What do you need when living alone for the first time?

When you move out on your own for the first time, you will need to get everything you need from scratch, such as furniture, home appliances, and daily necessities. While getting the bare minimum, you want to avoid unnecessary expenses. To start your new life smoothly, it is important to use the "List of things you need to live alone" to prioritize your preparations.

In particular, you should prepare for home appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and lighting as early as possible, as you will need them immediately after moving in. It is also important to purchase furniture that matches the size and layout of the room.

In this chapter, we will explain the basic information you should know before starting to live alone and give you an overview of the essential items you should prepare.

Things to consider before starting your own life

Before starting to live alone, it is important to check the layout, size, and storage space of your room, and make a list of what furniture and home appliances you will need.

It is also important to decide priorities according to your lifestyle and budget. For example, the kitchen utensils you need will vary greatly depending on whether you eat out or cook at home. In addition, don't forget to consider the timing of your move, delivery schedule, and contracts for essential utilities such as electricity, gas, and water.

Unplanned shopping can lead to wasted space and increased expenses, so it's best to plan your preparations carefully, asking yourself "do I really need this?"

What are the first essentials you need to get?

When you start living alone, the first necessities you should have are furniture, home appliances, and daily necessities that support the basics of life.

Specifically, the following are included:

• bedding
• curtain
• illumination
• refrigerator
• microwave oven
• A typical example is a washing machine.

These are items that support your daily life and will be needed from the first day you move in, so it's important to prepare them early. Also, don't forget to stock up on daily necessities such as bath towels, dishes, and detergent.

The trick is to keep it as minimal as possible, but make sure you have the bare necessities. In addition, there are more and more properties with furniture and appliances included these days, so if you check whether the equipment is included from the property selection stage, you can reduce the effort and cost of preparation.

List of things you need to live alone [Furniture and appliances]

The first things you should get when you start living alone are furniture and home appliances. These items are the foundation of life and greatly affect your daily comfort. From basic furniture such as a bed and table to cooking appliances such as a refrigerator and microwave, washing machine and lighting, it is important to prepare in a planned manner while clarifying your priorities.

In addition, when it comes to home appliances, check the size, function, power consumption, etc. As for furniture, choosing compact types that fit the size and layout of the room will save space and be efficient.

Here we will introduce in detail the furniture and home appliances needed for each category.

Bedding, beds, curtains

Choosing the right bedding and bed is essential to creating a comfortable sleeping environment.

• Choose a mattress and futon according to your budget and the space available, and prepare sheets and pillows as well.
• When it comes to beds, space-saving designs such as beds with storage and folding beds are popular.
• Curtains are important from the standpoint of keeping out the cold, crime prevention, and blocking out light, so you need to purchase them in the right size to fit your window. It's best to choose blackout curtains to prevent people from looking in at night.

You will need these items from day one, so it's best to have them prepared before you move in.

Tables, chairs and storage furniture

A table and chairs for eating and working are essential items for living alone. If you are conscious of saving space, we recommend a folding or compact set. A combination of a low table and a zaisu chair is also popular.

As for storage furniture, some properties may not have enough closets, so supplement your storage space with clothing storage cases, shelves, racks, etc. A unified look will make the room look larger, so it's important to match the colors and materials of your furniture. It's important to limit yourself to the bare minimum and create a space that's easy to live in.

Refrigerator, microwave, rice cooker

A three-piece set consisting of a refrigerator, microwave, and rice cooker is essential for both those who cook at home and those who eat out.

• A compact refrigerator of around 100 to 150 liters is suitable for people living alone, and you should also pay attention to the capacity of the freezer.
• In addition to the heating function, multi-function microwave oven models with grill and oven functions are also popular.
• Rice cookers should have a capacity of 1 to 3 cups of rice, and a model with a keep-warm function is convenient.

Since both are directly related to daily life, it is important to compare not only cost but also ease of use and energy-saving performance when making your selection.

Washing machine, vacuum cleaner, hair dryer

Washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and hair dryers are essential items in daily life.

• Fully automatic washing machines in the 4 to 5 kg size are common for people living alone, so be sure to check the installation space and whether or not it has a waterproof pan before choosing one.
• Vacuum cleaners that are easy to store and save space, such as stick and handheld types, are popular.
• When choosing a hair dryer, pay attention to the airflow and temperature adjustment functions, and choose a model that puts less strain on your hair and scalp for a comfortable experience.

These are essential items for a hygienic life.

Lighting, air conditioning, television

If your new home doesn't have lighting and air conditioning, you'll need to provide them yourself.

• You will need lighting from the first day you move in, so be sure to check the installation type and type of bulb in advance.
• If you do not have an air conditioner, you will need to consult with your landlord or management company as installation work will be required.
• Smart TVs that combine news, entertainment, and internet connectivity are popular, and it is a good idea to choose one taking into consideration the size and where it will be placed.

These are important items for creating a comfortable living environment where information is easily accessible.

