Why "where to buy" is important when it comes to home appliance sets for single-person living

When you start living alone, where you buy your home appliance set will greatly affect your quality of life and cost performance. Home appliance sets allow you to get all the necessities such as a refrigerator, washing machine, and microwave in one place, making preparations efficient.

However, prices, warranties, and delivery services vary depending on where you buy, so it is essential to compare prices. There are many options, such as electronics retailers, online stores, recycle shops, and subscriptions, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. By carefully choosing where to buy, you can avoid unnecessary expenses and start your new life in comfort.

What are the benefits of purchasing a set?

The biggest advantage of buying a set of home appliances for living alone is that it saves you time and money. You can get basic items such as a refrigerator, washing machine, and microwave in one package, which saves you the trouble of having to choose them individually, making moving preparations smoother.

In addition, the set price is often set cheaper than buying each item individually, and delivery and installation can be done all at once. Another attractive feature is the consistency of design and brand. When preparing for a busy new life, buying a set is an effective option for efficiently preparing the necessary home appliances while minimizing the hassle.

Difference from purchasing a single appliance

When purchasing home appliances individually, you can choose according to your preferences, but the disadvantage is that it can be costly and time-consuming. If you are particular about functionality, size, or brand, purchasing individual items is ideal, but you will need to compare each product and arrange for delivery and installation separately.

On the other hand, home appliance sets have the advantage that they contain the bare minimum of necessary items, allowing you to start your new life without any hassle. The best way to decide which one to choose is to decide based on your budget, time, and level of preference. If you are living alone for the first time, we recommend purchasing a set first, and then purchasing individual items to cover any shortcomings.

Compare the differences between new, used and rental

There are three ways to purchase a home appliance set: buying new, buying second-hand, or renting/subscribing, and each has its own characteristics.

• New products offer peace of mind in terms of quality and warranty, and are suitable for long-term use, but they are more expensive.
• While second-hand items can save you money, you need to be aware of the risk of malfunction and whether or not they come with a warranty.
• Rental and subscriptions significantly reduce initial costs and are ideal for short-term use or temporary housing.

Depending on your purpose and length of stay, choosing the best option will increase both cost and satisfaction. Choosing the method that suits your lifestyle is the key to choosing the right home appliances.

Recommended places to buy home appliance sets for single people [Comparison guide]

Depending on where you buy your home appliances, the price, service, and product lineup can vary greatly. To get all the home appliances you need for living alone, it's important to choose a store that suits your lifestyle and budget. There are a variety of options, from stores like Nitori and MUJI where you can buy them together with your furniture, to mass home appliance stores, mail order, and rental and subscription services.

Here we will explain the features of each. By understanding and comparing the features, you can start your new life comfortably while keeping costs down.

Nitori | Stylish and low-priced, great for purchasing together with furniture

Nitori is a representative brand when it comes to furniture and home appliances. They also have reasonably priced sets of home appliances for single people. They offer basic home appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and microwaves in sets, so you can coordinate your interior and home appliances all at once.

By purchasing your furniture at the same time, you can create a unified look in your room, saving you time and effort. Delivery, assembly and installation services are also available, making this a great option for people who want to start living there as soon as they move in.

MUJI | Popular among those who value simple design

MUJI is popular for its minimalist home appliances that pursue functional beauty. Their refrigerators, washing machines, and microwaves for single people have a stylish look with a white base, and go well with any interior. Although the price range is a little high, the products are made with no unnecessary features and high-quality materials, so you can use them for a long time.

This is the perfect brand for those who value design and seek a simple lifestyle.

Yamada Denki | One-stop service from delivery to installation

Yamada Denki is a nationwide electronics retailer that offers reliable service. Its home appliance sets for single-person households come in a wide variety, with a wide range of price ranges and features to choose from.

They handle everything from delivery to installation, so you can rest assured even if it's your first time moving. They also offer trade-ins, long-term warranties, and point reward systems, making them a recommended place to buy for those who want to get the home appliances they need while keeping the total cost down.

K's Denki | Local price negotiations and long-term warranty

K's Denki is a home appliance retailer that boasts "cash discounts" and "peace of mind passports." They also sell a large number of home appliance sets, and it is easy to negotiate prices with other companies, so they are suitable for people who value value.

The free long-term warranty service in case of breakdown is also popular, so you can use it with peace of mind. The polite support from the store staff is also attractive, so it is recommended for those who want to consult thoroughly before purchasing.

