How to Furnish a Monthly Rental Property Without the Stress (or Overspending)

Furnishing a property for monthly rentals, also known as mid-term rentals, can feel overwhelming at first. Whether you're an experienced landlord or just dipping your toes into the world of real estate, creating a space that feels like home (without breaking the bank) is both possible and rewarding.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to furnish your monthly rental property effectively, so you can attract the right tenants, reduce turnover, and maximize your income.

Why monthly rentals are a smart choice

Unlike short-term vacation rentals, monthly rentals cater to traveling professionals, relocating families, digital nomads, and insurance displacement cases. These tenants typically stay for 1-6 months and are looking for comfort, functionality, and a sense of home.

Monthly rentals offer:

• Less turnover and fewer management headaches.
• Higher income potential than traditional long-term leases.
• Flexibility in lease terms and tenant types.
• Lower furnishing costs than short-term rentals, especially if you're starting from scratch. Monthly rental tenants don’t expect extensive decor or lots of extras - they want clean, comfortable, and clutter-free spaces.

In fact, you can estimate furnishing a monthly rental at around $7 per square foot. That means a 1,000 sq. ft. unit could be move-in ready for approximately $7,000, depending on the quality and sources of your furniture.

Start with the essentials: what every monthly rental needs

Before you get swept away with decor, prioritize function. Think about a tenant's day-to-day needs:

Sleep comfortably

• Invest in a quality mattress (medium-firm hybrid styles are ideal).
• Include extra bedding and a mattress protector.

Work productively

• Provide a desk and comfortable chair.
• Add a monitor, keyboard, and surge protector if possible.

Cook easily

• Stock a well-equipped kitchen with non-stick pans, sharp knives, and a can opener.
• Don’t forget storage containers, coffee maker, and starter cooking supplies.

Clean & stay organized

• Include a vacuum, mop, and laundry basket.
• Supply starter cleaning supplies and extra towels and linens.

Avoid common mistakes: what not to do

• Don’t skimp on high-touch items like sheets, towels, and cookware. Poor quality leads to complaints and early replacements.
• Avoid overly trendy decor or cheap furnishings that won’t last.
• Don’t forget basics like blackout curtains, full-length mirrors, and iron + ironing board.

Make a lasting impression

Small, thoughtful upgrades can set your rental apart:

• A comfortable sectional sofa for relaxing.
• Eco-friendly toiletries or starter kits.
• Pet-friendly touches like washable rugs or leather sofas.

And yes - a green couch can stop a scroll and win a booking. Check out this webinar, From Empty to Essential: Furnishing Tips for Monthly Rentals, to learn more.

Stretch value for your budget with the right tools

Using platforms like Minoan, landlords can access trade-level discounts (up to 60% off) from brands like Article, Wayfair, and Parachute. Plus, their furnishing checklist makes setup seamless, and their digital showroom feature can turn your furniture into a passive income source.

Ready is better than perfect

It’s easy to get stuck waiting for your property to feel "ready." But many successful landlords start by listing their unit with in-progress photos and a clear timeline. Furnishing can (and should) evolve with feedback from real tenants.

Remember: clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully equipped homes win every time.

Download the Monthly Rental Essentials Checklist to get started.

When you're ready to welcome your first tenant, list your property on Furnished Finder. It's the trusted platform for monthly rentals—built for landlords who value reliability, direct connections, and less hassle.

Make the smart move today and join thousands of landlords already seeing results.