When you start living alone for the first time, it is very important to know the necessary preparations and key points to keep in mind when living alone.
In this article, we will touch on the advantages and disadvantages of living alone, and introduce the specific procedures you need to take in preparation, things to be aware of, and key points to succeed.
To help alleviate any concerns or questions you may have when living alone for the first time, we have compiled this information in an easy-to-understand and comprehensive format so please use it as a reference when starting your new life.
Three points to help you succeed in your first time living alone
What are some things you should pay attention to when starting to live alone?
First, here are three points to help you succeed in your first time living alone.
- Money tips for living alone
- Important points to note after moving in alone
- Key points for safety and security measures for living alone
To ensure you have a fulfilling life alone, be sure to keep in mind the points we will explain below.
1. Money tips for living alone
Living alone is the first step to financial independence.
Even if you haven't been very careful about money before, you will need to start managing your finances properly.
First of all, if you don't know what to think about money, let's understand the following three things.
- Assess your income and expenses
- Start saving
- Reduce waste
Assess your income and expenses
First, find out how much it costs to live alone.
When you live alone, you have to manage your own living expenses.
Consider the balance between your income and expenses and plan accordingly for the expenses you need to live.
If your income is fixed, it is important to find ways to cut down on expenses and adopt money-saving techniques.
For example, it would be a good idea to make a list of your monthly income and expenses and keep your fixed expenses (rent, utilities, food, transportation, etc.) within a budget.
You can use the extra money to spend on hobbies, entertainment, or special occasions.
Start saving
When living alone, it is important to save money for future unforeseen circumstances.
Get into the habit of saving even a small amount from your monthly income.
Saving money for your future dreams, goals, and emergencies will also give you a sense of security.
For example, you can use systems such as automatic deductions or fixed term deposits to automatically transfer a fixed amount to a savings account when you receive your salary each month.
Checking your savings on a regular basis will help you to continue saving.
Reduce waste
When living alone, it's important to reduce waste.
Saving is essential when it comes to saving money and preparing for the future.
In particular, be careful about impulse buying and unnecessary spending.
It's important to make a list before you go shopping so you only buy what you need.
We also recommend taking advantage of coupons and sales to save money when shopping.
Additionally, you can cut down on unnecessary expenses by using money saving products.
Consider using energy-efficient appliances, water-saving products, eco-friendly bags, etc.
These items will save you money in the long run.
2. Tips for moving in alone
If it's your first time living alone, you probably don't have much of an idea of what to expect after you move in.
Here we will introduce only the important points to keep in mind after moving in.
Make housework a habit
When you start living alone, you have to do your own housework.
Make housework a habit by following these points:
- Make a schedule for household chores
- Spreading the burden
- Create a routine
Housework is a daily chore.
Create a schedule for household chores such as cleaning, laundry, and cooking that fits your lifestyle.
It is also important to spread the burden.
For example, try to be creative and do your housework efficiently by cleaning all at once on the weekend, or using simple recipes when you don't have time to cook.
And in order to make housework a habit, it's important to create a routine.
Doing housework in the same steps and order will help the flow of housework become smoother and help you make it a habit.
Choose your own interior design
When you start living alone, you realize you're spending more time at home than you expected.
Because it's a space you spend a lot of time in, it's very important to decorate your room in a way that suits you.
Follow the tips below to make your room a comfortable space.
- Think about the image and theme
- Consider your budget
- Choose accent pieces that make you stand out
First, think about the ideal room and theme you envision.
For example, if you want to create a calm atmosphere in your room, choose furniture with a wooden look and items in natural colors.
There are interior items available in a wide range of price ranges.
If you're on a budget, sales, thrift stores, and handmade items are also great options.
N203 sells stylish and convenient products for people living alone.
Be sure to incorporate items that express your individuality and create your own special space!
Tidy up your room
Keeping your room tidy is an important task for living alone comfortably.
Here are some tips to keep your room tidy:
- Organize things into categories
- Declutter regularly
- Use organizational items
Organize the items in your room so they are easy to use.
For example, it will be easier to organize if you group similar items together, such as books, stationery, and clothes, and create storage spaces for each category.
Also, be bold and get rid of things you don't use or need.
You can also donate or recycle them so that others can use them.
Additionally, you can incorporate items like storage boxes and drawer dividers to help you stay organized.
