First Time Living Alone: What You Need
Everything you need for your first apartment — furniture, appliances, costs, and procedures.
First time living alone? Here's what to prepare, prioritized by importance.
Essentials
What You Need for Living Alone
Day 1 Essentials
Bedding: Mattress or futon (bed frame can wait)
Curtains: Essential for privacy from day 1. Measure windows during your apartment viewing.
Lighting: Some apartments don't include ceiling lights. Check in advance.
Toilet paper & hand soap: Easy to forget!
Within 1 Week
Refrigerator: 150–200L (2-door) is enough for one person.
Washing machine: 5–7kg top-load is standard.
Microwave: Essential even if you don't cook.
Can Wait
TV (many people just use their phone)
Rice cooker (microwave meals work fine at first)
Vacuum (Swiffer-type mops work on hardwood floors)
Costs
Initial Costs for Living Alone
Apartment Costs (Osaka average)
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Deposit (shikikin) | 1 month rent (some ¥0) |
| Key money (reikin) | 1 month rent (some ¥0) |
| First month rent | 1 month rent |
| Agent fee | 0.5–1 month rent |
| Fire insurance | ¥15,000–20,000 |
| Lock change | ¥10,000–20,000 |
| Total | ~4–5 months rent |
Furniture & Appliances
| Item | Budget |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator (2-door) | ¥30,000–50,000 |
| Washing machine (top-load 5kg) | ¥30,000–40,000 |
| Microwave | ¥10,000–20,000 |
| Bedding set | ¥10,000–30,000 |
| Curtains | ¥3,000–8,000 |
| Total | ¥100,000–150,000 |
Moving Cost
With us, single-person moves start from ¥9,800.
Appliances
Choosing Appliances for Your First Apartment
Refrigerator
Recommended size: 150–200L (2-door). 200L+ if you cook often.
Access note: You need fridge width + 10cm for hallways and doorways.
Washing Machine
Recommended: 5–7kg top-load. 7kg if you do laundry every 2–3 days.
Access note: Check the laundry pan size. Drum-type may not fit in some apartments.
We install top-load washers for free.
New Appliance Delivery
Do NOT schedule delivery on the same day as your move. Having multiple delivery crews at once causes delays for everyone.
AC (Air Conditioner)
Some apartments don't include AC. Installation requires a technician — schedule it on a different day from your move.
Disposing Old Appliances
TVs, fridges, washers, and ACs require recycling fees under Japanese law.
We also offer disposal service.
Need help with your move?
Get a free quote on LINE