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Are you moving across the country or looking for short term housing? If so, finding a furnished apartment for the short term and then moving your furniture later may be a good idea.
Are you moving across the country or looking for short term housing? Dragging a van or truck full of furniture behind you can not only be stressful, but also unnecessary. For short term leases of 3 to 6 months, it's easier to rely on an apartment that is already furnished. And, say you're making over a 1,000 mile trip, such as moving from Indianapolis to San Antonio, and you're not sure where you want to live when you get there. Finding a furnished apartment for the short term and then hauling your furniture down later once you've found the perfect place might be the best idea. So, how do you rent a furnished apartment?
Step 1:

First, if you are leaving the house or apartment that you currently rent, but don't want to take your furniture with you yet, pack it up and put it in storage when you're ready to leave. Or, if you don't plan on keeping your furniture at all, host a rummage sale or donate it.

Step 2:

If you specifically want to rent from a private owner, start your search for apartments on classified sites such as Craigslist. Make sure you search listings that only include furniture. And, when you call to inquire about a rental, ask if the apartment will be furnished to confirm.

Step 3:

Or, to make things simple, go to a website that specializes in finding apartments. In the search features of sites like these, you can click on options that will return results that only include furnished rentals. This takes out the guesswork.

Step 4:

When you call to inquire about the property, ask what is included in a furnished apartment. Does it include kitchen utensils, a TV, or bathroom linens, or do you only get the basic furniture like a bed and couch? This will give you an idea of what you will need to bring or buy when you move into your furnished rental.

Step 5:

Usually, if you rent an apartment that is furnished, you will not only be responsible for the shape of the apartment once you leave, but also the condition of the furniture. So, while living in the apartment, keep the furniture clean and in good condition to ensure getting all of your security deposit back.

Step 6:

And, always remember to read your lease agreement before signing. Make sure you understand how long your lease will last and what you will be responsible for while living there.

When moving to a new city for a short period of time for business purposes, consider looking for a furnished apartment with a short term lease. And, if you are relocating to an unfamiliar area, a furnished apartment may be a good solution until you find a place that you want to call home for a while. Or, if you are a college student, furnished apartments are great so you don't have to worry about the cost of purchasing and moving furniture.