Choosing easy-to-use organizing products will help you make the most of your space.
3. Key points for safety and security when living alone
When you're living alone for the first time, there are certain measures you need to take to ensure your safety and security.
Next, we will introduce three measures to ensure safety and security.
- Crime prevention measures
- Surrounding Area
- Air conditioning and heating measures
First of all, it's important to take proper security measures at home.
Keep your doors and windows locked to prevent strangers and intruders from entering.
Additionally, installing security cameras and carrying security alarms are also effective measures.
The surrounding environment of where you live also affects your sense of security and safety.
First of all, it is important to choose a safe area.
Also, check whether there are convenience stores, police stations, hospitals, etc. nearby so you can feel at ease in the event of an emergency.
If you would like to know more about security measures for living alone, please refer to the following article.
Another important point is temperature regulation according to the season.
It is important to check the effectiveness of heating and cooling and maintain a comfortable temperature environment.
However, you should also try to conserve energy when using the air conditioner.
What are the estimated moving and initial costs for living alone?
When you start living alone, it is very important to know an estimate of moving costs and initial expenses.
Next, we will explain in detail the rough range of costs and initial costs involved in moving for one person.
- How to estimate moving costs and key points
- Breakdown of initial costs and how to save
- Actual cost examples and how to create a budget
1. How to estimate moving costs and key points
When moving, estimating costs is very important.
Moving costs may vary depending on the amount of luggage, distance, date, etc.
When requesting a quote, you will need to ask the mover and tell them the terms of your move.
The movers will calculate the cost based on the amount of luggage, the distance to be moved, the work required, etc.
If you are thinking about getting quotes from moving companies to reduce moving costs, please check out " Moving Easy NAVI"
When you register on a website to find a moving company, you will receive a large number of sales calls, but Hikkoshi Rakutto NAVI will listen to your requests online and arrange for quotes from several moving companies (3-5 companies).
There are also some important points to keep in mind in order to keep moving costs down.
For example, you could sort out excess belongings and dispose of unnecessary items , or be flexible with your moving dates.
By estimating moving expenses and knowing the key points to saving money, you will be able to start living alone successfully.
2. Breakdown of initial costs and how to save
There are initial costs involved when you start living alone.
Upfront costs are the initial payments you make to start a new life.
So what exactly do the initial costs consist of?
Initial costs vary, but typically include the following items:
| Rental deposit and key money | The amount you pay to the landlord when renting a room |
| Purchase cost of furniture and appliances | Money to buy furniture and appliances for your new home |
| First utility bill | The first bill for utilities such as water, electricity, and gas |
However, there are ways to save on upfront costs.
For example, furniture and home appliances can be purchased not only new, but also second-hand or at second-hand shops.
It is also important to choose energy-efficient home appliances and develop habits to conserve water and electricity.
Plan the initial costs of living alone according to your budget and lifestyle.
If you would like to know more about the average initial costs, such as initial rental costs and moving costs, please also refer to the following article.
A thorough explanation of the average rental price and initial costs based on your salary!
3. Actual cost examples and how to create a budget
Living alone comes with a variety of expenses.
Here we'll look at some actual cost examples and how to create a budget.
- Rent : For example, if your rent is 80,000 yen per month, it will cost you 960,000 yen per year.
- Utility bills : If the average monthly utility bill is 10,000 yen, the total cost for one year will be 120,000 yen.
- Food expenses : If your food expenses are 20,000 yen per month, it will cost you 240,000 yen per year.
- Communication costs : If your smartphone and internet charges are 10,000 yen per month, that will come to 120,000 yen per year.
These are some examples of the main costs of living alone.
There are also various other costs that may be added depending on your individual circumstances, such as transportation costs and insurance.
The first step in creating a budget is to look at your income.
Plan your living expenses using the amount remaining after subtracting necessary expenses from your income.
It's a good idea to research the average cost of each and create a monthly budget.
Electricity, gas and communications contracts necessary for living alone
When you start living alone, it is essential to complete the procedures for signing contracts for electricity, gas, and telecommunications.
This time, we will explain in detail the procedure and key points.
Contract procedures with the power company
When preparing to live alone, you will need to sign a contract with the power company to use electricity.
Previously, there was only one power company that dominated the industry in each region, and there was no freedom of choice.
