Coke or Pepsi? Boxers or briefs? McDreamy or McSteamy? Some debates aren’t meant to be settled. They’re meant to engage us in spirited conversation. They give us a chance to convince a friend or colleague to view a situation in a new light.

But there’s one debate we can settle: furnished apartment or unfurnished apartment. You can find the answer by examining your situation. In no time, you'll arrive at a clear choice!

Need help deciding whether to run an unfurnished or furnished apartment search? Here are some pros and cons of renting a furnished apartment.

Pro: Less stress

Moving ranks high on the list of life’s most stressful events. It stands to reason, then, that anything alleviating some stress is welcome. Renting a furnished apartment means the biggest, heaviest, and often most frustrating elements of moving — getting your furniture from Point A to Point B — go away.

Con: Fewer choices

You’ll likely never come across an apartment listing that includes the phrase, “Already furnished to your most exacting specifications!” You’re going to have to give a tiny bit. Maybe you’re not a fan of rolled arm sofas, or into the Art Deco aesthetic, but both play a role in your new, furnished living room.

Selecting your own rental furnishings

Renting your own furniture allows you more control over style and cost, and CORT can furnish an apartment in as little as 48 hours.

Pro: No commitments

Even in the best of times, signing a 30-year mortgage can be intimidating; 30 years is quite the commitment! One of the most evident advantages that renting has over buying is the flexibility it offers. And renting a furnished apartment turns that freedom up a notch.

Con: Costlier

The bottom line on renting a furnished apartment is that it’s going to impact your bottom line. Costs associated with acquiring and caring for that furniture gets passed along to the tenant. Many renters, though, are happy to pay a little more to rid themselves of the need to buy and move furniture.

Documenting the space

Photograph the apartment and any furniture in it before you move in. This will help document the condition of both in the event of a disagreement with your landlord about damages or similar issues.

Pro: Lightens your load

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. The Joy of Less. Essentialism. You can’t walk into any bookstore or browse any online bookseller and escape this fact: social norms about the accumulation of material goods are changing if they haven’t already. Buying furniture means you’re also buying an obligation to drag that furniture along with you wherever you go. And that can weigh a person down.

Con: May require a larger security deposit

A furnished apartment doesn’t just mean higher rent. It often involves a higher security deposit, as well. After all, the landlord has more to “secure.” But there’s no law against negotiating to lower your security deposit. Furnished apartments don’t usually rent out as fast as unfurnished apartments. That fact puts you in a decent negotiating position.

Personalizing without prosecution

Hanging photos — perhaps in a gallery wall configuration — is a way to personalize your space without risking the wrath of your landlord. Plus, the frames don’t take up much space when you pack up for your next move.