What men need when living alone

When a man starts living alone, it is important to efficiently purchase the furniture, home appliances, and daily necessities necessary for daily life. Especially for men who are busy with work or school, a simple and functional home with only the bare minimum items is required. The key to living comfortably while keeping initial costs down is to "make a list of the things you need and prioritize them."

In this chapter, we will provide a list of items necessary for men to live alone, as well as tips on choosing items that are unique to men. Please use this as a reference if you are about to start living alone or are preparing to move.

List of things you need to live alone

The minimum necessities for a man living alone fall into three categories: furniture, home appliances, and daily necessities.

• Furniture: beds, tables, curtains
• Among home appliances, refrigerators, microwaves, washing machines, and dryers are essential.
• Daily necessities include kitchen supplies, bathroom supplies, laundry supplies, toilet supplies, etc.

These are basic items that are essential for a smooth start to your life. In addition, there are some items that you will need immediately on the day of the move, so it is important to make a list in advance. If you have the space, stocking up on convenient items such as storage cases and vacuum cleaners will greatly improve the quality of your life.

Men's essentials

When a man starts living alone, in addition to general household items, be sure to also prepare some essentials that are specific to men.

Typical items include grooming products such as electric shavers, shaving supplies, and styling products.

In addition, irons, clothes steamers, and simple storage boxes are useful for keeping your clothes and room neat and tidy. These items play an important role in maintaining a clean and tidy look and building a lifestyle that suits you. The key to making your daily life comfortable is to prepare in a way that suits your lifestyle.

How to choose and recommend essential home appliances

For men living alone, it is important to have a good balance of the minimum necessary furniture, appliances, and daily necessities. Especially when living alone for the first time, it can be difficult to determine what you need, and a lack of preparation can cause stress.

In addition to the essential items such as a refrigerator, washing machine, and bedding, kitchen utensils and cleaning tools are also indispensable for cooking and cleaning at home. Furthermore, to suit the unique lifestyle of men, it is also a good idea to prepare razors and men's care products to make your life more comfortable. Living alone gives you a lot of freedom, but self-management is also important.

Avoiding unnecessary expenses, making a list of what you need, and acquiring it step by step will help you start your new life smoothly.

Minimum necessary home appliances list

When you start living alone, it is efficient to make a list of the essential items you need in advance.

First, in terms of home appliances, the basics are a refrigerator, microwave, washing machine, lighting, and air conditioner. Furniture requires a bed, table, curtains, storage shelves, etc. As for daily necessities, toilet paper, detergent, tableware, towels, garbage bags, and other items that make life smoother are important.

Also, be careful not to forget things you will need on the first day of moving (toothbrushes, chargers, bath towels, etc.). The key is to prioritize and prepare in stages, rather than getting everything at once. By using a list like this, you can prepare for living alone efficiently and without waste.

Estimated purchase costs and tips to reduce them

Men living alone can make their life more comfortable by having some items that are unique to men in addition to the general necessities.

Typical items include men's grooming products such as electric shavers, razors, and hair styling products. Sturdy hangers and large-capacity storage cases that are suited to different body types and strengths are also useful. We also recommend introducing a PC desk and chair so that you can concentrate on your work or hobbies. In addition, having deodorizing sprays and air fresheners on hand to combat odors will help you maintain a clean feeling and give you peace of mind when guests come over.

By incorporating items that suit a man's lifestyle, he can lead an independent life without any difficulty. By focusing on "essential items for men" that are often overlooked, it is possible to create a more practical and comfortable living space.

How to choose furniture and interior design

When choosing furniture and interior decor for living alone, the key points are functionality and space-saving features that suit the size of the room and your lifestyle. Especially in a limited space such as a studio or 1K apartment, you can ensure a comfortable daily life by carefully selecting the bare minimum of furniture and thinking about its placement and size.

For example, by choosing furniture that can be used for multiple purposes, such as a bed with storage or a folding table, you can make effective use of space. Also, don't forget to have a unified interior. By having a unified color and design, you can make even a small room look spacious.

Choosing simple and practical furniture, while taking into consideration initial costs and the hassle of moving, is the key to successfully living alone.

Types of furniture suitable for single-person living

The ideal furniture for living alone is compact and multifunctional.

• Bedding is an essential, so choose a bed frame and a mattress or futon.
• If you have limited storage space, a storage bed or loft bed can be a great option.
• Make effective use of the space by choosing a table or desk that can be used for both eating and working.
• We recommend a chair that is comfortable to sit in for long periods of time.
• As for storage furniture, hanger racks and chests are useful in rooms without closets.
• By adding interior items such as curtains and rugs, you can create a calming space with a lived-in feel.

