Furnishing a home is not merely about filling it with furniture; it is about creating a space that feels comfortable and personable while meeting your functional needs. But with the high cost of living in Singapore, furnishing a home can prove to be a rather costly endeavour. Whether you are a newcomer or renting a new home, budget considerations will play a role in adding new furniture to your space. This is where short-term furniture rental can come into play. This is a service that allows you to rent furniture for a short and specific period of time and proves to be an appealing option to many individuals with short-term housing arrangements or those seeking to avoid the upfront expenses associated with buying new furniture. But how viable is this option? Let’s shed some light on the factors that you need to consider before deciding on buying vs short-term furniture.
Advantages of Short-Term Furniture Rental
1. Cost-effective
As budget is a primary determining factor in this decision, it is crucial to understand that short-term furniture rental is one of the most cost-effective solutions, especially if you are only planning to reside in Singapore temporarily. After all, according to Value Champion, furnishing a typical 4-bedroom HDB flat in Singapore will cost at least $15,000. This value is also based on budget furniture, which means if you plan on getting mid-range furniture, this amount could go up to $30,000. Therefore, short-term furniture rental eliminates the need for a substantial upfront investment in furniture. Instead, you pay smaller monthly fees, which makes it much easier for you to manage your budget.
2. Flexibility
Rental offers much more flexibility in terms of furniture, as you can choose and rent the exact pieces of furniture you need for your duration of stay. As your requirements evolve, you can easily change, downgrade or upgrade your furniture. For instance, if you start hosting dinner parties for a large number of guests, you can easily upgrade a 4-seater dining table to an 8-seater. Essentially, with rental furniture, you can customise your package to align perfectly with your preferences and your budget. When you buy furniture, you are committing to those pieces for the long term, so if your circumstances change, you may find it challenging to sell or return these items.
3. Variety
Furniture rental providers often offer a wide variety of furniture options, which will often cater to all areas of your home. With diverse styles and designs, you will be sure to find pieces that match your aesthetic preferences. Rental companies will typically also provide assistance with helping you choose and arrange your furniture so your home looks cohesive.
Drawbacks of Short-Term Furniture Rental
1. Limited Long-Term Investment
If your end goal is to build a long-term furniture collection, short-term rental will not be the ideal choice for you, as you will not be able to have any permanent assets once the rental period ends.
2. Potential for Higher Costs Over Time
If your rental period extends and proves to be very long (over several years), the costs can accumulate and actually exceed the expense of buying furniture outright. However, to some, this isn’t a very big drawback, as you still do not have to deal with the high upfront costs of buying furniture.
3. Not As Much Freedom In Selection
While most furniture rental companies will have a good variety of options for you to choose from, buying your own furniture will often allow you to choose pieces that reflect your personal style and preferences without limitation. Buying your own furniture can also mean you will be able to tailor the furniture to fit your exact needs, while with rented furniture you will likely not have any personalisation or customisation options for each individual piece.
How to Choose Between Short-Term Furniture Rental and Buying
When deciding between buying furniture and short-term furniture rental in Singapore, consider the following factors:
1. Budget
Evaluate your budget and determine how much you can comfortably allocate to furnishing your home. If you can afford to buy certain pieces of furniture that you know you would like to keep permanently, you can buy them, while renting other items that you are not as sure about. Remember that when comparing costs between buying and renting, don’t just look at the upfront expense. Factor in delivery, assembly, maintenance, and repair costs to get a comprehensive view. Compare this to the rental cost for however long you plan on renting the furniture.
2. Lifestyle and Needs
Consider your lifestyle and the specific needs of your living space. Are you frequently on the move? Do you have a penchant for changing your home’s interior frequently?
3. Length of Time
Think about the length of time you plan to stay in your current home. Short-term rental furniture is best for short-term arrangements, so if there is a chance that this period may be extended, or that you could end up in a permanent living situation, you may want to buy furniture instead. However, you can also rent certain items until you are able to afford them or are sure of the permanence of your living situation.
Create Your Sanctuary With Lian Huat Furniture Rental
Ultimately, whether you opt for short-term furniture rental or buying, your goal is to create a comfortable home in Singapore that suits your preferences and budget. If you are looking for a convenient and affordable way to furnish your home in Singapore, then Lian Huat Furniture Rental is the perfect solution for you. We are a leading provider of short-term furniture rental in Singapore. With a wide variety of furniture and rental packages to choose from, you can find the ideal furniture solution with us!
Contact us today to learn more about our services.
