A list of essential items for living alone | What are some helpful things to prepare for the minimum?

What do you need for your first time living alone?

When you start living alone for the first time, you need to buy everything you need for daily life from scratch, including furniture, appliances, and household goods. You want to get the bare minimum while avoiding unnecessary expenses. To start your new life smoothly, the key is to use a "list of things you need for living alone" and prepare while prioritizing what you need.

Appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and lighting fixtures are especially needed immediately after moving, so it's important to arrange for them early. It's also crucial to purchase furniture that fits the size and layout of your rooms.

This chapter will explain the basic information you should know before starting to live alone, as well as an overview of essential items you should prepare.

Things to consider before starting to live alone

Before starting to live alone, it's important to check the room layout, size, and storage space, and then make a list of what furniture and appliances you'll need.

It's also important to prioritize based on your lifestyle and budget. For example, the kitchenware you need will vary greatly depending on whether you mainly eat out or cook at home. Furthermore, don't forget to take care of the timing of your move, delivery schedules, and contracts for utilities such as electricity, gas, and water.

Unplanned shopping leads to wasted space and increased expenses, so it's ideal to plan and prepare based on whether you truly need something.

What are the essential items you should get first?

When starting to live alone, the essential items you should have first are furniture, home appliances, and daily necessities that support the basics of daily life.

Specifically, the following are examples:

• bedding
• curtain
• illumination
• refrigerator
• microwave oven
• Washing machines are a typical example.

These are essential for daily life and will be needed from the very first day of moving, so it's important to prepare them early. Also, don't forget to pack household items such as bath towels, dishes, and detergents.

The key is to keep things as minimal as possible, but still ensure you have the bare essentials. Furthermore, with the increasing number of properties that come furnished with appliances, checking for these amenities from the property selection stage can save you time and money on preparations.

List of essential items for living alone: ​​Furniture and appliances

When starting to live alone, the first things you should acquire are furniture and appliances. These items form the foundation of your life and greatly affect your daily comfort. From basic furniture like beds and tables to kitchen appliances like refrigerators and microwaves, and even washing machines and lighting, it's important to plan and prepare systematically while clearly defining your priorities.

When choosing home appliances, size, functions, and power consumption are also important factors to consider. Similarly, for furniture, selecting compact types that fit the room size and layout will save space and be more efficient.

Here, we'll introduce in detail the furniture and home appliances you'll need for each category.

Bedding, beds, and curtains

Choosing the right bedding and bed is essential for creating a comfortable sleep environment.

• Choose a mattress or futon according to your budget and available space, and prepare sheets and pillows as a set.
• Beds with storage or folding beds, and other space-saving designs, are popular.
• Curtains are important for insulation, security, and light blocking, and you need to buy them in sizes that fit your windows. Choosing blackout curtains is a good idea to prevent people from seeing in from outside at night.

These items are needed from the first day of moving in, so it's best to prepare them before you move.

Tables, chairs, and storage furniture

A table and chair for eating and working are essential items for living alone. If you're concerned about saving space, folding or compact sets are recommended. A combination of a low table and a floor chair is also popular.

Regarding storage furniture, some properties lack sufficient closet space, so supplement storage with clothing storage cases, shelves, racks, etc. Matching the colors and materials of your furniture is also important, as it creates a sense of visual unity that makes the room appear larger. It's crucial to limit yourself to the bare minimum of essential items to create a comfortable living space.

Refrigerator, microwave oven, rice cooker

Whether you cook at home or eat out, a refrigerator, microwave, and rice cooker are essential appliances.

• For someone living alone, a compact refrigerator with a capacity of around 100-150 liters is suitable, and you should also pay attention to the freezer compartment capacity.
• In addition to heating functions, multi-functional microwave ovens with grill and oven functions are also popular.
• Rice cookers with a capacity of 1 to 3 cups are recommended, and models with a keep-warm function are convenient.

Since these items are directly related to daily life, it's important to compare not only the cost but also ease of use and energy efficiency when making your selection.

Washing machine, vacuum cleaner, hair dryer

Washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and hair dryers are essential household items.

• For someone living alone, a fully automatic washing machine with a capacity of 4-5 kg ​​is typical. Make sure to check the installation space and whether there is a drip tray before choosing one.
• Stick-type and handheld vacuum cleaners, which are easy to store in small spaces, are popular choices.
• When choosing a hair dryer, pay attention to the airflow and temperature control functions, and select a model that minimizes stress on your hair and scalp for a more comfortable experience.

These are essential items for maintaining a hygienic lifestyle.

Lighting, air conditioning, television

If your new home doesn't come equipped with lighting or air conditioning, you'll need to provide those yourself.

• Since lighting is needed from the very first day of moving in, be sure to check the installation type and bulb type in advance.
• If there is no air conditioner, installation work will be necessary, so you will need to consult with your landlord or property management company.
• Smart TVs, which combine news, entertainment, and internet connectivity, are popular choices, and it's a good idea to consider size and placement when making your selection.

