You might think that the cost of furnishing an apartment is set in stone, but several factors can influence how much you’ll have to spend.
Sure, you’ve accounted for all the big things—a bed, a sofa, a dining set—but what if you work from home? Do you already have the perfect posture-friendly chair and an ideal height-adjustable desk? And then there are the smaller details like curtains or artwork to hang on your walls. All these things can add up.
In this article, we’ll break down how much it really costs to furnish an apartment, how various factors can affect how much you pay, common mistakes to avoid, and a couple of alternatives to spending on furniture and home appliances.
Furnished vs. Unfurnished Apartment: What’s the Difference?
If you happen to work remotely or you’re always on the go, then turnkey apartments might be just what you need. These move-in-ready accommodations are supplied with all the basic necessities, such as furniture, appliances, kitchenware, linens, and more.
Depending on how much the landlord is willing to include, a furnished apartment will look more like a lived-in home than a bare unit. If you’re looking for sublets designed especially for productivity, Anyplace’s apartments come with equipped workspaces you won’t find elsewhere.
On the other hand, an unfurnished apartment can be perfect for families or individuals who intend to stick around for a little while longer. Starting from a pretty blank slate, except for a few basic items such as window treatments and carpeting, you can deck these out according to your specific needs and preferences.
So How Much Does It Cost to Furnish an Apartment?
If you’re sure you want to furnish your apartment, how much can you expect to pay?
The average cost to furnish a one-bedroom apartment ranges from $4500 to $9000. Of course, this number can be much lower or higher depending on how luxurious you want your space to be.
But wait—a friend, family member, or acquaintance just furnished a new apartment for much more than the average we just mentioned. What gives?
Two main factors influence how much it will cost to furnish your apartment:
1. Size
Unless you’re a very dedicated minimalist, more space simply means more furniture. A one-bedroom apartment may require two couches, a few chairs, and a kitchen table, while a two-bedroom apartment will likely include an armchair or two and, perhaps, even an additional dining set.
2. Location
Bigger cities like New York or San Francisco tend to be more expensive than smaller towns. This includes both the furniture itself, as well as the moving and delivery costs. Of course, such cities often have more amenities—such as nearby laundromats, gyms, grocery stores, and more—that make it possible to skip some items, such as a washer, dryer, or treadmill.
Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Furnishing an Apartment
So why is it that some people spend way more than the average cost to furnish their apartments?
There are a hundred little ways to blow your budget on furniture, but here are the five biggest mistakes to avoid if you want to keep your costs down:
1. Overbuying
You don’t need a full living room set for a one-bedroom apartment, and two chairs will do just fine in place of a big sectional sofa. Think realistically about how much space you have, what you need, and how much use each piece of furniture will get.
2. Skimping on Quality
Remember, buying quality over quantity is key when it comes to furnishing an apartment. Investing in furniture that won’t break down after a few months—or lose too much of its resale value if you ever need to move—is the way to go.
3. Forgetting About Your Home Office
It’s easy to get lost in a million and one details and totally forget that you actually need dedicated office space—and the things that go along with it. Whether you’re a digital nomad or commute to work, having a home office is an absolute must. So make sure you plan and budget for personal workspace essentials, such as a Wi-Fi router, webcam accessories, an ergonomic chair and table, and a whole lot more.
4. Not Measuring
You’ll want to make sure there’s enough space for the furniture you’re getting, so don’t forget to measure how much room you have in your apartment before making a purchase. This can help prevent awkward moments when the furniture arrives at an apartment that’s too small for it—or worse, won’t fit through the door!
5. Not Exploring Other Options
Shopping for furnishings can be super exciting. So it’s understandable if you get carried away and make it your sole aim to wipe out the stores’ inventories of furniture and home accessories. But what if there are better options out there?
Don’t be afraid to take your time and think things through. With a bit of digging, you might even find more suitable alternatives that match your lifestyle to a T.
Alternatives to Furnishing an Apartment
Didn’t know there would be so much involved in furnishing an apartment, huh? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few alternatives to furnishing your own apartment:
1. Renting furniture
If you’re not planning on sticking around long-term, renting furniture may be a solid option for you.
2. Buying second-hand
Garage sales, thrift stores, pawn shops, online marketplace, and flea markets are great places to get furniture. Just make sure to inspect everything thoroughly before buying—you don’t want to bring home any unwanted surprises!
3. Renting a furnished apartment
What do furnished apartments include, you ask? A typical furnished apartment comes complete with furniture, linens, kitchen appliances, and more. All of the big stuff is already taken care of, which means you can focus on making your apartment feel like home.
Or Better Yet, Get a Furnished Apartment with Anyplace
At Anyplace, all of our furnished apartments come with everything remote workers and business travelers need to live and work in style, including lightning-quick WiFi and a home office setup.
Our accommodations in some of the biggest remote working hubs in the world, like Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, and San Francisco, also include everything you need to get settled in and start work right away. And Anyplace perks include laundry services, gym, and coworking passes, and a fully functional workspace, so you can stay comfortable and get productive in a matter of minutes. And if you’re not sure the length of time you’ll need the apartment, no worries—you can book for 30 days or longer with flexible stay options.
Start living the remote working life you’ve always wanted with Anyplace. Get in touch today to find out how we can make your dream of a hassle-free move come true.
Where to next? Find monthly rentals designed for remote workers on Anyplace.
