The Pros and Cons of Furnished vs. Unfurnished Apartments

When it comes to renting an apartment, there are several options and locations to choose from. Trying to decide what apartment to rent can be quite a daunting task. While some may want to fully decorate their own apartment, other tenants may opt for finding an apartment that is already furnished. If you’re still on the fence about whether you should rent a furnished or unfurnished apartment, check out our helpful guide to make your decision a little easier.

What is a Furnished Rental?

A furnished apartment comes with all the items needed to live comfortably. This includes both big items, such as a bed, dresser, table, and couch, and smaller items, such as kitchen appliances and other basic household appliances. Some furnished apartments may also already be fully decorated.

As a rule of thumb, a furnished apartment should include the following: 

1.     Bedroom: Should come equipped with a bed, a nightstand with lamp, a dresser, and often a desk
2.     Bathroom: Should have a curtain, trash can, and a floor mat.
3.     Dining area: Should have a table and chairs
4.     Living Room: Should come equipped with at minimum a couch, table, and lamp
5.     Kitchen: Should have all appliances, as well as be fully stocked with utensils, dishes, glassware, and pots and pans

What is an Unfurnished Rental?

An unfurnished apartment is exactly how it sounds – it will not include any furniture upon moving in. This means that you will need to bring or buy all of your furniture and household appliances. In some cases, unfurnished apartments will still come with essential kitchen appliances, such as the fridge and stove.

What is the Price Difference Between Furnished vs. Unfurnished Rentals?

One common question that is asked is about the price difference between renting a furnished versus unfurnished apartment. Typically, furnished apartments will run around 15 to 20 percent more than an unfurnished apartment.

Pros and Cons of Furnished Rentals

Pros: 

-       Save money buying furniture and appliances for your apartment

-       Makes the moving process much easier, as you won’t have to move any of the big items, such as your bed or sofa

-       More practical for individuals who need to move in quickly

Cons: 

-       Security deposit and rent are often higher than renting an unfurnished apartment

-       You face a higher liability, as there is much more to break in a furnished apartment

-       Because the apartment already comes furnished, there can be a lack of personalization since you won’t be choosing your furniture to personalize your space. 

-       There are often fewer options for furnished apartments, meaning that you may be limited on the number of apartments to choose from during your search.

Pros and Cons of Unfurnished Rentals 

Pros: 

-       Saves you money on rent and security deposits, as well as a better chance of getting your security deposit back 

-       Easier to personalize. Because unfurnished apartments have nothing in them, you are able to furnish your apartment with pieces that reflect your own personal style.

-       There are many more unfurnished apartment options to choose from.

Cons: 

-       Furnishing an apartment by yourself can get expensive fast. 

-       It can make moving a more complicated task, as you will have to move all of your own furniture.

Moving to a new place can already be stressful enough. Both furnished and unfurnished apartments have their pros and cons. Make sure to consider which option will best suit your needs.

Contact Sundown Management Group Today

If you’re looking for a new apartment or the best storage unit facility to store your belongings, look no further than Sundown Management Group. Our team of professionals is here to give you a helping hand with choosing the right storage unit for your needs. Contact our team today at (501) 259-0844 for all of your storage needs.