Why Furnishing Matters More Than You Think
Here’s the deal: when guests book a mid-term rental, they’re not looking for luxury—they want livability, so knowing how to furnish a mid-term rental makes all the difference.
They want to walk in, drop their bags, and feel at home. That doesn’t mean expensive. It means smart, intentional, and complete.
Whether you’re listing on MiniStays or managing multiple properties, how you furnish your space can make or break your reviews—and your profits.
What Is Considered a Fully Furnished Mid-Term Rental?
Let’s be clear: “fully furnished” goes beyond just a bed and sofa.
Guests staying 1 to 6 months expect the essentials for living, working, and relaxing. Furnishing your mid-term rental the right way increases guest satisfaction, reduces questions, and boosts 5-star reviews.
Want to know what else matters to your audience? Read our post on Best Mid-Term Rentals for Travel Nurses and Remote Workers
📝 The Mid-Term Rental Furnishing Checklist
Here’s a breakdown by room to make sure you’ve covered all the bases:
🛏️ Bedroom
- Bed (Queen or King preferred)
- High-quality mattress & pillows
- Full bedding set (2 sets per bed)
- Nightstands + lamps
- Closet or dresser with hangers
- Blackout curtains (bonus)
🛋️ Living Room
- Sofa (ideally a pull-out for guests)
- Coffee table + side tables
- Smart TV with streaming apps
- Wi-Fi router with visible info card
- Floor lamp or overhead lighting
🍽️ Kitchen
- Full utensil set (forks, knives, spoons)
- Pots, pans, and basic cooking tools
- Plates, bowls, mugs, glasses (4–6 each)
- Coffee maker (pod or drip)
- Microwave, toaster, blender
- Paper towels, dish soap, sponges
🛁 Bathroom
- Towels (2–3 sets per guest)
- Shower curtain, bath mat
- Toilet paper, soap, hand towels
- Hair dryer
- Small storage or shelf space
🧺 Utilities & Cleaning
- Washer & dryer (or access)
- Vacuum, broom, dustpan
- Iron + ironing board
- Trash bins with liners
- Cleaning supplies (mop, sprays)
💻 Workspace = More Bookings
Remote workers and professionals expect a place to plug in and focus.
Include:
- Desk or table with a chair
- Desk lamp
- Accessible power outlets
- Strong, fast Wi-Fi (minimum 100 Mbps)
- Ethernet cable (bonus for reliability)
Want to attract these guests? See How to Price Your Mid-Term Rental for Remote Workers
🖼️ Small Touches That Leave Big Impressions
You don’t need to over-decorate, but personality matters. Keep it neutral, but warm.
Add:
- A few framed prints or wall art
- Indoor plant or two
- Area rugs for comfort
- Welcome card or local guide
- Starter supplies (toilet paper, soap, dish pods)
These little things make guests feel like they’re in a home—not just a temporary stay.
Common Mistakes When You Furnish a Mid-Term Rental
- Overloading with decor – Keep it clean and uncluttered
- Cheap mattresses or furniture – You’ll pay later in reviews
- No workspace – A table isn’t a desk
- One towel per guest – Always include extras
- Old or unmatched dishes – Keep it cohesive and professional
Where to Buy When You Furnish a Mid-Term Rental
- IKEA – Affordable basics in bulk
- Wayfair – Style-focused, shippable
- Amazon – Fast delivery for essentials
- Facebook Marketplace – Budget-friendly larger items
- Target & Walmart – For kitchenware and decor
FAQs — How to Furnish a Mid-Term Rental
Q1: How much should I spend to furnish a mid-term rental?
You can furnish a 1-bedroom MTR for $3,000–$5,000 if you shop smart. It’s a one-time investment that pays off with better guests and reviews.
Q2: Can I use used furniture?
Yes—just avoid worn-out beds, stained sofas, or scratched surfaces. Quality > brand new.
Q3: What do guests care about most?
Cleanliness, mattress comfort, fast Wi-Fi, and a stocked kitchen.
Final Thoughts: Make It Easy to Say “Yes” When You Furnish a Mid-Term Rental
You don’t need fancy staging or designer chairs. But your space must be functional, comfortable, and complete.
If someone has to buy a spatula or an extension cord to live in your unit—it’s not furnished well enough.
Take the time to set your rental up right, and you’ll see the return through repeat bookings, glowing reviews, and fewer support calls.
🛏️ Want to list your mid-term-ready rental today?
📍 Get started on MiniStays.com →
