big on expressing yourself through your living space, this could feel like wearing someone else’s “perfectly good,” but not quite “you” outfit. 

2. Wear and Tear

It’s the reality of rental life—furnished apartments come with history, which sometimes means a bit of wear on the furniture. 

However, It’s entirely possible to land a furnished apartment that mirrors your style, has a homey feel, and still looks as inviting and fresh as the city waiting outside your door. The trick lies in selecting a short-term rental provider that understands what exquisite living truly means. With options like Anyplace, you can effortlessly score a place that’s tailored to your tastes, is well-maintained, and ready for your arrival.

Ideal For Time-Savvy Movers 

Furnished apartments are a match for digital nomads, corporate travelers, and relocators looking for temporary housing—in short, anyone with a zest for hassle-free living. No drama on moving day—simply dive straight into exploring your new neighborhood.

The Custom Approach of Unfurnished Apartments

On the other hand, if you’re intent on making personalized choices, this second option may be ideal for you. With unfurnished apartments, you’ll encounter the essentials stripped to the barest minimum. This typically means you’ll have the infrastructure—think lighting fixtures, a bathroom, kitchen plumbing, and, of course, the actual walls, floors, and ceilings. From there, the rest is up to you. 

So, should you entertain the thought of having an unfurnished apartment? Check out their advantages and disadvantages. 

Unfurnished Apartments: The Pros

In the renting furnished vs. unfurnished debate, getting the full picture matters. Let’s now explore what’s cool about choosing the bare-bones route. 

1. Flexibility to Personalize

Unfurnished spaces are all about expressing your unique taste and lifestyle. It’s your call whether to go minimalist or cozy, modern or rustic. You pick out your couch, find the bed that fits just right, and decide if you want a beanbag—or a dozen—to complete the living room. 

2. Sustained Stability

Choosing an unfurnished apartment often signals a commitment to a longer stay, possibly spanning several years. In that case, you’re probably ready to invest effort into personalizing your rental to make it feel like home. It’s also a suitable option for those who already own a collection of furniture and want to create a lasting living space with their personal touch.

Unfurnished Apartments: The Cons

Renting an unfurnished apartment definitely has its negative aspects. These include: 

1. Moving Hassles

Just thinking about the logistics of getting a bed frame up a narrow staircase or squeezing a fridge through a doorway can already be enervating. Not only is moving heavy furniture tough, but it’s also time-consuming and potentially costly if you’re hiring movers. 

2. Time Investment

Setting up an unfurnished apartment isn’t a one-and-done deal. It’s a series of shopping trips, assembly sessions (cue the missing screws), and layout planning. So be prepared that your place won’t feel like home overnight.

3. Long-Term Commitment

With an unfurnished apartment, you’re kind of marrying your space. It’s great if you’re looking to stay put. But if you’re unsure about your long-term plans, all the furniture you buy now might become a burden later.

4. Personal Effort

It’s on you to make that space livable. You’ll be measuring, shopping, installing, and arranging. It’s DIY to the max, which is fine if you’re into that. But it sure is a significant personal investment.

Ideal For Settlers 

Unfurnished apartments fit the bill for those ready to commit substantial resources to setting up a home for the long haul.

Renting Furnished vs Unfurnished: The Verdict 

It’s time to get down to the meat of the matter: Is it better to rent fully furnished apartments or not? The decision between turnkey and blank-slate rentals ultimately boils down to personal preference, lifestyle, and priorities. Do you value ease and efficiency? Or do you place a higher premium on customization and are willing to invest significant time and energy? Whatever the case, there’s a living situation out there that fits you like a glove. So, weigh the pros and cons, do your due diligence, and select the one that matches your circumstances and lifestyle. 

Make the Right Choice with Anyplace

Take the hassle and stress out of deciding between renting furnished vs unfurnished rentals. With Anyplace, you’re sure to snag an apartment that’ll have you feeling right at home from the moment you step in. 

Anyplace is a flexible housing platform where deluxe comforts meet your discriminating taste. Easily fall in love with our vast collection of furnished, move-in-ready luxury apartments in the key cities of San Francisco, San Diego, New York, and Los Angeles. Stay whenever you choose—whether it’s 30 days, 63, or 93 days—minus the bother and complexities of tedious leases. However, be warned: Our lavish amenities, including fully equipped home offices, concierge services, fitness gyms, and coworking spaces, might spoil you for choice. 

Are you seeking the ideal short-term rental that ticks all your boxes? Whatever your needs and preferences are, Anyplace can help you find that one apartment that suits you perfectly.

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Where to next? Find monthly rentals designed for remote workers on Anyplace.