However, with the full liberalization of the electricity retail market that began in April 2016, it is now possible to freely choose from a large number of electricity companies and plans.
When choosing an electricity company, it is important to check the service area and rate plan.
Each power company has different areas where you can sign a contract, so first find out which companies supply electricity in your area.
Once you have done this, it is important to find out what rate plans each power company offers.
Because there are so many different power companies, it can be difficult to compare options.
However, by taking the time to check, you will be able to reduce your electricity bills even after you start living alone.
Contract procedure with the gas company
If you want to use gas, you will need to start by contacting your gas company.
Applications can be made over the phone, but applying online is quick and convenient and is available 24 hours a day.
There are also companies that allow you to apply by fax, but if you live alone, your options will be to apply by phone or online.
When you apply, you will be asked when you would like to start using the service, so it is important to decide this in advance.
In the case of gas, due to safety concerns, the gas tap must be turned on by specialized staff from the gas company.
Please refrain from opening the valve yourself or operating it carelessly, and always prioritize safety.
In recent years, many companies have started offering both electricity and gas services together.
If you are thinking about signing up for electricity and gas contracts, we recommend that you refer to the article below and sign the contracts together.
Telecommunications contract procedures for internet, telephone, television, etc.
If you live alone, we recommend that you sign up for an internet line if necessary.
Even if you don't use the internet much and have a low data usage, you can still use the tethering option on your mobile network or smartphone.
However, if you are signing up for an optical fiber line, you will first need to check whether the property you are moving to is internet compatible.
Depending on the property, construction work may be required to install an optical fiber line, and you will need to obtain permission from the landlord or management company in advance.
Furthermore, construction reservations tend to fill up during moving season, so we recommend that those who wish to use the Internet make the necessary arrangements as early as possible.
There are many different types of internet lines available for rental properties, and many people find them confusing.
The following article provides a clear explanation of internet lines for renting, so please take a look.
What are the benefits of living alone?
So far, we have explained the key points and costs of living alone.
Many people probably find that living alone is surprisingly difficult.
But living alone has many benefits.
So, next, I'd like to introduce six more benefits of living alone.
- Enjoy a free life
- Convenient location for commuting to work or school
- Improved self-management and household skills
- You can see your relationship with your parents in a new light.
- You can customize your room to suit your tastes
- A comfortable space where you can easily invite friends and acquaintances
1. You can enjoy a free life
The biggest advantage of living alone is that you can live freely without the interference of others.
When you live with your parents, you often feel restricted by having to adjust to your family's schedules and worry about what time you'll get home when you're out.
However, living alone means you don't have to worry about such things and you can eat and bathe at your own convenience and schedule.
Furthermore, you won't be scolded if you come home late and you can do what you want, so you can spend your days feeling liberated.
Furthermore, on holidays you can relax and enjoy your own time without having to be woken up by your family.
Once you experience living alone, many people become fascinated with the free lifestyle and find it difficult to go back to living with their parents.
2. Convenient location for commuting to work or school
When living alone, you are free to choose a location that is convenient for commuting to work or school, in other words, the area you want to live in.
By choosing a location with good transportation access, such as near your workplace or school, you can reduce your commute time and use your time more effectively.
By choosing an area that suits your lifestyle, you can reduce your commute time from over an hour to less than an hour round trip, giving you an hour of free time each day.
You can also choose an area where you have lived before or where you can live for a short period of time.
In this way, the free option of living alone is one way to improve quality of life.
3. Improve your self-management and household skills
When you start living alone, you will have to do all the household chores that were previously done by your family or other people.
This will help you navigate the busyness of school and work and plan your life at home better.
In addition, you will also need to manage your income (from part-time work, allowances from home, etc.) and expenses (rent, utilities, entertainment expenses), which will help you develop financial management skills.
This lifestyle will help you build a self-managed family in the future and you will be seen as an independent person by those around you.
4. You'll gain a new perspective on your relationship with your parents.
When you live with your parents, things like "the lights are on when you get home" and "there's a hot dinner ready for you even on a tired day" seem like normal things.
However, once you experience living alone you realize that this is not the case and are able to reaffirm how grateful you are to your parents.
In addition, since you have to manage everything yourself, including housework and management, it sharpens your judgment and leads to independence.
