When living alone, the need for a separate sink can be a difficult decision.
Although separate washbasins are convenient, they tend to take up more living space and rent, so many people may wonder whether they are actually necessary.
So, this time we will explain in detail the advantages and disadvantages of a separate bathroom sink for people living alone.
We will also introduce some tips on how to make the most of limited space and storage ideas.
For those considering living alone, we have compiled some useful information to help you decide whether or not you need a separate sink, so please refer to it.
What is a separate washbasin?
A separate washbasin is a washbasin that is installed separately from the bathroom or toilet.
Another type of freestanding sink is a sink with a shower head equipped with a nozzle, which is convenient for washing hair.
There are four main types of washbasins available in rental properties, as shown in the figure below.
First, let's understand this diagram.
In recent years, separate washbasins have become increasingly popular, especially among women, and the number of separate washbasins is increasing in newly built properties.
A separate sink not only provides ample space for getting ready, but is also convenient as it comes with storage underneath for keeping shampoo and other supplies.
However, having a separate sink tends to mean higher rent.
Therefore, if you want to keep your rent low or have other priorities such as size or location, one option is to lower the priority of a separate sink.
To help you decide whether or not you really need a separate sink, we will introduce the advantages and disadvantages of having one.
Three benefits of having a separate sink in a rental property
First, let us introduce three benefits of having a separate sink.
We'll take a closer look at how this convenience can help you during your busy mornings and relaxing evenings.
There are three main benefits to having a separate bathroom:
- There is ample storage space
- Power outlet is included
- Not affected by humidity or heat from the bathroom
I will explain each one in order.
1. Plenty of storage space
The separate sink has plenty of storage space.
In the case of the type of washbasin installed in a unit bath, the space for placing items is limited to just a small area, such as a place to place a toothbrush.
However, with a separate sink, the space behind the mirror can be used as storage space, allowing you to keep everyday items such as toothbrushes, cups, facial cleansing tools, hair styles, and makeup tools all in one place.
Additionally, the area underneath the sink is very convenient for storing everyday items such as shampoo and body soap, as well as cleaning supplies for the bathroom.
Storing these items in a separate sink saves you the trouble of having to go back and forth between the living room and other rooms.
2. Comes with a power outlet
There are electrical outlets at the foot of the separate sink and under the mirror.
This means you can use the hair dryer to dry your hair after a bath while looking in the mirror, or use the shaver while it is plugged in.
You can freely use other electrical appliances such as hair irons if there is a separate sink.
Many items are rechargeable, but when the battery runs out you need a power source, so the outlet in the separate sink is very convenient.
The separate sink has ample space for applying makeup, so you can wash your face, apply makeup, and style your hair smoothly without having to move.
3. Not affected by humidity or heat from the bathroom
As the name suggests, a separate sink is installed completely separate from the bathroom.
This also reduces fogging of the mirror caused by humidity and heat compared to a bathroom sink.
In addition, mirrors in the bathroom often get wet from shower splashes, making them prone to developing stubborn water stains.
With a separate sink, you'll have to spend less time cleaning up those stains.
Furthermore, when doing hair and makeup, the bathroom can be a nuisance due to humidity and heat, so you basically need to set up a makeup space somewhere else.
In such cases, a freestanding sink is completely separate from the bathroom, so you won't have to worry about humidity or heat.
Three disadvantages of having a separate bathroom in a rental property
Next, we will introduce the disadvantages of having a separate bathroom.
While pursuing a comfortable life alone, we will also explain the things you need to be careful of and consider.
There are three main disadvantages to having a separate bathroom:
- Rents tend to be high
- Difficult to clean and prone to mold
- Other living space becomes smaller
I will explain each one in order.
1. Rent tends to be high
The biggest disadvantage of renting a property with a separate sink is the high rent.
Compared to a unit bath, which combines a bathroom, sink, and toilet in one space, the installation costs are higher and the rent is also higher.
In addition, since the installation of separate washbasins is common in newly built or recently constructed properties, the rent tends to be higher.
Therefore, if you want to keep your rent low, it is a good idea to look for a property without a separate sink.
2. It is difficult to clean and mold is likely to grow.
The gap between the freestanding sink and the wall is a place where dust can easily accumulate and water can easily splash in.
Therefore, if you don't clean it regularly, it can lead to mold growth.
Also, in bathrooms where you can wash your hair in a separate sink, hair can sometimes clog the drain and cause odors.
If you live in a property with a separate sink, make sure to install a garbage disposal over the drain and clean it regularly.
3. Other living space becomes smaller
If a rental property for one person has a separate sink, the living space, such as the living room, may feel cramped.
For rooms with the same floor area, a property without a separate sink will have more living space.
If space is a priority, it may be better not to have a separate sink.
Characteristics of people who need a separate sink when living alone
So far we have introduced the advantages and disadvantages of separate washbasins, but the necessity for a separate washbasin when living alone will vary depending on each individual's lifestyle.
Next, we will introduce the characteristics of people who need a separate washbasin.
If any of the following three characteristics apply to you, we recommend that you consider a property with a separate sink.
- Living with two or more people, such as a couple
- It takes time to get ready
- I want to spend time on my hair and makeup
Living with two or more people, such as a couple
If there are two or more people living in the room, it will be more efficient to have a separate sink.
If you are living alone, a unit bath is sufficient, but if you are living with a married couple or a partner, it tends to get crowded and can be very inconvenient.
For example, during busy mornings, you may find it inconvenient not being able to take a bath at your own pace or get ready without being able to look in the mirror.
A separate sink has plenty of storage space and can accommodate two people standing at the sink at the same time without getting in the way, so time isn't wasted.
Also, you can rest assured that one partner can use the sink even when the other is in the bath.