List of things you need to live alone [daily necessities and household items]

When living alone, not only furniture and home appliances are essential, but also daily necessities and household items that support daily life. In particular, bathroom and toilet supplies, kitchen utensils, laundry and cleaning goods, etc. are often necessary from the first day, so it is important to prepare them before moving.

These items can be easily purchased at 100-yen shops and home improvement centers, making it easy to choose items according to your budget. It's also a good idea to have stationery and medicines that you tend to forget.

In this chapter, we will introduce specific daily necessities necessary for living alone, categorized by category.

Bath and toilet supplies (towels, toilet paper, etc.)

Bathroom and toilet items will be used from the first day you move in alone, so make sure to prepare them as a top priority.

• Bath towels and face towels
• toilet paper
• Shampoo and body soap
• Bath mats
• slippers
• Toilet brush and detergent are also required.

When living alone and storage space is limited, the trick is to choose items that are easy to use and compact. Also, for hygiene reasons, don't forget to stock up on cleaning supplies. Many items can be easily purchased at drugstores and 100 yen shops, so making a list in advance will make preparations smoother.

Kitchen supplies (knives, tableware, cooking utensils, etc.)

Whether you plan on cooking or not, you'll want to have the basic kitchen utensils ready.

• Knife
• Cutting board
• pot
• Frying pans and other cooking utensils
• Plates and cups
• Chopsticks, spoons, and other cutlery are also required.

It is also useful to have microwave-safe heat-resistant containers and storage containers, which are useful for making batches and storing food. Don't forget to prepare sponges and detergent for washing dishes. By choosing compact and easy-to-store items for single-person living, you can keep your kitchen neat and tidy.

Laundry supplies (hangers, detergent, clothes drying equipment, etc.)

It's a good idea to prepare laundry supplies in advance, as you'll likely need them immediately after moving.

• hanger
• Clothespins
• Clothes drying stand
• Laundry net
• Laundry detergent, fabric softener, etc.

Also, if you often dry clothes indoors, it will be more comfortable to have a compact indoor clothesline or dehumidifier. If it is difficult to secure storage space, we recommend using foldable items or wall-mounted items.

Cleaning supplies (sponges, brooms, garbage bags, etc.)

To keep your room clean, it is essential to have cleaning supplies on hand.

• Floor cleaning brooms and floor wipers
• Kitchen and bathroom sponges
• Toilet cleaning brushes, etc.

It is efficient to have the right tools for each location. When purchasing garbage bags, check the size and type that matches your local sorting rules. Disposable wet wipes and disinfectant sprays are also useful items. If you live alone and have limited storage space, choosing compact, multi-functional cleaning tools will help you maintain a hygienic environment without wasting space.

Stationery, small items, medicines, etc.

To make your daily life go more smoothly, it is useful to have stationery and small items on hand.

• Stationery such as ballpoint pens, scissors, notepads, and cellophane tape are useful for filling out documents and doing small tasks.
• It's also useful to have batteries, extension cords, and tool kits.
• It's a good idea to prepare some basic medications such as fever reducers, headache medicine, and bandages in case you get sick.

It's easy to forget these small details, so make a checklist to make sure you don't miss anything.

[By attribute] Necessities for living alone

The items necessary for living alone vary slightly depending on gender and life stage.

For example, women need to pay attention to security measures and care products, while men tend to value efficiency and minimum equipment.In addition, university students and new members of the workforce want goods that are directly related to their studies or work, and supplies that are cost-effective.

Here, we will introduce specific items that are necessary for three categories: "women living alone," "men living alone," and "college students/new employees."

What women need to live alone

When living alone as a woman, it is important to choose items that provide both safety and comfort.

• First of all, security items such as an extra lock, a security alarm, and anti-pry curtains are essential.
• You'll also want to stock up on items to improve yourself, such as skin care and hair care products, a dresser, and a full-length mirror.
• Don't forget to bring along sanitary products, essential medications, and storage items that make it easy to keep organized.

From the perspective of safety, it is also effective to consider properties with auto-locks or properties for women only from the apartment selection stage. Creating a comfortable and safe living space is the key to a successful solo life for women.

What men need to live alone

For men living alone, simple and practical items are very useful.

• In addition to minimalist furniture and appliances, microwave-safe cookware and freezer containers are convenient for those who don't like cooking.
• Other essential items for maintaining good appearance include a hanger rack for storing suits and shirts, an iron, and a shoe shine set.
• It will be comfortable to have a desk and chair set so you can concentrate on your work or hobbies, as well as a power strip for your computer and peripherals.

Men living alone need to find ways to reduce hassle while still maintaining their quality of life.

Preparation items for university students and new members of society

When living alone as a university student or new member of the workforce, it is important to have the bare minimum of amenities while keeping initial costs down.

• First, get a desk, chair, and lighting for studying or working.
• A communication environment including a computer, printer, and Wi-Fi router is also required.
• You'll also want to prepare cooking appliances such as a rice cooker, refrigerator, and microwave early on.

