Finding a new place to live can be a complex and daunting task. Whether you are relocating, moving across town or renting for the first time, there are many factors you need to consider.

It is important that you research the neighbourhoods you would like to live in. Furthermore, you should investigate the rents that are typically asked for the kind of apartment that you would like to rent. Another crucial decision to make is whether you should rent an apartment that is already furnished or one that is empty.

On the surface, unfurnished rentals appear to be a good solution. You can decide how you would like to decorate and personalise the space. However, this entails a huge initial cost in order to buy all the furniture to equip your new residence.

Furnished apartments offer a great alternative and can help save you time and money and reduce your stress levels.

What are the benefits of moving into a furnished apartment?

Cost effective

Buying new furniture to equip an apartment can quickly add up to several thousand euros. It is very common for new tenants to move-in to a new place and then realise that they do not have the money or the time to equip the apartment with the basic necessities. They can go several months without a comfortable sofa or a proper area to eat meals.

Fortunately, furnished apartments offer a solution. You can get all the essentials that you need without breaking the bank. All you need to do is pay a little extra amount on rent. You can move-in knowing that you have space to relax and watch a film, or enjoy a meal with friends, right from day one.

Time Saving

Not only does it cost an arm and a leg to furnish a new place, but you can also lose several weekends out and about at different stores, trying to figure out what to buy. Personally, I dread this task, as I know very little what looks good and how things match. I try to get things done as quickly as possible, and only concern myself with function, rather than design. This usually leaves me with a bland and poorly decorated apartment.

A furnished apartment means that you do not have to worry about any of this. You can move straight into stylish and well-designed apartment.  From the time you move in, you can spend your weekends exploring the new area and enjoying the amenities that it has to offer.

Proper space

Whether you are have your own furniture, or need to buy new furniture, dimensions can be a real issue. Perhaps your sofa does not fit the way it should. Perhaps you are unable to get large and heavy items through the doors of the apartment. When you are looking for new furniture, you need to be aware of whether or not it will fit, and even then, things can look different once they are in the apartment.

Furnished apartments already have everything in place and it all fits. You can add bits and pieces of décor if you like but know that the most important things have already been taken care of.

Flexibility

If you move frequently or get bored of a place soon then hauling all that load of your furniture from one place to another is havoc and tiresome. You have to pay huge amount to packers and movers for that haul each time. You can simply avoid all the hauling and get shifted comfortably with just you and your bag pack by renting a furnished apartment wherever you shift.

Downsides

Cost

Furnished apartments will always attract a premium to unfurnished ones. After all, you pay a little extra for the convenience of having everything ready when you move in.

Old furniture

Unfortunately, many furnished apartments do not suit modern living. There are countless apartments for rent in Athens with outdated furniture, uncomfortable beds, and aging sofas. Therefore, it is important to do your research and take these factors into consideration. Try to limit your search to recently refurbished properties that are sure to provide you will the full benefits of a furnished rental.

What if I already have my own furniture?

There are some of us that would love to move into a furnished rental for the comfort and convenience that it provides. But what do you do if you already own a bunch of furniture? Where do you put it? If you cannot bring this furniture with you, then we suggest the following options:

Spruce up your holiday home

If you have a holiday home that could do with some updating, you may consider moving your current furniture there. You can make it more modern and comfortable for your next visit.

Sell some items

Earn a bit of extra cash by selling your second hand items on Facebook Marketplace. It is very common to see expats that are leaving a city offering their items for sale. There is always a pool of new arrivals and locals looking to snap up these items and give them a new home.

Give it away

Your current furniture can always find a new home with family and friends. Post to your social media to see if anyone would like your items. Alternatively you could consider donating them to charity.

Furnished rental with HOMI

HOMI is currently renting out apartments for long-term rentals in Lyacbettus. Why not check out our apartments and start your new life in a premium luxury apartment with Zoia Living.