In this way, living alone is an important opportunity to once again realize how grateful you are to your parents.
You can also think of it as training for life as a member of society.
5. You can customize your room to your liking
If you live with your parents, you may find it difficult to create a space that suits your own hobbies and preferences, as your family's opinions and preferences will be mixed together.
In addition, other family members' belongings may be left in shared areas.
On the other hand, when you live alone, you have the freedom to design the interior and layout to suit your own tastes.
Being able to choose the furniture and appliances you want means you can always adapt your space to suit your tastes.
6. It's easy to invite friends and acquaintances
One of the benefits of living alone is that it's easier to invite friends or loved ones over to your room.
If I had stayed at my parents' house, it wouldn't have been easy because I would have had to get the family's consent and approval.
However, when you live alone, you don't have to worry about these things.
You will also be free to stay out overnight or go out, which will mean you will be able to accept invitations that you may have turned down in the past.
However, there are some things to keep in mind.
In order to prevent noise-related problems with neighbors, it is important to take appropriate noise control measures .
What are the disadvantages of living alone?
Living alone has its advantages, but it also has its disadvantages.
Here are six disadvantages of living alone:
- The economic burden will be greater
- I have to do all the housework myself
- Your daily rhythm becomes easily disrupted
- Having to deal with illness or injury on your own
- Crime prevention measures are important
- Sometimes I feel lonely and isolated
1. The financial burden will be greater
When you start living alone, you will have to pay for rent, utilities, food, and daily necessities.
Also, if it's your first time moving, you'll need to purchase all the furniture and appliances, so a large amount of money is essential.
Immediately after moving, you will not be able to grasp the necessary expenses, such as the costs of living a normal life and moving costs, and you will not know the amount of money you have available.
It is important to realize that living alone means higher living expenses than living with your parents, meaning you will have less money to spend on leisure and entertainment.
2. You have to do all the housework yourself
Housework is an essential part of everyday life.
Especially when you start living alone, you have to do everything yourself, which takes time and effort.
While doing housework helps develop independence and improves daily living skills, doing the same tasks every day can also be stressful.
Another disadvantage is that you will now have to do all the housework that was previously shared by your spouse.
A dirty room can have a negative impact on your health, so make sure to plan your housework and find time for hobbies and entertainment.
3. Your daily routine becomes easily disrupted
Living alone allows you to live a free and open life.
On the other hand, your lifestyle may tend to be irregular, such as staying up late or eating and drinking more than is appropriate.
Disruptions to your daily routine, such as eating and sleeping habits, can lead to physical and mental health problems.
So, always lead a disciplined life and try to stay healthy.
4. Having to deal with illness or injury on your own
If you become ill or injured, living alone can be a worry when it comes to care.
Without family and friends nearby, you have to be extra careful about taking care of your health.
Be sure to stock up on medicines for any chronic illnesses, a thermometer, and food items that can be stored for a long time.
It is also important to gather information in advance about nearby medical institutions and emergency treatment facilities.
5. Crime prevention measures will be important
Living alone is different from living at home.
Since there will be no one at home while you are away, it is important to take proper security measures.
When looking for a property, it is important to check whether the property has security measures in place and whether it is equipped with automatic locks and security cameras.
In addition, in your daily activities, you should also take measures to prevent crime, such as being mindful to lock your door immediately when you go out or when you are at home, and always leaving the chain on when you receive a visitor.
6. I sometimes feel lonely and isolated
In today's society, living alone has become very common.
However, if you live alone, you may feel lonely because you don't have any relatives or siblings around you.
Especially when you first start living alone, you may feel lonely and homesick.
Of course, in most cases you will no longer feel lonely as you get used to the daily routine, but depending on the time and circumstances, you may continue to feel lonely forever.
[Finally] When living alone for the first time, look at the big picture and approach it in a balanced way
This time, we introduced the key points to successfully living alone for the first time, an estimate of moving expenses and initial costs, the necessary procedures, and the advantages and disadvantages of living alone.
When you start living alone, it is important to make thorough preparations and create an environment that will allow you to become independent.
Also, while the benefits of living alone include the potential for self-growth and independence, it is also true that the disadvantages include loneliness and burdens.
By taking precautions, you can overcome these issues, so make sure you understand the big picture before you tackle living alone for the first time.
Please use this article as a reference and make your life a success.
