Furnished apartments, whether semi- or fully-equipped, offer a unique blend of convenience and comfort. That is, when you move in, most or all of your furniture needs are taken care of. The apartment is set up and ready for you from Day one. 

Let’s learn more about what you can expect with a furnished apartment, as well as some of the pros and cons of renting one.

Understanding Furnished Apartments 

Fully furnished apartments often help renters work around the hassle of moving, thereby ensuring a seamless transition to a new living space. There’s no packing, hiring movers or renting a moving van and then unpacking all your stuff. 

Because of this, furnished apartments cater to a diverse range of residents, including those who don’t necessarily own their own furniture or have enough to fill their new space. They often feature contemporary furnishings, eliminating the need for residents to move or purchase heavy furniture. 

Perfect for short-term accommodations, furnished apartments provide a practical solution for many, including:

  • Renters who only need apartments for part of a year
  • Those in town for a temporary work project
  • Anyone new in town who hasn’t decided where they want to live long-term

rented furniture in apartment

What’s Included in a Furnished Apartment? 

When it comes to furnished apartments, residents can choose between two main categories: semi-furnished and fully furnished. Each option caters to different preferences and needs, with varying levels of convenience.

Semi-Furnished Apartments 

Semi-furnished apartments provide essential furniture while allowing residents to add personal touches. This setup works well for those who already own certain furniture pieces or wish to create a customized living space. 

While the specific offerings can differ by management company, the following is a list of standard furniture and appliances that typically come with a semi-furnished apartment:

Living Room Furniture

  • Sofa/couch
  • Love seat or chair
  • Coffee table
  • End tables
  • Lamps
  • TV Stand
  • Television

Bedroom Furniture

  • Bed frame
  • Mattress
  • Dresser
  • Mirror
  • Nightstands
  • Lamps

Dining Room Furniture

  • Table
  • Chairs

gray fabric loveseat near brown wooden table

Fully Furnished Apartments 

Fully furnished apartments go a step further by providing additional amenities beyond the basics. They’re perfect for anyone who prioritizes simplicity and a ready-to-move-in lifestyle. 

Fully furnished apartments often include everything listed above, as well as:

Kitchen

  • Utensils
  • Dishes
  • Glassware
  • Cookware
  • Coffee maker
  • Toaster

Living Room

  • Entertainment Center
  • Bookshelves
  • Recliner
  • Chest
  • Floor Lamp

Office

  • Desk
  • Chair

Optional Additional Items

  • Vacuum
  • Iron & Ironing Board
  • Artwork
  • Linens
  • Towels

How Much Does it Cost to Furnish an Apartment?

One thing worth considering is the cost of renting a furnished apartment vs. the cost of buying your own furniture, appliances and other items like bedding.

On average, furnished apartments typically cost around 15-20 percent more than unfurnished apartments. However, furnishing an apartment yourself can cost anywhere from $9,000 to $20,000, depending on where you live, how much furniture you already have, the size of your apartment and how many people will live there. 

It might be worth comparing the prices for a furnished apartment vs. how much you estimate you’ll need to spend to live in an unfurnished apartment. Keep in mind that providing your own furniture also requires movers, potential shipping costs and possibly assembling your new furniture yourself.

Furnished vs. Unfurnished Apartments

While furnished apartments offer a level of convenience for many renters, they aren’t without potential drawbacks. Let’s explore the pros and cons of furnished vs. unfurnished apartments so you can make an informed decision based on your unique situation.

Pros of Furnished Apartments

For those interested in furnished apartments, there are several advantages to consider.

  • Convenience: Furnished apartments provide immediate move-in readiness, saving time and effort in furnishing the space.
  • Time-Saving Relocation: Ideal for temporary relocations, international moves, or individuals with busy schedules who prioritize a hassle-free moving process.
  • Simplified Moving: The ready-to-use nature of furnished apartments significantly simplifies the moving process.

Cons of Furnished Apartments

Although furnished apartments provide outstanding convenience for renters, they might not be for everyone. Consider:

  • Lack of Personalization: Furnished apartments may limit personalization options, making it challenging to incorporate one’s own furniture and style.
  • Potentially Higher Costs: Rental prices for fully equipped spaces are usually higher compared to unfurnished alternatives.
  • Restrictions on Alterations: There could be restrictions on making alterations to the existing furnishings, limiting creative freedom.

Mitigating these drawbacks involves carefully assessing your lifestyle, preferences and budget before opting for a furnished apartment. Communicate with the landlord or management company about personalization options that can enhance your overall living experience.

Should I Rent a Furnished Apartment? 

The decision to rent a furnished apartment versus furnishing one yourself is a personal choice. Apartment hunting is filled with decisions, from choosing the right size to factors like living with a significant other or bringing a pet. Having a furnished apartment simplifies this process by eliminating the need to buy new furniture or hire movers.

Renting a furnished apartment offers a practical solution for anyone seeking convenience and a quick move-in experience. This option works particularly well for those who prioritize convenience. 

However, the experience of furnishing an apartment yourself may be more fulfilling for renters who value personalization or are living on a budget. The choice between a furnished or unfurnished apartment will ultimately depend on your lifestyle, priorities and desired level of control over your environment.

Find Your Ideal Furnished Apartment With Southern Management

At Southern Management, our team can help answer all your questions about how a fully furnished apartment can fit in with your lifestyle, your budget and your apartment layout. We offer three furniture packages for every taste, style and budget:

Southern Management also offers three housewares collections to fully outfit your apartment and make it a home. 

Browse our more than 75 communities throughout Maryland and Northern Virginia, all of which have furniture rental options. Then contact us to discuss availability, pricing and short-term lease options!