Furnished or unfurnished? That’s one question plenty of apartment seekers find themselves asking. After all, each choice has its own set of pros and cons that absolutely makes a good point for each side. If you’re having a hard time deciding, let us help you.

When the landlord says it’s fully furnished, it means you can simply walk in and be ready to live there. You wouldn’t have to buy anything for the place. Of course, this doesn’t include things like your food and your personal belongings. When you first move in, some landlords may even leave you complimentary toiletries and soaps. But, it becomes your responsibility moving forward.

If the place is semi-furnished, this can range from almost bare to fully furnished. More often than not, with this type of apartment, you get the basic pieces of home furniture. This may include a sofa, bed, dresser, table, and chairs. Some people may benefit from having these things. Some people, especially those with things from their previous place, may not. With that, here are the pros and cons of each side.

Pros of Furnished Apartments

Moving will be very easy

With everything there, you only have to haul in your clothes and other personal belongings and voila, you are moved in. You only need to unpack and you can throw a housewarming party. It also saves you more costs from the movers.

Saving money from not buying new furniture

With a furnished apartment, you can put your money to other uses rather than buying new furniture. You already have deposits, movers, and what not to pay. So, not having to look for new furniture really makes it easier on your pocket and also on your mind.

Ideal for moving in short notice

Looking for an apartment is usually time-consuming. You might have to feel out a place, look for options, measure out things, and plenty other more. But, if you don’t have the time and luxury to do that, furnished apartments are great for relocating on short notice. You more or less simply have to show up.

Shorter leases

This can be both a pro and a con. If you’re only planning to stay in the area for a short while, shorter leases are great. You also won’t have to do a big move or anything when you come and when you go.

Cons of Furnished Apartments

Higher Rent and Security Deposit

Your furniture doesn’t come for free. And that’s where the extra rent and deposit comes from. This is also for your landlords to ensure that you really take good care of their furniture.

Little control over the decor

If you don’t like the color, style, or look of your couch, bed, or whatnot, you just have to suck it up and make the best of it. So, if you’re someone who cares a lot about decoration, this might not be for you.

Less room for your things

Although you might not be bringing in any furniture, you might still have belongings that need a spot in your apartment. This can further lessen the space you have and would need clever rearrangements for everything to fit.

Pros of Unfurnished Apartments

Decorate as you wish

Unfurnished apartments are perfect for creatives who want to inject their style and personality into their new home. As there are little to no limitations, you can buy the furniture you like. You also have the liberty to decorate it as you wish. This makes achieving that dream apartment a lot easier. Plus, you won’t have to endure any eyesores in your entire stay.

Long-term accommodation

Given the time, effort, and money you’ll be investing in unfurnished apartments, it only makes sense for them to be long-term accommodations. It’s perfect if you’re looking to really settle into an area and build a life there.

Future Preparations

If you’re planning to move into a house of your own in the future, building up a collection of furniture in your unfurnished apartment is a good way to go. Some things might change. But, at least, you already have a few pieces in the ready when you do get that dream home.

Easy changing

Given the freedom you have, you won’t have to worry about security deposits or whatnot if you do damage a piece of furniture. And if you want to change up something, you won’t have to go through your landlord just to do it.

Cons of Unfurnished Apartments

Costs

Unfurnished apartments may have lower rents and security deposits, but you have to fork out your own money for the furniture. If you have furniture from your previous place, this can also add to the moving costs.

Daunting

For people who’ve come from furnished apartments or homes, looking for their own furniture can be very daunting. It can also be a little stressful especially if you’re not into furniture shopping or could care less about decorating the apartment.

Not all furniture come all at once

Not everybody has a million-dollar budget upon moving. So, building up your apartment furniture may take time. Your mattress may go for a few days without a frame. Or you might not be able to take some of your belongings out of their boxes with the lack of storage. Anyhow, you have to take your time to find quality pieces that would serve your style and purpose.

Ultimately, choosing which one suits you best depends on a lot of important factors. Some of these include your budget, your belongings, your length of lease requirements and much more. Think these through carefully with the pros and cons we’ve laid out to find which apartment type to call home. At the end of the day, it depends on you to create a positive and fulfilling apartment search.