Bic Camera | Attractive point rewards and smooth online shopping

Bic Camera is a home appliance retailer that can be conveniently used both online and at physical stores. They also have a wide selection of home appliance sets for single people, and you can get substantial discounts by using the "Bic Points" that you earn when you purchase products.

They also offer installation and delivery services for online orders, making it easy to accommodate the busy moving season. It's also easy to compare prices and check reviews, so it's recommended for those who want to make efficient preparations.

Rakuten Market | A wide range of products from new to used, and sales available

Rakuten Ichiba has a wide range of home appliance sets for single-person households, with many manufacturers and retailers on the market. There are plenty of new products, reused items, and outlet items, so you can choose according to your budget. You can also make significant savings by taking advantage of sales, coupons, point rewards, and other campaigns.

It's easy to find the set that's right for you, and it's recommended for those who want to make a good deal by comparing products.

IRIS OHYAMA | A wide range of value-for-money sets

Iris Ohyama is a brand that offers simple, easy-to-use home appliances at reasonable prices. The home appliance sets prepared for new lifestyles in particular offer a well-balanced combination of refrigerators, washing machines, microwave ovens, etc., and are excellent value for money.

Many of these products are lightweight and space-saving, making them easy to use even in small rooms. They are an ideal choice for students and young workers who want to prioritize cost-effectiveness.

CLAS, Rentio, etc. | Home appliance rental and subscription are also options

Home appliance rental and subscription services such as CLAS and Rentio are recommended for people who want to start living alone while keeping initial costs down. You can rent the appliances you need for a monthly fee and return them when you no longer need them, making them convenient for short-term stays and people who are transferred.

Many plans include basic appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and microwaves, allowing for flexible selection according to your lifestyle. Ideal for those who want to reduce costs, hassle, and waste risks.

Basic home appliances needed for living alone and how to choose them

When you start living alone, the first step to a comfortable life is to have all the necessary home appliances. It is important to know the minimum necessary items, from large appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines, to cooking appliances such as microwaves and rice cookers, and household appliances such as electric kettles and hair dryers.

When choosing, it is important to compare products based on factors such as size, capacity, energy efficiency, and installation space, and choose a product that suits your lifestyle. When purchasing a home appliance set, be sure to check these basic functions before making your selection.

Refrigerators | Focus on capacity and energy-saving performance

Refrigerators for single people generally have a capacity of around 100L to 150L. If you cook a lot at home, a larger capacity model will suffice, but if you eat out a lot, a smaller model will suffice. Another important thing to check is the "energy-saving performance" that will help you save on electricity bills.

You can avoid mistakes by checking the usability of the freezer, the direction in which the door opens and closes, whether or not it has a defrosting function, etc. The compact two-door type is recommended because it is easy to use and does not get in the way even in a room for one person.

Washing machine | Check capacity and installation space

A washing machine with a capacity of 4.5 to 6 kg is suitable for a single person, and is sufficient for washing 2 to 3 times a week. It is necessary to check the size of the installation space, the size of the waterproof pan, and the location of the faucet in advance.

It is also important to choose between a vertical or drum type. Generally, compact vertical types are mainstream and are reasonably priced. The dehydration performance and the presence or absence of a drying function also affect ease of use, so choose a model that suits your lifestyle.

Microwave ovens and ovens | The bare minimum is fine

For those living alone, a single-function microwave (for heating only) is often sufficient, but you should consider an oven range with cooking functions depending on how often you cook at home. We recommend a compact size of around 17 to 20 liters that is easy to store. It is also important to check for ease of use, such as a turntable type that heats food evenly and a flat type that is easy to clean.

For those who love cooking, models with grill functions and automatic menus are convenient, but basically a simple model will be sufficient.

Rice cooker | Approximate rice cooking capacity is 1 to 3 cups

For those living alone, a compact model that can cook 1 to 3 cups of rice is ideal. If you cook at home every day or cook in bulk, a 3 cup model is a good choice, but if you don't eat often, a 1 to 2 cup model is fine. A simple model is fine, but it's convenient to have a keep-warm function, timer, and quick-cook function.

Recently, multi-functional models that can be used for steaming dishes and making bread have been released, but you can choose a model at a reasonable price by limiting yourself to the bare minimum of functions.

Vacuum cleaner | Stick type or robot vacuum cleaner?

The key to choosing a vacuum cleaner is to consider the size of the room and how often you clean. Stick vacuum cleaners are lightweight and easy to store, making them perfect for small one-room apartments. On the other hand, robot vacuum cleaners are also an option for those who want to reduce the effort of cleaning.

