10 Differences Between Furnished and Unfurnished Rentals In Canada
When looking for a place to live, you might come across two types of rentals: furnished and unfurnished. Furnished vs. unfurnished rentals each have their own good and bad points.
Let’s explore 10 big differences between them to help you choose the best one for you.
Key Takeaways
- Furnished rentals come with furniture, unfurnished don’t
- Furnished places usually cost more to rent
- Moving into a furnished rental is easier
- Unfurnished rentals allow more personal style
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general guidance and informational purposes only. We strive to keep our content accurate and up-to-date, but details may change over time. For the most current information, we encourage you to verify specifics with official sources. Thank you for understanding and happy reading!
1. Furniture
The biggest difference is furniture. Furnished rentals come with furniture, while unfurnished ones don’t.
| Furnished Rentals | Unfurnished Rentals |
|---|---|
| Come with furniture | No furniture included |
| Ready to move in | Need to buy or bring furniture |
| Less space for your own things | More space for your own things |
2. Cost
The price of rent can be different for furnished and unfurnished places.
| Furnished Rentals | Unfurnished Rentals |
|---|---|
| Usually more expensive | Usually less expensive |
| No need to buy furniture | May need to spend money on furniture |
| Higher security deposit | Lower security deposit |
Before you get any rental apartment, understand the do’s and don’ts of renting in Canada.
3. Moving In and Out
The process of moving can be very different between these two types of rentals.
| Furnished Rentals | Unfurnished Rentals |
|---|---|
| Easier to move in | Takes more time to move in |
| Faster to settle in | Longer to make it feel like home |
| Quicker to move out | Moving out takes more work |
For a smooth transition into your new home, having the right moving supplies is crucial. Essential moving supplies for new tenants include sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers for labeling. These items ensure your belongings are securely packed and easily organized during your move.
4. Personalization
How much you can make the space your own can differ between furnished and unfurnished rentals.
| Furnished Rentals | Unfurnished Rentals |
|---|---|
| Limited personal touch | Freedom to decorate |
| Can’t change furniture | Choose your own furniture |
| Feels less like “yours” | Feels more like “home” |
5. Maintenance
Taking care of the rental can be different depending on whether it’s furnished or not.
In furnished rentals, you need to be careful with the furniture that’s already there.
If something breaks, you might have to pay for it. But the good thing is, you don’t have to fix big furniture problems yourself.
In unfurnished rentals, you take care of your own furniture. If your chair breaks, you fix or replace it yourself. But you don’t have to worry about damaging someone else’s things.
6. Flexibility
How easy it is to move or change things can be different in furnished and unfurnished rentals.
Furnished rentals are great if you need to move quickly or often. You don’t have to worry about moving heavy furniture. This is good for people who travel a lot for work or students who only stay for a short time.
Unfurnished rentals give you more freedom to change things. You can move furniture around, replace old pieces, or even leave some rooms empty if you want. This is good if you like to change your space often or if you already have furniture you love.
7. Size of Living Space
The amount of space you have to live in can feel different in furnished and unfurnished rentals. Furnished rentals might feel smaller because they already have furniture in them.
There might not be much room left for your own things. But everything you need is already there, so you don’t have to fill the space yourself.
Unfurnished rentals can feel bigger at first because they’re empty. You have more space to work with, but you also have to fill it up. This can be fun if you like decorating, but it might feel too big if you don’t have enough stuff.
8. Length of Stay
How long you plan to stay in a place can help you choose between furnished and unfurnished rentals. Furnished rentals are often better for short stays.
If you’re only going to be somewhere for a few months, it’s easier to move into a place that already has everything you need. You don’t have to buy furniture that you’ll just have to sell or move again soon.
Unfurnished rentals are usually better if you plan to stay for a long time. You can make the space really feel like your own home. Over time, buying your own furniture can be cheaper than paying extra for a furnished place every month.
9. Types of Renters
Different kinds of people often choose furnished or unfurnished rentals.
Furnished rentals are popular with:
- Students who are far from home
- People who move a lot for work
- Tourists staying for a while
- People trying out a new city
Unfurnished rentals are often chosen by:
- Families settling down
- People who already own furniture
- Those who want to decorate their own way
- Long-term residents
10. Hidden Costs
There can be extra costs in both furnished and unfurnished rentals that you might not think about at first.
In furnished rentals, you might have to pay:
- Higher security deposit
- Insurance for the furniture
- Cleaning fees when you move out
In unfurnished rentals, you might need to pay for:
- Buying or renting furniture
- Moving costs for your furniture
- Storage if you have too much stuff
Checklist for Inspecting Furniture in a Furnished Rental
- Check all chairs and sofas for stains or tears
- Test bed frame and mattress for stability and comfort
- Open and close all drawers in dressers and nightstands
- Inspect table surfaces for scratches or water damage
- Turn on all lamps and light fixtures
- Check TV stand or entertainment center for stability
- Look for any signs of pests in or around furniture
- Test all appliances (if included) for proper function
- Take photos of any existing damage for your records
- Report any issues to the landlord immediately
Personalizing an Unfurnished Rental on a Budget
Use Colorful Throw Pillows
Add pops of color to your couch or bed with inexpensive throw pillows.
Hang Artwork
Create a gallery wall with affordable prints or your own photos.
Add Plants
Bring life to your space with low-maintenance indoor plants.
Use Area Rugs
Define spaces and add warmth with budget-friendly area rugs.
DIY Furniture
Paint second-hand furniture for a custom, budget-friendly look.
Creative Lighting
Use string lights or unique lamps to create a cozy atmosphere.
Choosing between furnished and unfurnished rentals depends on what you need and want. Think about your lifestyle, how long you’ll stay, and what’s important to you in a home. Both types have good and bad points, so pick the one that fits you best.
Remember, the most important thing is finding a place where you feel comfortable and happy. Whether that’s a furnished apartment ready to move into, or an empty space you can make your own, the right choice is the one that works for you.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Rental?
Now that you know the key differences between furnished and unfurnished rentals, you’re one step closer to finding the ideal accommodation for you. For more comprehensive guidance on finding the right place to live in Canada, check out our article on Finding Accommodation in Canada.