Reducing unnecessary furniture and carefully selecting only what you need is the first step to living comfortably alone.

How to prepare and purchase daily necessities

When you start living alone, one thing you shouldn't forget is preparing your daily necessities. Although these tend to be put off compared to furniture and home appliances, they are directly related to your daily life, so it is important to prepare them properly before moving.

Daily necessities come in various categories, such as consumables, cleaning supplies, and hygiene products, and the key is to carefully select only the bare minimum necessary for daily life.

As for purchasing methods, in addition to 100-yen shops, drug stores, and home improvement centers, online shopping sites such as Amazon and Rakuten Ichiba are also convenient. It is especially efficient to purchase heavy items such as detergent and toilet paper online. You can also reduce costs by using new life support sets and bulk purchase sets.

Making a list of what you need and planning your purchases will help you prepare efficiently.

Minimum necessities list

The bare minimum necessities needed for living alone are essential for a smooth daily life.

• "Bathroom and toilet supplies" include the basics such as shampoo, body soap, toothbrush, toilet paper, and toilet brush.
• For laundry supplies, prepare detergent, hangers, and a laundry net; for cleaning supplies, prepare rags, a dustpan, and a vacuum cleaner (or a Swiffer).
• In the "Kitchen Supplies" section, you will need dishwashing detergent, sponges, dish towels, and garbage bags. In addition, don't forget to bring hygiene products such as tissue paper, cotton swabs, and first-aid medicines.

These items are likely to be used from the first day you move in, so it's best to prepare them all together in advance. These items can be purchased cheaply at 100-yen shops and drugstores, so you can save money and get them efficiently.

What you need on the day of the move

The day of the move can be hectic, and if you don't prepare the necessary items, it can be very inconvenient. Especially right after the lifelines such as gas, electricity, and water are turned on, it is important to check what you need the day before so that you can start living a basic life right away.

Don't forget to prepare daily necessities and hygiene products, as well as a smartphone charger, cash, identification, etc. Also, it's a good idea to pack anything you will need in your carry-on luggage before opening all the packaging.

In this chapter, we will introduce in list form the items that you should use immediately on the day of the move, and the items that can be left for later. Be sure to prepare well in advance to avoid any confusion after the move.

Items to take with you on your first day of moving

The first day of your move will be spent unpacking your belongings, so you will need to have anything you will need immediately ready to go.

The bare minimum you will need is a toothbrush, towel, toilet paper, tissues, drinks, simple meals (such as instant noodles or rice balls), garbage bags, smartphone charger, toiletries, a change of clothes, slippers, etc.

In addition, cutters and scissors are also essential for unpacking. In addition, it is safer to keep valuables (cash, insurance cards, identification, etc.) close at hand rather than putting them in cardboard boxes. Also, if you have gas or water service opening procedures, make sure you have the necessary documents and contact information ready to go.

Having all of this information ready in advance will make moving day go smoothly.

It's okay to do it later

There is no need to rush to buy things that you won't be using right away after moving.

For example, decorative interior items, secondary cooking utensils, potted plants, decorative accessories, secondary storage items, etc. can be put off without disrupting your daily life.

Also, when it comes to kitchen appliances, it is recommended to buy things like toasters and mixers only after you feel the need for them. As for cleaning tools, start with the bare minimum, and choose vacuum cleaners and other items with plenty of time to spare. There are surprisingly many "items that suit you" that you only realize after you start living there, so it is more cost-effective to gradually add more items once your daily rhythm has settled, and you can avoid unnecessary expenses.

The key to successfully living alone is to do the bare minimum on the first day, and then add more as needed.

Common mistakes men make when living alone

While men who live alone have a high degree of freedom and can start living at their own pace, there are also many cases where they end up regretting their decision due to poor preparation and poor choices, thinking, "It wasn't what I expected."

Here we will introduce three typical mistakes that men tend to make when living alone and how to avoid them. In order to avoid mistakes and live a comfortable life, be sure to check things before you buy and be mindful of how you decorate your room.

Buying furniture and appliances without checking the size

One of the common mistakes people make when living alone is "mismatching furniture and appliances due to not checking the sizes."

In particular, if you purchase large appliances and furniture such as refrigerators, washing machines, and beds without considering the delivery route and the size of the room, you may find that you cannot deliver them or that they take up too much living space.