However, depending on the level difference and furniture arrangement, it may be difficult to move around, so check the layout of the room before installing it. Suction power, ease of emptying the garbage, and noise level are also selection criteria, so it is important to compare product reviews and specifications.

Don't forget to bring household items such as electric kettles and hair dryers.

Small appliances such as electric kettles and hair dryers are also necessities for people living alone. Electric kettles are compact, about 1L in size, and the convenience of being able to boil water quickly is appealing. Models with temperature adjustment functions are also on the rise. For hair dryers, check the balance between air volume and weight, and foldable types that are easy to store are also convenient.

Small items such as irons, humidifiers, and extension cords also affect the comfort of your home. These are things you will need immediately after moving in, so make a list of them in advance and make sure you prepare them properly.

Tips for getting a cheap and good-value home appliance set for single people

Home appliances are daily necessities, but many people want to keep the initial costs of living alone as low as possible. In order to wisely and cheaply purchase a home appliance set, it is important to consider the timing of purchases, where to buy, and take advantage of discount systems.

There are many options, including coupons and sales on online shopping sites, recycling shops, second-hand goods, and even home appliance rental services. You can also cut costs further by taking advantage of buy-back and trade-in systems for unwanted home appliances.

Here are five specific ways to save money.

Choose the right time to buy (February to April and September are the best times to buy)

If you want to buy home appliances cheaply, the "time to buy" is very important. In particular, during the new life season from February to April and the fiscal year-end in September, home appliance retailers and online shops hold sales, and home appliance sets for single-person households can be significantly discounted.

This is also the time to replace older models, making it a great opportunity to get high-performance home appliances at a bargain price. If you are planning to make any purchases, it is wise to make a list of the appliances you need in advance and purchase them at the right time.

Use coupons and points from online shopping sites

When shopping online on sites like Amazon, Rakuten, and Yahoo! Shopping, you can significantly reduce the actual price by taking advantage of discount coupons and point rewards.

It's especially good to take advantage of these deals during major campaigns such as the Rakuten Super Sale and Amazon Limited Time Sale. In many cases, the cashback rate increases when you link your card to a credit card, purchase an app, or buy in bulk, so if you check the terms in advance, you can get a better deal.

Use second-hand shops and flea market apps

If you want to reduce costs significantly, using second-hand home appliances is one way to do so. It is not uncommon to find good quality home appliances for less than half price at second-hand shops and flea market apps (such as Mercari and Rakuma). Home appliances for single people are in particular in high demand and there are many items on offer.

Before purchasing, it is important to check the manufacturing year, operation confirmation, and whether or not there is a warranty. For short-term use or temporary residence, used appliances are a very cost-effective option.

Reduce initial costs by renting appliances

For people who live in temporary housing or move frequently, home appliance rental and subscription services are convenient. Services such as CLAS and Rentio allow you to rent a set of home appliances such as a refrigerator, washing machine, and microwave for a monthly fee, significantly reducing initial costs compared to purchasing them.

In addition, it is easy to return or exchange the item when you no longer need it, and there are no disposal costs when you move. It may be more expensive in the long run, but it is especially recommended for those who only want to use it for a short period of time.

Take advantage of purchases and trade-ins of unwanted home appliances

If you are replacing your old home appliances to start a new life, taking advantage of trade-in and purchase services will directly lead to cost reduction. Home appliance retailers such as Yamada Denki and Bic Camera often offer trade-ins and free collection of old home appliances by purchasing designated products.

You can also turn your home appliances into cash by using second-hand shops or flea market apps. By making good use of these services, you can replace your home appliances efficiently while keeping your expenses down.

summary

When choosing a home appliance set for living alone, it is very important to carefully consider where to buy and how to get it. For example, at Nitori and MUJI, you can purchase simple, uniform home appliances at reasonable prices, and they can be coordinated with your furniture. Meanwhile, at home appliance retailers such as Yamada Denki and Bic Camera, you can receive comprehensive support such as point rewards, installation services, and long-term warranties. In addition, Rakuten Ichiba and Iris Ohyama offer a wide range of sets by price range and function, and you can conveniently compare and choose online.

When it comes to basic home appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves, rice cookers, vacuum cleaners, etc., it is important to choose the capacity and functions that suit the frequency of use and the size of the room. Furthermore, if you want to keep costs down, you can significantly reduce your initial costs by taking advantage of sales periods, online shopping coupons, flea market apps and second-hand shops, or by considering home appliance rental and subscription services.

Starting to live alone can be quite an expensive endeavor, but by choosing the right home appliances, you can achieve a comfortable and cost-effective lifestyle. Choose the purchasing method that best suits your needs and start your new life wisely.