Renting an unfurnished house can mean slightly cheaper rent, but it also comes with the challenge of furnishing an entire home from scratch—an expense that can add up quickly. For budget-conscious tenants, this upfront cost may feel overwhelming—especially if they are renting a house. But the good news is that there are plenty of ways to keep costs down without sacrificing comfort or style.
With a bit of planning, smart shopping, and creativity, renters can turn an empty rental into a cozy, well-furnished home without breaking the bank. From setting a budget and prioritizing essentials to exploring second-hand finds and DIY solutions, here are eight practical tips to help you furnish that first rental house.
In a nutshell:
1. Create a Budget & Stick to It
Setting a realistic budget is an essential step for anyone planning to furnish a rental house. It helps renters keep on track and, if all goes well, should prevent overspending. When renting a new house, there are several other upfront costs that renters need to contend with, including:
- Security deposit
- Estate agent fees
- Moving costs
- Parking permits
These expenses can soon mount up, so it’s important to factor them into the budget and figure out how much is left to furnish the rental house. For larger items, such as beds and appliances, it’s possible to pay in installments. Some tenants may consider rental furniture instead. Both methods help renters avoid paying a high upfront cost.
However, these continuous costs must also be added to the budget. Renters need to know that they can comfortably afford the repayments each month, alongside rent, utilities, and any other ongoing expenses.
So, when drawing up a budget, it’s important to consider how much money can be allocated to buying furniture upfront and how much can be spent each month. With the budget in place, renters should allow 10-15% breathing space.
Once the final figure has been arrived at, it’s essential to stick to it. Easier said than done, which is why it’s crucial to:
2. Establish the Essentials
With a budget in place, renters can now draw up a list of the furnishings they require. These should fall into two categories: essential and non-essential furniture. For example, most tenants need something to sleep on, but while a dishwasher is handy, it’s not necessarily essential, especially on a tight budget.
When drawing up a list of essentials or must-haves, it helps to:
- Go room by room to keep things organized.
- Prioritize the essentials and rank the non-essentials by importance.
- If there’s money left over after buying the essentials, work down the list of non-essentials.
3. Think Ahead & Narrow Down the Choices
There’s just one final step before the actual shopping can commence. A little foresight can go a long way to protecting a tight budget.
This is why renters are advised to consider how long they will be in their new rental house and what their plans are once the lease ends. For example, is the next step to buy a home, rent elsewhere in the country, or try to extend their current lease as long as possible? It’s also worth thinking about what will be done with the furniture once the lease ends.
In many cases, buying furniture for a rental house can be a good investment, as tenants can take it with them to their next rental or any house they buy themselves. However, if they’re only planning on a short-term lease and plan to move to another city or area at the end of the tenancy, it doesn’t make much sense to spend money on good furniture. Instead, renting furniture for the duration of the stay might be more sensible.
With a better idea of future plans, tenants can narrow their choices down to the furniture that makes the most sense both now and going forward.
4. Shop Second Hand
Brand-new furniture can be extremely costly. However, by seeking out second-hand goods, renters can enjoy huge savings.
Nowadays, there are plenty of places to find quality second-hand goods, from thrift stores and charity shops to yard sales and online marketplaces. Indeed, many charities operate stores that are dedicated to second-hand furniture at great prices.
It’s not uncommon to find older items that are extremely well-built, so be sure to keep an eye open. These vintage items can also be great for tenants looking for a retro-chic style vibe. Meanwhile, online marketplaces can be a fantastic place to find free items such as couches or beds. It is too big to easily dispose of, and many people offer them for free when they get replacements. Tenants need only figure out how to move them.
5. Repurpose & Renovate
Sometimes, second-hand shopping can feel somewhat limited in terms of what’s available. Renters who are struggling to find items that fit their style don’t have to give up, though. With a bit of creativity, bland items from the thrift store can be repainted and reimagined to take on a new lease on life. Things like vintage dressers, wardrobes, and bookshelves are prime examples.
Alternatively, renters who enjoy a bit of DIY may consider making their own furniture from scratch. Pallet furniture is increasingly popular, and as a cheap and readily available resource, pallets are a great material for making a host of things, such as tables, benches, shelves, or even beds.
Or, for free items that have seen better days, it could be possible to freshen them up by reupholstering them or giving them a blast with a sander and refinishing to better suit the tastes of the tenant. In terms of decor, tenants can save money by crafting their own artwork, such as pressed flowers and leaves or paintings.
6. Opt for Multi-Purpose Furniture
One great way to stretch a tight budget is to choose furniture that can do double duty. For example, a bench that opens up to provide a handy storage unit is a fantastic way to save money and space. Even if it’s just a temporary measure, multi-functional furniture can go a long way to keeping costs down when moving into a rental. Sofa beds provide both a place to sleep and a seating amenity, while an extendable table can double up as a desk for laptops as well as a dining option.
7. Choose Durable Furniture
A lot of very cheap furniture that can be bought brand new is also rather delicate compared to older items. While the initial cost might be cheaper, flimsy furniture is much more likely to break and need replacing more frequently than more durable items. As a result, they may end up costing more in the long run.
Meanwhile, second-hand solid wood or metal items will likely be comparable in cost yet last much longer. They also have much better resale potential, so for tenants who don’t plan to hold onto their furniture, durable options are a much better investment.
8. Go for Rent-to-Own or Installment Plans
There’s no doubt that buying furniture for a whole house is a costly endeavor. Sometimes, tenants might not want to go for a second-hand option either. In this case, installment plans, which are common for large items like couches and kitchen appliances, can be a game changer.
Rather than several large upfront costs, house renters on a budget can spread the cost over several months. Just be sure to budget for these ongoing costs. Alternatively, some furniture can be rented from specialist stores. Rent-to-own plans are another good option for keeping costs down.
Furnishing a first rental home on a budget can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. By focusing on the essentials, hunting for second-hand treasures, and making smart choices along the way, it’s possible to create a cozy, stylish space without overspending.
Image credits: fizkes; GoodStudio; HappyPictures/Shutterstock.com
