If you don’t already have furniture or are only planning a short stay, the idea of a furnished apartment can be incredibly appealing. After all, who wouldn’t prefer to move into a space that’s already set up with the essentials rather than be welcomed by empty floors and echoey walls?
But while furnished apartments sound like a convenient solution, they’re not always easy to find, and the definition of “furnished” can vary wildly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect from different types of furnished apartments and what’s typically included so you can begin your search with the right information.
What Is a Furnished Apartment?
A furnished apartment is a rental unit that comes with essential furniture and, in some cases, home accessories and household items. Depending on what type of furnished apartment you rent, this could mean everything from items like a sofa and bedframe all the way to cutlery and linens.
Types of Furnished Apartments
Not all apartments are created equal, and that’s even more true when talking about furnished apartments. You’ll want to get the scoop on everything when speaking with your potential leasing manager, including which items are provided (i.e., washer and dryer units, trash cans, bedroom furniture, etc.), the length of your lease, and the building amenities.
It’s important to note that in the United States, most rental properties are legally required to provide essential appliances and plumbing fixtures, including functioning ovens, toilets, showers, and faucets. Furnished apartments offer more than these basics, though what’s included can vary by type.
Here’s a breakdown of what each type of furnished apartment may offer:
Semi-Furnished Apartments
Semi-furnished apartments provide the basics needed to live comfortably in a space without the bells and whistles. These rentals are ideal if you already own some furniture or prefer to add personal touches over time.
You can expect a few essential pieces, but you’ll still need to bring or buy additional items to complete the space. Common inclusions may be:
- A dining set (i.e., a kitchen table and chairs)
- A bedroom set featuring a mattress and bed frame
- A sofa or couch for the living room
What you may need to add: Dressers, side tables, lamps, and any decorative or comfort items like rugs, curtains, or wall art.
Fully Furnished Apartments
Fully-furnished apartments build on the basics by including the large furniture pieces necessary for everyday life. These units let you settle in with minimal effort, making them perfect for short-term stays, relocations, or other situations where you don’t want the hassle of buying or moving furniture.
In addition to the semi-furnished essentials, your apartment may have:
- Curtains for each room, including shower curtains
- Coffee tables and end tables
- Area rugs
- Additional lighting features, such as lamps
What you may need to add: Personal items like linens, dishware, or décor, depending on the level of furnishing provided.
Move-in-Ready Apartments
A step above fully-furnished units, move-in-ready apartments are the most comprehensive option. They are often furnished and styled down to the last detail, offering ultimate convenience. They provide a home that feels lived-in from day one, which is great if you’re a travel nurse, on a temporary business assignment, or simply value a seamless transition.
You can often expect a move-in-ready apartment to include:
- Decor items such as wall art and faux plants
- Bedding materials like pillows, sheets, and blankets
- Dishware items including utensils, cookware, and more
- Other comfort and convenience items like towels and laundry baskets
What you may need to add: Different apartment communities have different definitions of “move-in-ready,” so you should ask the landlord for an exact list of what’s included. Then, fill in the blanks with items like hangers, cleaning supplies, and organizers.
Do Most Apartments Come Furnished?
While furnished apartments are not the norm, you can still find them. Most apartments come unfurnished, but the availability of furnished options can vary by location. They are more common in big cities or areas with a lot of short-term renters (like near colleges). Short-term leases and corporate rentals are also more likely to come furnished.
How Do I Know If an Apartment Is Furnished?
Read the listing carefully, and look for phrases like “fully furnished,” “semi-furnished,” or “unfurnished.” It’s safe to assume the apartment is unfurnished if it’s not explicitly mentioned. However, you can always double-check with the leasing office.
Are Furnished Apartments Right for You?
It depends. Short-term furnished apartments may be right for you if you’re looking for shorter leases or moving temporarily (like for a summer internship or temporary work assignment). If you plan to stay in the space for a while, you may want to explore other options.
Here are some differences between furnished and unfurnished apartments to keep in mind:
Move-In Costs
With an unfurnished apartment, you’ll need to put effort, time, and money into moving your belongings from your previous location. If you need additional items to fill your space, those will further add to your expenses.
With a furnished apartment, you can skip the moving company altogether! Depending on your furniture rental package, you can get everything from bedroom furniture to kitchenware already in place.
Rent Price
Rent may be the biggest factor to consider. Since a pre-furnished apartment is essentially move-in ready, the rent is often higher than a similar unfurnished unit.
Fortunately, this increased rent price can offset the amount you would spend when furnishing the space on your own. How much is furniture for an apartment? Depending on the size of your unit and how much furniture you need, it could cost anywhere from $2,000 to $12,000.
If you’ll only be in the apartment for a short period, a furnished unit will likely be the more affordable option overall. Plus, when you’re ready to move again, you won’t have to worry about moving fees to get your furniture to the next space.
Freedom in Design Choices
Renting an unfurnished apartment means you get to start with a blank slate. You have complete freedom to choose furniture and decor that align with your personality and style. In contrast, furnished apartments come with these items pre-selected for you, which can be convenient if you aren’t too concerned with specific design styles.
What If I Found an Apartment and It Doesn’t Come Furnished?
Fortunately, even if you’ve fallen in love with an unfurnished space, you can rent furniture to turn an empty unit into a fully furnished home. Furniture rentals are temporary and flexible, making them great for many lifestyles.
Furniture rental companies like CORT provide Move-in-Ready® packages and the option to furnish your space your way. We even deliver and set up these items directly in your new space, and come pick them up at the end of your lease, so you can avoid the hassle of hiring moving companies or hauling your stuff yourself. It’s all the comfort of a furnished apartment, but with the freedom to customize your space and partner directly with a rental provider instead of relying on your apartment community.
Furnish Your Apartment with CORT Furniture Rental
Finding the perfect furnished apartment isn’t always easy, especially when you want a space that truly feels like you. If you’re struggling to find a move-in-ready option that checks all the boxes, why not create one yourself?
With CORT Furniture Rental, you can customize a Move-In-Ready Package tailored to your style and needs. Our flexible rental options make it easy to turn any apartment into a home, without the hassle of buying, moving, or assembling furniture. Plus, with convenient online ordering and fast delivery, your space can be ready just in time for move-in day.
Make settling in effortless. Explore CORT’s furniture rental packages today and create a home that works for you.
