Is a Furnished Apartment Right for You? The Pros and Cons

There is a lot to consider when you are searching for a new place to live. Your budget, the location, nearby amenities and much more are likely big factors that are going to sway your decision. But, don't forget to consider the furnished status of your new place! Many properties today offer furnished apartments, which can be a great option if you are a first-time renter on a tight budget – after all, buying all your own furniture for an apartment can become pretty expensive. Choosing a furnished apartment means that you can just move in and start living there with everything that you need, but there are some things to consider before you make the choice. Is a furnished apartment the right option for you? We've put together some pros and cons to consider.

It's as simple as that – when you move into a furnished apartment, you don't have to spend the next few weeks looking for items such as a sofa, a bed, tables, chairs, and appliances. They are already there in your apartment ready for you to use. So, if you're in a rush and don't have the time to shop for furniture, it's a great choice. However, bear in mind that some furnished apartments might only cover the basics. So you'll still have to shop for items like a television, lamps, rugs, ornaments, wall art, bed linen, and anything else you need to make it your own.

Are you look for a temporary lease while saving up to buy a house? Or are you on a long-term business trip? Staying with family and need somewhere to live for one month or longer? A furnished apartment is an ideal option if you're going to say in the city for an extended period of time. Check out these apartment rentals if you're looking for a short or long-term accommodation in Chicago. These spaces have everything you need to move in and start living comfortably. In addition to Chicago, Blueground offers furnished apartment rentals in many cities around the US.

If you're not bothered about the type of furniture that you have in your home as long as you've got the basics covered and it's in good condition, then you could save money renting a furnished apartment. It avoids the need to invest in often expensive furniture items such as a bed and sofa, and when you move out, you won't need to pay for transporting them to a new place or buying new ones on top of what you've already spent.

In most cases, you'll find that furnished apartments come with higher rent; this is usually because the landlord has invested more money into the property by covering the cost of the furniture as well. For some renters, it's worth paying the additional rent in order to save on the cost of purchasing their own furniture, but if you already have furniture that you could use then it might not be worth it.

Another con to consider if you're thinking about moving into a furnished apartment is the lack of choice and control you'll have over the furniture in your place. When you don't own your sofa, for example, then you won't be able to simply just sell it or throw it away to make room for a new one if you want to upgrade; you'll need to get permission from your landlord to store it or leave your new one there to replace the old one when you move. In addition, you'll also be liable for paying charges for any damage caused to furniture from your security deposit, rather than the apartment alone. And if the furniture doesn't match up with your décor tastes and preferences, you have little choice but to deal with it.

If you already have furniture of your own and are looking to move into a furnished apartment with it, then this could pose a problem. There may be a lack of space for some of your own furniture items, leaving you faced with a need to get rid of it before you can move in. Or, if there is some room for your own furnishings, you may easily find that they do not match at all with the furniture provided in the apartment, which could become a problem if the appearance of your home is something that matters a lot to you.

When it comes to renting an apartment, there are many great reasons to opt for a furnished place. An apartment that comes with the furniture you'll need is an ideal choice for first-time or short-term renters who do not want to have the hassle and cost of buying their own furniture for their place; it's also handy for business travelers who need long-term accommodation. However, it's a good idea to weigh up the pros and cons to see if a furnished apartment is the right choice for you.