From furniture to appliances to daily necessities, many people are unsure what to prepare for the first time they live alone. Due to space limitations, having all the furniture and appliances you want can be costly and challenging. Hence, it is ideal to start with the most basic of essentials and gradually increase them as you go along.
This time, we will go over the most needed furniture, home appliances, and other daily necessities for people living alone. Please use this article to guide you through living alone for the first time and preparing for the big move.
Village House showcases wonderful apartments from all over Japan. If you are looking for a property, please take a look at our website.
Essential Furniture for Living Alone
Bedding
Check the dimensions of the area you plan to sleep before buying anything. In addition to the bed frame, you will need a mattress (or futon), comforter, pillow(s), and sheets for your bed. And if you want to save on space, consider only using a Japanese-style futon that you can store in your closet when you aren’t sleeping.
Table
Get a table! Even if it is not big, you can use it for eating or other small tasks. If you work remotely using a computer or study for long periods, using a table with some height will reduce the strain on your body. What’s most important is choosing a table to suit your needs.
Curtains
For your security and safety, have curtains ready to be installed when you move in. If you take measurements during the apartment viewing, you can prepare the curtains before you move in. Incidentally, the best measure method is to record the width between the fixed runners at both ends of the curtain track/rod.
For a window that is hip height, measure the length of the curtain from the bottom of the fixed runner to the bottom of the window frame, and choose a curtain length that is about 15 to 20 cm or more. For floor-length windows, measure the length from the bottom of the fixed runner to the floor. Minus 1 cm from that measurement to get your curtain length.
Essential Home Appliances for Living Alone
Refrigerator
We recommend a 150-200L fridge for people who like to cook. Otherwise, a 100L one is enough for one person. We also recommend choosing a refrigerator with a heat-resistant top so you can place a microwave or toaster oven up there.
Washing machine
Check the size of the storage space before choosing a washing machine. Generally, you need a 5kg machine for living alone. One day’s worth of laundry is about 1.5 kg, so with a 5 kg machine, you can wash about 3 to 4 days’ worth of laundry at once. If you live somewhere you cannot dry your clothing outside; then it would be best to get a washing machine with a dryer function.
Rice cooker
A rice cooker is a must-have appliance for people who cook. Additionally, if you cook the rice in bulk, divide it, and freeze it, you won’t have to make it every meal.
Microwave oven
Some microwave ovens have only a heating function, while others also have an oven function. If you often cook by yourself, we recommend having the convenience of the oven function. Microwave ovens are also useful for warming up bento boxes and side dishes. There is a difference of about 10,000 to 20,000 yen depending on the function, so consider your budget and how often you’ll cook when deciding.
Electric kettle
An electric kettle is a very convenient home appliance to have. Compared to boiling water in a pot to make coffee, an electronic kettle boils water faster, so you can save time. There are also various types, including those that boil only the water you need and those with a heat retention function. Choose an electric kettle that suits your lifestyle.
Daily Necessities for Living Alone
These are the daily essentials divided by category. Prepare only the things you need from moving day. Alternatively, purchase them from a nearby store after moving in.
| Kitchen | ・Silverware and chopsticks ・Kitchen knife ・Cutting board ・Kitchen scissors ・Cooking chopsticks ・Pot and frying pan ・Bowl/Plate ・Paper towels ・Dish soap ・Dish sponge ・Drain net（Check the drain size） |
| Toilet | ・Toilet paper ・Slippers ・Toilet bowl brush |
| Bath | ・Face towel ・Bath towel ・Haircare items ・Bodycare items ・Toothbrush/toothpaste ・Bath mat |
| Cleaning Supplies | ・Trash can ・Trash bags ・Floor mop ・Wet wipes ・Broom and dustpan ・Lint roller |
| Laundry supplies | ・Laundrty detergent ・Softener ・Mesh laundry bag ・Hangers ・Clothespins ・Iron ・Ironing board |
| Miscellaneous | ・Tissues ・Thermometer ・Medicines |
| Men’s daily necessities | ・Shaver ・Shoe care supplies ・Clothing steamer ・Deodorizers |
| Women’s daily necessities | ・Hair dryer ・Flat iron/Curling iron ・Makeup ・Sanitary products ・Security items ・Mirror |
It is a good idea to compare consumables at 100 yen shops and drug stores. To save money, deciding which things to prioritize is important.
Necessary Installations and Equipment for Living Alone
Air conditioner
Depending on the property, there may not be any A/C to keep the rent low. The risk of heat stroke rises significantly without an air conditioner. In that case, you might purchase and install an air conditioner yourself. It may cost around 50,000 yen for a 6-8 tatami room, with an additional installation fee of 15,000-20,000 yen.
Lighting
Lighting is often provided in entrances, bathrooms, and toilets. Still, depending on the property, the rooms may not have any lighting.
To ensure you have lighting when you move in, check for lighting beforehand when you see the property. To avoid being left without lighting on the day you move in, be sure to check for lighting when you inspect the property. Choosing ceiling-type lighting or lighting with a high design that matches your interior is a good idea.
Gas stove
Gas stoves may not be available depending on the property. If you purchase it yourself, check whether the property uses “city gas” or “propane gas” before buying. You can only use a gas stove that matches the type of gas, so if you need clarification on which one, it’s best to check with your real estate agent.
Internet connection
In properties with free internet, there is no need to find a service and sign up; you can use it from the day you move in. However, if the property does not already have an internet connection, you will need to complete the procedure yourself. Also, when signing an internet contract, you must obtain permission from the management company or landlord; be sure to check in advance.
Laundry poles
Most properties do not have clothesline poles for use on balconies. If you want to dry your laundry on your balcony, buy rods at a home center or online. Also, suppose you’ll dry your laundry indoors when it rains. In that case, we recommend using a compact drying rack that you can use indoors.
Curtain rail/rod
Some properties may not have curtain rails. Ask your real estate agent to negotiate with your landlord if you don’t have curtain rails. If you choose to install the curtain rails yourself, you will need to get permission from your landlord and then install the curtain rails at your own expense.
Optional but Convenient Items for Living Alone
These are some things you can buy gradually once you start living alone. Consider the space you have and choose what you need for your lifestyle.
- Clothing storage containers
- Rugs and carpet
- Sofa
- TV
- Wall clock
- Vacuum
- Iron
You can save money by bringing things you used at your former home. Just make sure to check the dimensions of whatever furniture or appliances so they can fit your new space.
If you are living alone for the first time, you can also purchase home appliances at low prices by using the “New Life Support Set” (新生活応援セット shinseikatsu ouen setto) offered by electronics retailers and manufacturers.
If you are looking for a place to live alone, please visit Village House’s website. We have properties available all over the country at affordable prices. Please feel free to contact us!