When considering whether to rent or buy a home, many people see the former as the less-expensive option. While this is mostly true on a short-term basis, there are even more options for you when it comes to renting, such as buying your own furniture or renting a fully or partially furnished apartment.
As with most things, there are pros and cons to both options. Below, we’ll discuss what it means to go for either a furnished or an unfurnished rental.
Financial Considerations
While we’re on the subject of money, it’s important to know what your plans are for the near future. Such as if you want to buy your own furniture, if you want to rent high-end apartments in glendale az or smaller accommodations, and if you want to rent short-term or long-term as these will affect your decision.
If you want to rent furnished apartments your costs will be lower upfront. This is effective if you don’t own furniture or if moving it cost you too much.
If you want your own furniture, consider the type of pieces you’d like and check prices. Sometimes, investing in quality furniture is the right choice if you plan on staying in the same place for a long time. Otherwise, remember that moving it around could damage the furniture and reduce its value. Quality furniture can be a significant investment, so balance out the numbers to see which is the best choice for you.
On the other hand, renting a furnished apartment will mean a higher monthly rent, which may not be the best idea for long-term contracts. For example, if you plan on moving frequently, a higher monthly rent won’t be an inconvenience. But, if you’re looking to stay put, the extra money you pay every month for the furnishings will pile up. Eventually, it will surpass what an initial investment in your own furniture would have cost you.
Comfort & Flexibility
Apart from the financial aspects, there are other things to keep in mind, such as the comfort of moving without having to carry or worry about your furniture. When you choose a furnished rental and get to your new apartment, everything is already in its place; all you have to do is personalize it and make it your own.
What’s more, furnished units are mostly presented as short-term rentals. This will give you the flexibility to move whenever you want, without being bound to a long contract. Combine that with not having to move furniture wherever you go, and you’ll see why this option works best for those who relocate often.
However, if you damage the furniture in a furnished unit, there will likely be additional fees and charges; this could even be reason enough for the landlord to keep your security deposit. So, it’s essential to be extra careful about protecting the furniture.
One risky aspect of furnished rentals is the mystery surrounding the quality of furniture. Because it is not your own, be sure to properly inspect it before you move in; take notes and photos of the condition the items are in at the beginning of your rental period. While it may also be a matter of taste and style, it’s likely that the quality of the furniture will affect the quality of your everyday life, so browse and choose carefully.
In the end, the decision to rent a furnished or unfurnished apartment depends mostly on your lifestyle. Note your personal pros and cons and add them to our list to see which side weighs heavier.
About The Author
Mihaela is a passionate reader and writer, with an affinity for language and linguistics, as well as the latest technological developments. She discovered her passion for real estate at RENTCafé, and you can read more of her articles on their blog.
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