Buying or Renting Furniture Hat

One of the first big decisions you'll have to make when you move into an apartment off campus is whether to buy or rent your furniture. Depending on your budget, how long you'll be staying, and your lifestyle, both options have their pros and cons.

Buying Furniture

Pros:
One-time cost; if you stay for more than a year, it will probably be cheaper in the long run.
You can pick your style and how comfortable you want to be.
You can sell it again later on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or OfferUp.

Cons:
Costs up front (sofa, bed, and desk can add up quickly).
It's a pain to move or sell when you leave.

Hack for Students:
IKEA Hacks: Get basic items like the IKEA LACK tables or KALLAX shelves and then add cheap extras or do it yourself to make them your own.
Facebook Marketplace is a great place to find gently used, cheap furniture. Sometimes you can even get it for free if you pick it up.

A student I knew bought all of her furniture for her one-bedroom apartment from the Marketplace for less than $300 and then sold most of it for the same price when she moved out.

Renting Furniture

Pros:
No money down; the cost is spread out over monthly payments.
Great for short stays, like for exchange students who stay for 6 to 12 months.
Companies bring furniture, set it up, and pick it up, which saves time.

Cons:
Costs more if you stay for more than a year.
Few options for style.
You don't own the furniture, so you can't sell it.

Many local rental stores offer student packages that include a bed, desk, and chair.

Useful Advice for Students
For short stays (less than 12 months), renting is usually easier and cheaper than buying and selling later.
Longer stay (1–2 years): Buying cheap furniture and selling it at the end usually saves money.
Mix and match: Rent big things like a bed and a desk and buy smaller things like lamps and shelves second-hand.

Don't rush: Spend a few weeks living in the space before buying everything. You might not need as much as you think.

A good rule of thumb is
Rent if you want to stay for a short time.
Stay for a long time and buy (and sell later).
If you're on a budget, the best deal is Facebook Marketplace and IKEA basics.