These are essential items for creating a comfortable living environment with easy access to information.

List of essential items for living alone [Daily necessities and household goods]

When living alone, you need not only furniture and appliances, but also daily necessities and household goods to support your daily life. In particular, bathroom and toilet supplies, kitchen supplies, and laundry and cleaning supplies are often needed from the very first day, so it's important to prepare them before moving.

These items can be easily purchased at 100-yen shops and home improvement stores, making them easy to choose according to your budget. It's also reassuring to have stationery and regular medications on hand, as these are often forgotten.

This chapter will introduce specific household items necessary for living alone, categorized by type.

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

Bathroom and toilet items are things you'll use from the very first day of living alone, so make sure to prepare them as a top priority.

• Bath towels and face towels
• toilet paper
• Shampoo and body wash
• Bath mat
• slippers
• You will also need a toilet brush and detergent.

For those living alone with limited storage space, the key is to choose easy-to-use and compact items. Also, for hygiene reasons, it's reassuring to have cleaning supplies on hand. Many items can be easily found at drugstores or 100-yen shops, so making a list beforehand will make preparations smoother.

Kitchenware (knives, dishes, cooking utensils, etc.)

Whether you plan to cook for yourself or not, it's a good idea to have at least the basic kitchen utensils on hand.

• kitchen knife
• cutting board
• pot
• Cooking utensils such as frying pans
• Plates and cups
• You will also need tableware such as chopsticks and spoons.

Having microwave-safe heat-resistant containers and storage containers is convenient, as they are useful for batch cooking and food preservation. Don't forget to prepare a dishwashing sponge and detergent. Choosing compact and easy-to-store items suitable for single-person households will help keep your kitchen tidy.

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

Since you'll often need laundry supplies immediately after moving, it's a good idea to have them ready in advance.

• hanger
• clothespins
• Clothes drying rack
• Laundry net
• Laundry detergent and fabric softener, etc.

If you frequently dry your clothes indoors, having a compact indoor clothes drying rack or dehumidifying products will make things much more convenient. If you have limited storage space, consider using foldable or wall-mounted items.

Cleaning supplies (sponge, broom, garbage bags, etc.)

To maintain a clean room, having cleaning supplies on hand is essential.

• Brooms and floor wipers for cleaning floors
• Kitchen and bathroom sponges
• Toilet cleaning brush, etc.

Having the right tools for each area makes cleaning more efficient. You'll need to check the size and type of garbage bags to match your local waste sorting rules before purchasing. Disposable wet wipes and disinfectant sprays are also very useful items. For those living alone with limited storage space, choosing compact and multi-functional cleaning tools will help you maintain a hygienic environment without wasting space.

Stationery, small items, and over-the-counter medicines, etc.

To make daily life run smoothly, it's convenient to have stationery and small items on hand.

• Stationery items such as ballpoint pens, scissors, notepads, and cellophane tape are useful for filling out documents and doing small tasks.
• Batteries, extension cords, and tool kits are also very useful to have.
• It's a good idea to have some over-the-counter medications on hand, such as fever reducers, headache medicine, and bandages, in case you feel unwell.

These small items are surprisingly easy to forget, so create a checklist to make sure you don't miss anything.

[By Attribute] What you need for living alone

The items you need for living alone vary slightly depending on your gender and life stage.

For example, women need to consider security measures and personal care products, while men tend to prioritize efficiency and minimal equipment. University students and new graduates often require items directly related to their studies or work, as well as budget-friendly supplies.

Here, we'll divide the information into three categories: "Women living alone," "Men living alone," and "University students and new graduates," and specifically introduce essential items suitable for each category.

What a woman needs to live alone

For women living alone, choosing items that balance safety and comfort is crucial.

• First, essential security items include auxiliary locks, personal alarms, and curtains to prevent prying eyes.
• You'll also want to stock up on items for self-care, such as skincare and haircare products, a dresser, and a full-length mirror.
• Don't forget feminine hygiene products, regular medications, and storage items that make organization easy.

Considering options like "automatic locks" or "women-only properties" from the initial stage of choosing an apartment is also effective for safety. Creating a comfortable and safe living space is key to a successful life as a woman living alone.

What a man needs to live alone

For men living alone, simple and practical items are highly valued.

• In addition to minimalist furniture and appliances, microwave-safe cookware and freezer containers are convenient for those who are not good at cooking.
• Essential items for maintaining personal grooming include a hanger rack for storing suits and dress shirts, an iron, and a shoe polishing kit.
• Having a desk and chair set that allows you to concentrate on work or hobbies, as well as a power strip for your computer and peripherals, will make things more comfortable.

For men living alone, finding ways to maintain a good quality of life while saving time and effort is essential.

Preparation items for university students and new graduates

For university students and young working adults living alone, it's important to keep initial costs down while still having the bare minimum necessary amenities.