Other points that are often overlooked are the location of the outlet and the direction in which the door opens and closes. Even when purchasing online, be sure to check the "exterior dimensions," "installation space," and "required aisle width," and choose a size with plenty of room. Checking the dimensions and measuring the planned installation location in advance will help you avoid unnecessary expenses and duplicate work.

Be sure to check the size carefully to ensure a comfortable room.

Items I bought because they were cheap and then regretted

Many men who start living alone with a budget-conscious mindset choose furniture and appliances based solely on price, thinking "as long as it's cheap," and then end up regretting their purchase.

For example, cheap beds and chairs are uncomfortable and can cause back pain and stiff shoulders. Cheap home appliances can be noisy and break down easily, so you end up spending money to replace them.

Other typical examples of failure are chests with no storage capacity and fragile storage items. It is important to check not only the cheapness but also the reviews, performance, and durability.

By investing a certain amount in the things you need and choosing things based on whether they will last a long time, you can avoid unnecessary spending and maintain a comfortable life living alone.

A layout that doesn't take into account daily life

When men live alone, they often decide on the furniture arrangement without much thought, which can lead to poor flow of daily life.

For example, a layout that hinders everyday activities, such as making it difficult to move around because the bed and table are too close, or placing things in front of a storage shelf so the door won't open, can cause stress. Also, placing appliances in a position where the refrigerator door is difficult to open or far from an outlet can cause continued inconvenience.

When considering the layout, it is important to simulate "in what order you will do what (wake up - go out, come home - go to bed)". If you can ensure a comfortable flow of movement, you will reduce unnecessary movements and be able to do housework such as cleaning and laundry smoothly. A layout that combines functionality and ease of movement is the key to living comfortably alone.

Estimated cost of living alone for a man

When a man starts living alone, it is important to have a good grasp of the initial costs and monthly living expenses. Unplanned expenses can put a strain on the household budget and lower the quality of life.

Especially when signing a rental contract, you will have to prepare a lump sum of money in addition to the rent, as there will be initial costs such as a deposit, key money, and brokerage fees. In addition, moving expenses and the cost of purchasing furniture and home appliances are also items that should not be overlooked. In addition, monthly living expenses include rent, utility bills, food, communication fees, daily necessities, etc.

Here, we will provide a detailed explanation of the breakdown of typical initial costs and an estimate of monthly living expenses, and introduce the key points of financial planning to help you live alone comfortably.

Breakdown of initial costs

The first thing you will need to incur when starting to live alone is the initial costs.

The main breakdown is as follows:

• Deposit (1 month's rent)
• Key money (1 month's rent)
• Brokerage fee (1 month's rent)
• Advance rent (1 month's rent)

In total, you should expect to spend about 4 to 6 months' rent. For example, if the rent is 70,000 yen, the initial costs alone will be about 280,000 to 420,000 yen. In addition, moving company fees will be 20,000 to 50,000 yen, and furniture and appliances will cost about 100,000 to 200,000 yen, so you will need to budget about 400,000 to 700,000 yen in total.

To keep initial costs down, it is also effective to choose a property with no deposit or key money, take advantage of rental properties that come with furniture and appliances, or purchase second-hand items at recycle shops or online flea market apps.

Monthly living expenses

Living expenses are an important item when living alone every month. The basic rule is to set your rent at one-third of your income, and in Tokyo's 23 wards, the average is around 60,000 to 80,000 yen.

• Utility bills (electricity, gas, water) are around 10,000 yen
• Food expenses can range from 20,000 to 30,000 yen if you cook mostly at home, but can exceed 50,000 yen if you eat out a lot.
• Communication costs (smartphone/Wi-Fi) are around 5,000 to 10,000 yen
• Daily necessities and miscellaneous expenses are roughly 3,000 to 5,000 yen.

In addition, if you include transportation and entertainment expenses, monthly living expenses generally total around 100,000 to 150,000 yen. Budget management and reviewing fixed expenses are key to living a reasonable life.

By incorporating home cooking, saving money, and finding ways to cut down on unnecessary expenses, you can achieve a financially and mentally stable life.

Property selection and crime prevention measures

When a man starts living alone, it is important to carefully consider both housing selection and crime prevention measures. In order to secure a comfortable living space, it is necessary to pay attention not only to the location, layout, and rent, but also to the surrounding environment and security. Also, for men, being highly aware of crime prevention is very effective in avoiding trouble.

Here, we will explain in detail the specific points to consider when choosing a property and crime prevention measures for living alone.

