In all american cities, you can find either furnished or unfurnished apartments. The furnished ones are ready to move into immediately; but are usually more expensive. In the unfurnished models, you can go to one of many furniture rental companies to obtain the furnishings you prefer. Usually, the cost is figured upon the number of pieces you select; but special prices exist on 'groupings' like, living room set or bed room set or dinette set. If you furnish more than one room, additional discounts are available. Be aware that the manager of the store can usually offer deeper discounts than the sales person; usually based upon your furnishing more than one room.

Most companies are flexible in their payment plans. All will want either the first one or two weeks rental paid in advance, plus a very nominal initial processing fee. But after that, they may let you pay weekly, bi-weekly, semimonthly, or monthly, whichever is most convenient for you.

Delivery of the furniture is either that same day ore evening, or next day, depending upon your schedule; and is usually free. Most companies will also service and/or replace damaged products at no charge as long as the damage was normal wear and tear and not malicious.

If rented, with merely three to four days advance notice, the rental company will pick up the furniture and return it to the store, also at no charge to you.

If you are interested in eventually owning the furniture, most rental companies offer a rent-to-own program. You pay on the items for so many months and you own them. Depending upon the length of your assignment, and your ability to sell the furniture to someone else, this may or may not advantageous. Also, if ownership is what you desire, there are discount furniture shops where excellent bargains might be found.