• First, let's get a desk, chair, and lighting for studying or working.
• A computer, printer, Wi-Fi router, and other communication equipment are also essential.
• It's a good idea to prepare kitchen appliances such as a rice cooker, refrigerator, and microwave as early as possible.

Choosing a furnished apartment can help reduce costs. Additionally, essential items for job hunting and administrative tasks, such as resume photos and document organizers, are included. Balancing cost-effectiveness and practicality is key to success.

How much do the initial costs of living alone amount to?

When starting to live alone, one of the biggest concerns is the total initial costs. In addition to housing expenses such as security deposit, key money, and brokerage fees incurred when signing a rental agreement, the cost of purchasing furniture, appliances, and daily necessities is generally estimated to be around 200,000 to 500,000 yen.

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

This chapter explains key points for getting started wisely, including specific cost estimates for furniture and appliances, and tips for acquiring everyday necessities at a low price.

Estimated cost of furniture and home appliances

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

For example, refrigerators and washing machines typically cost around 20,000 to 50,000 yen each, while microwave ovens and rice cookers cost around 10,000 to 30,000 yen. Including furniture such as beds, desks, and curtains will further increase expenses. If you want to save money, utilizing secondhand shops, flea market apps, and rental services can be effective.

Choosing a shared house or apartment that comes furnished with appliances can significantly reduce initial costs.

Ways to reduce household expenses and small spending

Many household items may seem inexpensive at first glance, but they can add up to a surprisingly large expense. You can significantly reduce costs on items like towels, dishes, detergent, and stationery by utilizing 100-yen shops and home improvement stores.

Additionally, you can sometimes lower the unit price by choosing bulk purchases or sets. Creating a shopping list in advance and separating "things you need right now" from "things you can buy later" is also an effective way to save money. Furthermore, taking advantage of sales during moving season or campaigns supporting new lifestyles can help you acquire household goods at even better prices.

Points to consider when buying necessities for living alone

When preparing to live alone, it's crucial to be resourceful in your shopping to efficiently acquire essential items. Choosing furniture, appliances, and daily necessities that suit your lifestyle within a limited budget and space requires careful planning. In particular, budget management, prioritization, checking sizes and room layouts, and utilizing online shopping are extremely important.

This chapter will explain in detail four key points for efficiently and effectively purchasing the necessities of living alone.

Set a budget in advance.

When preparing to live alone, it's easy to overspend. To prevent unnecessary expenses, first, clearly set a budget limit. Allocating a budget to furniture, appliances, and daily necessities will make it easier to balance your spending. Checking online price ranges will help you avoid the risks of buying products that are too cheap or, conversely, overpriced items.

Furthermore, by working backward from your total budget, which includes moving expenses and initial contract fees, you can create a shopping plan that allows you to start your new life in a well-organized manner.

Prioritize and buy them all.

Since it's difficult to acquire all items at once, both financially and practically, prioritize what you need by dividing them into "needed now" and "can be acquired later."

For example, you'll need things like a refrigerator, lighting, and bedding from the first day after moving in, but you can buy things like storage shelves and a TV later once you've settled in. By planning your purchases carefully, keeping in mind how useful things are and how important they are to your daily life, you can avoid unnecessary purchases.

Furthermore, there are things you only truly need once you actually start living there, so a step-by-step preparation approach is recommended.

The Importance of Size Confirmation and Layout

When purchasing furniture or appliances, it's essential to always measure the size of the space where you plan to place them. Mistakes like "it's too big to fit" or "it blocks the passageway" can be disastrous in the limited space of someone living alone.

It's also helpful to simulate the layout beforehand, taking into account the location of electrical outlets, traffic flow, and how they fit with storage. Checking the dimensions of the products before purchasing and creating a simple floor plan if necessary will prevent problems when actually placing them. Using your smartphone's memo function or a floor plan app is also recommended.

Utilizing online shopping and bundled products

In recent years, a major advantage of online shopping is that you can easily purchase large furniture and home appliances and have them delivered all at once. It's also easier to compare prices and check reviews to see how people actually use the products, reducing the risk of making a bad purchase.

In addition, "new life sets" that include furniture and home appliances are also sold, offering excellent value for money. Online shopping is a great option for people who don't have time to go to a store or who want to prepare efficiently. You can save even more by taking advantage of free shipping and point reward campaigns.

summary

When preparing to live alone, it's important to efficiently acquire the necessities of daily life. Carefully plan and prepare furniture, appliances, and household goods that fit your budget and living space, while determining what you need for each. In particular, refrigerators, washing machines, and lighting are essential for basic living and will be needed from day one.

On the other hand, items like storage solutions and televisions can be purchased later. It's also important to note that necessary items vary depending on factors such as gender and social status (e.g., women, university students). Using online shopping or pre-packaged sets for new living can help keep costs down and make preparations easier.

Use this article as a guide to ensure a smooth and successful start to living alone.