Choosing a property that comes with furniture and appliances will help you keep costs down. In addition, small items necessary for job hunting and paperwork, such as resume photos and document organizers, will also be useful. The key to success is to balance cost-effectiveness with practicality.

How much does it cost to start living alone?

When you start living alone, one thing you'll want to consider is the total amount of initial costs. In addition to housing costs such as the deposit, key money, and agent fees incurred when signing a rental contract, you also need to purchase furniture, home appliances, and daily necessities. This means that you will generally need around 200,000 to 500,000 yen.

In particular, large items such as home appliances and beds tend to be expensive. However, depending on how you choose your property and how you purchase, it is possible to keep costs down.

In this chapter, we will explain some points to help you get off to a smart start, such as an estimate of the specific costs for furniture and home appliances, and tips on how to purchase daily necessities cheaply.

Estimated costs for furniture and appliances

The initial costs for furniture and appliances will vary depending on your living style, but even if you only purchase the bare necessities, it's a good idea to plan on spending around 100,000 to 200,000 yen.

For example, the average price for a refrigerator and washing machine is around 20,000 to 50,000 yen, while a microwave and rice cooker are around 10,000 to 30,000 yen. If you include furniture such as beds, desks, and curtains, the expenses will increase even more. If you want to save even a little, it is also effective to use second-hand shops, flea market apps, and rental services.

It is also possible to significantly reduce initial costs by choosing a shared house or apartment that comes with furniture and appliances.

How to cut down on household items and small expenses

Many daily necessities may seem like a small expense at first glance, but when they add up, they can become a surprisingly large expense. By using 100-yen shops and home improvement centers, you can significantly reduce the cost of towels, tableware, detergent, stationery, etc.

You can also reduce the unit price by buying in bulk or by choosing set items. Creating a shopping list in advance and dividing it into "things you need now" and "things you can buy later" is also an effective money-saving technique. Furthermore, you can get more for your daily necessities at a better price by taking advantage of sales during moving season and new life support campaigns.

Points to consider when buying things you need to live alone

When preparing to live alone, it is important to be creative in how you shop to efficiently gather the necessities of life. When choosing furniture, home appliances, and daily necessities that fit your lifestyle within a limited budget and space, advance planning is the key to success. In particular, aspects such as budget management, prioritization, checking sizes and layouts, and making use of online shopping are extremely important.

In this chapter, we will explain in detail four points to keep in mind when purchasing the things you need for living alone efficiently and without waste.

Set a budget in advance

When preparing to live alone, it's easy to end up spending more than necessary. To prevent unnecessary spending, first set a clear upper limit for your budget. Allocating separate budgets for furniture, home appliances, and daily necessities makes it easier to balance your expenses. Checking the market price online can help you avoid the risk of buying products that are too cheap or, conversely, overpriced purchases.

You can also start your life in a planned manner by making a shopping plan working backwards from your total budget, which includes moving expenses and initial costs at the time of signing the contract.

Prioritize your purchases

It's difficult both financially and practically to get everything at once, so prioritize what you need by dividing it into "I need it now" and "I can get to it later."

For example, you will need a refrigerator, lighting, bedding, etc. from the first day you move in, but you can purchase storage shelves, a TV, etc. once you have settled in. By planning your purchases while keeping in mind the ease of use and importance of these items in your life, you can avoid unnecessary purchases.

Also, since there are some things you will only see as you actually start living there, we recommend making preparations in stages.

The importance of checking size and layout

When purchasing furniture or appliances, it is important to always measure the size of the space you plan to install them in. Mistakes such as "it's too big to fit in" or "it blocks the passage" can be fatal in the limited space of a single person's home.

It's also a good idea to simulate the layout in advance, taking into consideration the location of electrical outlets, traffic flow, and storage. Check the dimensions of the product before purchasing, and if necessary, create a simple floor plan so you won't have any trouble with the actual layout. We also recommend using the memo function on your smartphone or a floor plan app.

Utilizing online shopping and set products

In recent years, online shopping has made it easy to purchase large furniture and home appliances, and the major advantage is that they can be delivered all at once. It's easy to compare prices, and you can check the actual usage experience through reviews, reducing the risk of mistakes.

They also sell "New Life Sets" that bundle furniture and home appliances, which are excellent value for money. For those who don't have time to go to the store or who want to prepare efficiently, online shopping is a great option. By taking advantage of free shipping and point reward campaigns, you can get even better deals.

summary

When preparing to live alone, it is important to gather the necessities of life efficiently. While determining the necessity of each furniture, home appliance, and daily necessities, prepare items according to your budget and the layout of your home in a planned manner. In particular, refrigerators, washing machines, lighting, and other items are essential for daily life, so you will need them from the first day of moving in.

On the other hand, you can purchase storage items, TVs, etc. later. It is also important to note that the things people need differ depending on their attributes, such as women or university students. By using online shopping and new life sets, you can easily prepare while keeping costs down.

Use this article as a reference and get off to a successful start living alone.

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