Whether you’re relocating, traveling for work, or just between homes, renting a furnished apartment can be a lifesaver. But if you’ve never done it before, the process can feel a little unfamiliar. What’s included? How long can you stay? How do you avoid getting stuck in a lease you don’t need?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to rent a furnished apartment in Columbus, Ohio—from choosing the right provider to moving in without the stress.
What is a Furnished Apartment?
Let’s start with the basics. A furnished apartment is a rental unit that comes fully equipped with everything you need to live comfortably—from beds and sofas to cookware and WiFi. You won’t need to haul a moving truck or wait for the internet guy to show up.
At Epicurean Furnished Apartments, for example, every unit includes:
- Comfortable furniture
- Stocked kitchens with dishes, cookware, and utensils
- Bedding, towels, and cleaning supplies
- Washer and dryer (in-unit)
- High-speed internet and smart TV with DirecTV
- All utilities included
It’s an all-in-one setup designed for you to simply roll in with your suitcase and live comfortably from day one. Learn more about what we offer in our furnished apartments here.
Step 1 – Decide What You Need
Before browsing listings, ask yourself:
- What is my desired move-in date?
- How long will I need to stay? (Most furnished rentals require a 30-night minimum.)
- What’s my monthly budget? (Remember: utilities, WiFi, parking, and household essentials are often included.)
- Do I have any specific needs or preferences like pet-friendly options, elevators, or walk-in showers?
- Which neighborhood is most convenient? (Near OSU James Cancer Center? Near Intel in New Albany? Near J.P. Morgan Chase in Westerville?)If you would like to learn more
Step 2 – Compare Providers
Don’t limit yourself to traditional apartment listings. Instead, look for companies that specialize in short-term furnished housing. In Columbus, Epicurean Furnished Apartments offers flexible, month-to-month leases without the risk and inconvenience of Airbnb or extended-stay hotels.
What to Look For:
- Transparent pricing
- 5-star guest reviews
- Simple contracts (no hidden fees)
- Local support
- Turnkey setups (already cleaned, stocked, and connected)
Step 3 – Narrow Down Your Options
Once you’ve identified a few providers, request a list of available options and start filtering based on your lifestyle and preferences:
- Availability: What specific rentals are available for my desired move-in date?
- Location: Is it near where you’ll be working, getting treatment, or spending time?
- Layout: 1-bedroom or 2-bedroom? Need a dedicated office space?
- Features: In-unit laundry? Balcony? Reserved parking? Pet policies?
Step 4 – Ask Questions and Review Listings
This is your chance to:
- Compare the furnishings, layout, and exact location of each rental
- Confirm what’s included in the monthly rate
- Ask about deposits, check-in process, or anything unclear
Similar to hotel rooms and vacation rentals, in-person tours are rarely possible with furnished rentals since they tend to stay booked weeks or months out and are only vacant for a short time between guests. However, many providers offer detailed listings with photos.
Epicurean’s listings include detailed descriptions and recent professional photos that show the exact unit you’re renting, exactly how it will look upon arrival so that you can feel confident about what you’re getting.
Step 5 – Review the Terms
Before you sign anything, make sure you understand:
- Minimum stay (usually 30 nights)
- Cancellation policy
- Change policy
- Move-out process
- What’s included in rent
- Deposit terms (and how to get it back)
- Pet policies and guest rules
Epicurean keeps it simple: flat monthly pricing, everything included, and just 14 days’ notice required to move out.
Step 6 – Move In and Settle In
If you’re renting with Epicurean, your apartment will be clean, staged, and fully stocked when you arrive. Just bring your suitcase.
In your first 24 hours, we recommend:
- Doing a quick walkthrough
- Connecting your devices to WiFi
- Stocking the fridge with your favorite foods
- Exploring the neighborhood for grocery stores, coffee shops, or parks
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Booking a vacation rental with steep service fees, strict long stay cancellation policies, and limited flexibility.
- Renting from a company that shows you photos of model/example units and doesn’t have recent photos of the exact apartment where you’ll be staying
- Underestimating how much work it will take (and how expensive it will be) to furnish your own place
If you value simplicity and peace of mind, a furnished monthly rental from a reputable company will save you time, money, and stress.
Why Choose Epicurean Furnished Apartments?
We specialize in premium, short-term rentals designed for people in transition. Whether you’re a travel nurse, relocating for work, helping a loved one during medical care, or just need a temporary home, Epicurean gives you:
- Month-to-month flexibility
- All-inclusive rates with convenient credit card autopay
- Comfortable furniture and upscale decor
- Desirable Columbus neighborhoods
- Local support from real people who care
Final Thoughts
Renting a furnished apartment in Columbus can be easy, enjoyable, and even luxurious—if you rent from the right provider.
Skip the guesswork. Let us show you what a stress-free temporary stay really feels like.
Check availability at furnishedcolumbus.com or call us at 614-383-8246 to get started.
