A “separate sink” (or washbasin) refers to one that is installed separately from the bathroom or toilet. Many people choose a separate sink as a requirement when they search for rentals.
However, there are times when the rent for properties with a separate sink is higher than those without. That said, is it actually so inconvenient not to have a separate sink?
This time, we will talk about five tips for living comfortably, even in rental properties that do not have a separate sink area. If you are considering a property that does not have a separate sink, please use this as a guide.
Village House handles properties all over Japan from the 20,000 yen range, with no key money, security deposit, or fees required. If you would like to lower your rent, please take a look at our website.
Pros and Cons of Separate Sinks
You won’t have to worry about storing things in a wet area if you have a separate washroom. The storage space under the sink can store soap, detergent, regularly used towels, and cleaning tools.
Another advantage is that you can use the sink without worrying about bathroom humidity while putting on makeup or brushing your teeth. In addition, many sinks are equipped with a power source, so you can use hair dryers, hair irons, and so on, an advantage that unit baths do not have.
However, the gap between the sink and the wall can quickly accumulate dust and water. Therefore, a disadvantage of separate sinks is that they are difficult to clean and are prone to mold.
Additionally, if you wash your hair in the sink, hair can clog the drain and cause unpleasant odors. Consequently, using a drain catcher is necessary to prevent hair from accumulating and to clean it regularly.
Advantages for properties that do not have a separate sink
Properties without separate washrooms have the following advantages:
- You only need to clean the wet area once
Rental properties for single people often have 2-piece units, comprising a washroom and bath, or 3-piece units, a washroom, bath, and toilet.
If the washroom, bath, and toilet are separate, you will need to clean each separately. However, in the case of a unit bath, you can clean the bath, sink, and toilet all at once by using the shower installed in the tub.
When you notice filth, you can wash it off in the shower, making it easy to keep your space clean and tidy.
- Rent tends to be lower
Securing the installation location and flow line is necessary when installing a separate sink. On the other hand, if you don’t have a separate washroom, you don’t need that kind of space, and installation and maintenance costs are reduced, so rent tends to be lower.
Moreover, rental properties that do not have a separate washroom are often older buildings or small apartments, and the rent is often lower based on the age and size of the building.
However, rent is also based on various conditions, such as location and the living environment. Therefore, having or not having a separate sink alone does not guarantee a low rent. Still, it is important to note that not having a separate sink usually factors into a lower rent.
How to live comfortably without a separate wash area #1｜Using the bathroom sink
Source: Amazon
Even if you don’t have a separate washroom, if you have a 2-piece or 3-piece unit bathroom, you can arrange the sink to make it easier to use.
You can increase storage space and make the space more usable by installing shelves around the sink or using latticework and/or tension rods to provide space to hang small items. Also, if you have a magnetic wall, you can store or display things on it without damaging it.
Also, in the case of a 3-piece unit that includes a toilet and bath, there is a large space above the toilet tank, which is convenient for storing extra items. However, since it is a wet area, you cannot store electrical appliances, so if you want to use them in the bathroom, please bring them from another place or use them in another room.
The floor in these types of bathrooms can be wet, so it can be difficult to use them, but it will be more comfortable if you have your own slippers and wood slats.
How to live comfortably without a separate wash area #2｜Use the kitchen sink instead
When it comes to the sink in your bathroom, you may be worried about the room being cold or humid in the winter. In that case, we recommend using the kitchen sink to wash your face, brush your teeth, and do anything else.
For example, prepare storage items in your kitchen that can compactly store toothbrushes, facial cleansers, small mirrors, etc. Placing storage goods in a hanging cupboard or under the sink is more convenient.
How to live comfortably without a separate wash area #3 | Create storage using a shower rack
Source: Amazon
Put in a shower rack to create a space to store everything you need for bathing, such as toothbrushes and face wash.
Shower racks come in two types: hooked racks and those that can attach to the wall with suction cups. Another great thing about them is that you can create a storage space anywhere without damaging the interior.
However, you cannot store items that are too heavy, so you need to be selective about what you store. If you don’t have enough storage space, you can use other useful storage items as a solution.
How to live comfortably without a separate wash area #4｜Get ready at your vanity table
When doing makeup or getting ready, we recommend setting aside a vanity table (or makeup space) in a corner of the room instead of using a separate sink. If you create a makeup space with natural lighting, you’ll be able to see your skin better.
If you have difficulty finding space in your room, one option is to get a mirror or makeup box and use a low table or table as a vanity only when you need it.
Note that there is also a convenient piece of furniture that can be used as a table (or low table) daily but can also be quickly converted into a dresser when doing hair and makeup. By using different tables according to their purpose, one table can serve multiple functions, effectively saving space.
Also, having a makeup space near the kitchen is convenient when using water. If you have access to an outlet, you can do your makeup and hair at the same time in one place, so it is important to choose an appropriate place in your room.
How to live comfortably without a separate wash area #5｜Check in a full-length mirror before going out
A tabletop mirror is convenient for applying makeup and checking your face. But a full-length mirror is better for coordinating your clothes and checking your entire body before going out.
Placing a full-length mirror near a window will use the natural light from the window to reflect the entire room, creating a feeling of space and making the room appear larger.
Depending on the placement of the full-length mirror, you can check out your clothes and body. Also create a sense of brightness and spaciousness in the room.
Village House also has many properties with separate sinks. In addition, we have over 1,000 properties with rents starting at 20,000 yen all over the country, so you can find a rental property with the conditions you desire.
Furthermore, there are no deposits, key money, fees, or renewal fees, so you can save on initial costs. If you are looking for a property, please feel free to contact Village House.
*Depending on the contract details and screening results, a security deposit and a joint guarantor may be required.
**Please check in advance, as benefits may vary depending on the property.
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Hello, I’m Machiko Doi, a freelance writer who writes about housing and living in Japan.
I live in an 80-year-old house that I inherited from my grandparents along with my two shelter cats and daughter.
We live a relaxed life while repairing the house.
I like to cook vegetables from the garden and fresh fish caught by my father, and enjoy them with cold beer on a hot day or hot sake on a cold day.