{"id":24512,"date":"2024-02-01T13:45:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-01T04:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/?p=24512"},"modified":"2025-06-28T18:05:12","modified_gmt":"2025-06-28T09:05:12","slug":"living-alone-for-the-first-time-checklist-of-all-the-things-you-need","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/en\/japanese-apartment-life\/living-alone-for-the-first-time-checklist-of-all-the-things-you-need\/","title":{"rendered":"Living Alone for the First Time? Checklist of All the Things You Need\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Village House<\/a> showcases wonderful apartments from all over Japan. If you are looking for a property, please take a look at our website. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Essential Furniture for Living Alone<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n
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Bedding<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Table<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Curtains<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Essential Home Appliances for Living Alone<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n
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Refrigerator<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Washing machine<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rice cooker<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Microwave oven<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electric kettle<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Daily Necessities for Living Alone<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n
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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitchen <\/td>\u30fbSilverware and chopsticks \u30fbKitchen knife \u30fbCutting board \u30fbKitchen scissors \u30fbCooking chopsticks \u30fbPot and frying pan \u30fbBowl\/Plate \u30fbPaper towels \u30fbDish soap \u30fbDish sponge \u30fbDrain net\uff08Check the drain size\uff09 <\/td><\/tr>
Toilet  <\/td>\u30fbToilet paper \u30fbSlippers \u30fbToilet bowl brush <\/td><\/tr>
Bath <\/td>\u30fbFace towel \u30fbBath towel \u30fbHaircare items \u30fbBodycare items \u30fbToothbrush\/toothpaste \u30fbBath mat <\/td><\/tr>
Cleaning Supplies <\/td>\u30fbTrash can \u30fbTrash bags \u30fbFloor mop \u30fbWet wipes \u30fbBroom and dustpan \u30fbLint roller <\/td><\/tr>
Laundry supplies <\/td>\u30fbLaundrty detergent \u30fbSoftener \u30fbMesh laundry bag \u30fbHangers \u30fbClothespins \u30fbIron \u30fbIroning board <\/td><\/tr>
Miscellaneous <\/td>\u30fbTissues \u30fbThermometer \u30fbMedicines <\/td><\/tr>
Men\u2019s daily necessities <\/td>\u30fbShaver \u30fbShoe care supplies \u30fbClothing steamer \u30fbDeodorizers <\/td><\/tr>
Women\u2019s daily necessities <\/td>\u30fbHair dryer \u30fbFlat iron\/Curling iron \u30fbMakeup \u30fbSanitary products \u30fbSecurity items \u30fbMirror <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Necessary Installations and Equipment for Living Alone<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n
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Air conditioner<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lighting<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lighting is often provided in entrances, bathrooms, and toilets. Still, depending on the property, the rooms may not have any lighting.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gas stove<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Internet connection<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Laundry poles<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Curtain rail\/rod<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Optional but Convenient Items for Living Alone<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n
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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n