Anyone who moves to another city for a longer period of time for professional or private reasons is faced with the question: Should I rent a furnished apartment or an unfurnished one? Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. But which is better suited to your own needs and to lifestyles that are increasingly characterized by flexibility and adaptability?
Let’s compare the most important factors such as rental costs, comfort, flexibility and ancillary costs.
1. Rental Costs: Which is Cheaper?
An unfurnished apartment is usually cheaper in the long term – at least at first glance. The basic rent is often lower. But if you don’t have furniture, you have to invest: in a kitchen, bed, wardrobe, lamps, washing machine… That quickly adds up to several thousand Euros.
Furnished apartments cost a little more per month, but save on these purchase costs. Especially for shorter stays (3 months or more), this is worthwhile financially. For temporary stays, the furnished option is often more cost-effective because everything is already provided, usually including towels, kitchen utensils, etc.
2. Flexibility: Tailored to the Modern Working World
A major advantage of furnished apartments: They are ready for immediate occupancy. Unpack your suitcase… done! No furniture assembly, no delivery times, no stress.
Unfurnished apartments, on the other hand, require time and planning. And if you move again after a few months, you are faced with the logistical effort again – or you need to pay for furniture storage. Especially in the modern working world with international projects, you save yourself a lot of stress with a furnished apartment.
3. Comfort & Equipment
In a furnished apartment you can expect a well thought-out overall package: fully equipped kitchen, WiFi, washing machine, often also a balcony or parking space. At Zeitwohnen Rhein Ruhr, all properties are individually verified by our team and furnished accordingly. The listings show you exactly what you can expect in your furnished rental.
For unfurnished apartments, everything starts from scratch. In Germany, even basics such as curtain rails, lights or kitchen cupboards are usually missing and have to be newly bought and installed.
4. Service Charges: What Should You Expect?
Furnished rental offers usually include all-inclusive rental prices that already include utilities, electricity, heating and internet. This provides an overview and security in planning, especially for business-related stays.
With unfurnished apartments, you usually have to take care of contracts and deductions yourself. Price increases or subscription contracts also affect you if you only want to live in the apartment for a few months.
Furnished or Unfurnished? It Depends…
If you want to settle down for the long term, unfurnished apartments certainly give you more freedom. But for anyone who is flexible in their job, temporarily on location or new to the city, furnished temporary living offers clear advantages:
- Move in immediately
- No investment in furniture
- Clear cost structure
- More comfort with less effort
Zeitwohnen Rhein Ruhr supports you in your search for the ideal furnished apartment in Cologne, Bonn or Essen. With personal advice, verified properties and free service, we are your regional experts. Simply move in and feel at home!