Points to consider when choosing a property

When choosing a property to live in alone, it is important to consider not only the rent and size, but also safety and convenience.

• First, check the access to work or school, and we recommend properties within a 10-minute walk from the station.
• Be sure to check whether you can find a route that is well lit and has lots of people at night.
• Reinforced concrete construction (RC construction) is excellent in soundproofing, earthquake resistance, and crime prevention, allowing you to live in peace of mind.
• Also check whether the property has an automatic lock, an intercom with a monitor, and security cameras.
• The first floor is convenient, but in terms of security, the second floor or higher is considered safer.

When viewing a property, the key to enjoying a stress-free new life is to check not only the sunlight and storage space, but also the presence of neighboring buildings and people.

Crime prevention measures for those living alone

Crime prevention measures are essential even for men living alone. Especially in urban areas, there is a risk of intrusion by suspicious people and theft, and if you neglect to take precautions, you may become a victim.

The first basic thing is to "manage your keys." Always lock your door when you go out, and be careful about where you keep your keys and how you handle your spare keys. In addition, it's a good idea to install auxiliary locks and security alarms on your front doors and windows to make you feel safe. An intercom with a monitor is very effective for dealing with visitors disguised as delivery people.

In addition, you should also avoid posting your address or information about going out on social media. By being aware of crime prevention and paying attention on a daily basis, you can prevent trouble before it occurs and live alone with peace of mind. If necessary, you should also consider installing crime prevention products and home security.

Tips for making single life more comfortable

To live comfortably alone, it is essential to think about not only the facilities and interior design of the home, but also about lifestyle planning and shopping. The first step to a comfortable life is to efficiently acquire the things you need within a limited space and budget.

Especially for men living alone, it is important to "carefully select only what you need." If you increase your belongings without planning, you will have trouble storing them and your room will become cluttered, so be careful. Also, there are ways to reduce costs by being creative in order to keep initial costs down.

Here are three specific tips to help you start living alone efficiently and comfortably.

Create a budget and set priorities

When you start living alone, it is important to first decide on an overall budget and then clarify how much you will spend on what.

There are many expenses to consider, such as rent, initial costs, furniture, appliances, daily necessities, and living expenses, so if you don't understand the overall picture, your expenses will increase. Initial costs in particular can be a big burden, so make sure to prioritize getting the bare necessities.

The key to deciding priorities is to first give top priority to things you can't live without (refrigerator, bedding, etc.), then put aside things that are convenient to have (television, sofa, etc.).

By creating a list in advance and visualizing your budget allocation, you can avoid unnecessary purchases and get off to a smooth start in your life.

Utilizing new life support sets and second-hand items

To get everything you need while keeping initial costs down, it is very effective to use "New Life Support Sets" or second-hand goods. Home appliance stores and online shops offer packages that allow you to purchase refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves, etc. as a set at a discount, which is more cost-effective than buying them individually.

You can also get furniture and appliances in good condition at low prices by using second-hand shops and flea market apps. Especially for those who are new to living alone, it is more realistic to choose items based on functionality and price rather than appearance.

However, when buying second-hand goods, don't forget to check that they are in working order and clean. By shopping wisely, you can save money and have a comfortable living environment.

Start with the bare minimum and buy more later

In the early stages of living alone, it is wise to narrow it down to what you really need. If you try to get everything perfectly, you will end up wasting space and money, and you will end up with things that you don't actually use.

We recommend that you start by prioritizing only the essentials, such as a refrigerator, bedding, lighting, curtains, and kitchenware, and then add more items as you feel they are necessary. By organizing your home in stages like this, you can carefully select only the items that suit your lifestyle, which ultimately leads to saving money.

Especially when living alone and storage space is limited, the key to staying comfortable is to avoid accumulating unnecessary items. It is important to have the flexibility to organize your space as you live.

summary

For a man to live alone successfully, it is most important to "identify what you need and get it all without waste." By understanding the initial costs and monthly living expenses, and then planning and preparing appliances, furniture, and daily necessities, you can achieve a life of comfort both financially and mentally.

In addition, choosing the right property and taking security measures are also important points, and directly linked to creating a safe and comfortable living environment. There is no need to have everything perfectly from the beginning, it is realistic and efficient to start with the bare minimum and add more as needed. Let's create a space that is uniquely yours, incorporating ways to save money, such as using new life support sets and second-hand items.

Use this article as a reference to get off to an ideal start in living alone. The first step to living comfortably and without stress is the quality of your preparations.