It takes time to get ready
If you tend to be in a hurry in the mornings, you'll need a separate sink that allows you to get ready in an instant.
With a separate sink, you can store everything you need to brush your teeth, wash your face, and other things you need to get ready, all in one place, so you can use it right away.
In the case of a unit bath, it is difficult to keep all of these items in one place, so you will have to go back and forth between each storage location.
Especially for those who feel short on time in the morning, a separate sink can be very convenient as it reduces wasted time.
I want to spend time on my hair and makeup
For those who like to take care of their style or who care about their appearance, we recommend a separate sink where you can take your time to groom yourself.
The small mirrors in unit bathrooms make it difficult to see the whole picture, so they are not very suitable for grooming.
One of the separate sinks can store cosmetics, wax, hair irons, etc. and is equipped with an outlet, so you can use a hair dryer while looking at the large mirror.
Characteristics of people who don't need a separate sink when living alone
We have introduced the characteristics of people who need a separate sink, but next we will introduce the characteristics of people who will not be inconvenienced even if they do not have a separate sink.
Depending on your lifestyle and priorities, you may not need a separate sink.
If any of the following two characteristics apply to you, you may feel that there is little need for a separate sink.
- I hate cleaning
- No particular preference
I hate cleaning
Having a separate sink means more cleaning work to be done, making maintenance more difficult.
If there is a sink in the bathroom, you can wash it when you take a bath or clean the bath.
You can also use the shower in the bathroom to wash the entire sink.
A separate sink may not be suitable for people who don't like to be lazy, as it requires cleaning three areas - the bathroom, toilet, and sink - separately.
No particular preference
If you don't have any particular preferences, you don't need to choose a property with a separate sink, even if it means paying a high rent.
If you don't own many things and just want to have the necessities, you may not feel the need for one.
The bathroom is an essential space in our daily lives.
So whether or not you need a separate sink will depend on your personal lifestyle and priorities.
If you don't have any particular preferences, you may want to choose a property without a separate sink to keep your rent down.
On the other hand, if you value comfort and privacy, we recommend a property with a separate sink.
Storage ideas when there is no separate sink
Even if you live alone and don't have a separate sink, you can create a comfortable space with some efficient storage ideas.
Next, we will introduce five carefully selected storage ideas for when you don't have a separate sink.
- Increase your storage space
- Measures to prevent floors from getting wet
- Measures against moisture and mold
- Create a hair and makeup corner
- Make use of your kitchen area
We will explain each of the above five techniques in detail.
1. Increase your storage space
If you don't have a separate sink, start by creating storage space.
For toothbrush sets and toiletries that you use every day, it is convenient to create a storage space near the bathroom sink using a suction cup rack or a wall-mounted wire rack that will not get wet.
tower film hook sanitary rack
Keeping your toothbrush in two places, the bathroom and the kitchen, will make your daily life easier.
It is also a good idea to keep makeup tools, hair styling products, hair dryers, and daily necessities in stainless steel storage baskets or plastic bags in your room or kitchen.
Storing them in small boxes makes them easy to organize and use.
You can also turn the space above the toilet into storage space by using a tension rod shelf that allows you to place items on top.
It would be convenient for storing cleaning supplies, supplies, toiletries, etc.
2. Preventing floors from getting wet
When using a unit bath, it is common for the bathroom floor to get wet.
Also, the wash basin is small so water may spill when washing your face.
Although measures such as laying a bath mat or wiping it with a towel are good, the downside is that it increases the amount of laundry.
What we recommend is using a quick-drying diatomaceous earth mat , which can be stored upright when not in use.
It can be used hygienically without getting the bathroom wet.
Additionally, if you take your socks off every time you go into the bathroom, it's a good idea to bring along some waterproof slippers.
3. Measures against moisture and mold
If there is no separate sink, preventing moisture after bathing is an important issue.
To dry the bathroom quickly, choose a property with a window and keep the exhaust fan running as much as possible.
To prevent moisture and mold in a unit bath, it is effective to thoroughly wipe off water droplets from the walls and bathtub after bathing, and turn on the exhaust fan to dry the area.
Using a large squeegee is very useful as it allows you to wipe off all the water droplets from walls and floors in one go.
You can also quickly remove moisture by pouring hot water into the bathtub when you get out of the bath.
Depending on the layout of your home, you may also want to open the bathroom door all the way to let moisture flow into the room.
It also helps to reduce humidity in the room, especially in winter, when air conditioning dries out the air.
Humidity can lead to mold, so ventilation is very important.
4. Create a hair and makeup station
When doing your hair and makeup, creating a dedicated space in one corner of the room will make it easier to get ready.
Even if you don't have a separate sink, you can still carry around a storage box to store small items together.
It is also recommended to use a special box with a mirror or a table with storage.
BRIMNES dresser
Also, if you plan on applying makeup indoors, consider installing a full-length mirror.
A separate sink only reflects the upper half of your body, but a full-length mirror allows you to check your entire appearance while doing your hair and makeup.
However, depending on the height of the table, the mirror may not be in the appropriate position, or it may be too low making it difficult to apply makeup, so be careful.
5. Make the most of your kitchen
If you don't have a separate sink, you can use the kitchen sink instead.
If you place toothbrushes, cups, and toiletries that you use every day near the kitchen sink, you can make effective use of it just like a separate washbasin.
In a kitchen where cooking utensils are arranged, it may be difficult to find space to store toiletries.
However, you can make effective use of dead space in your kitchen by using wall-mounted storage items , spice racks, pen holders, and vertical storage boxes for small items.
You can also install a free-standing mirror or a mirror that can be attached to the wall to check your appearance.
summary
This time, we introduced the advantages and disadvantages of installing a separate washbasin and storage ideas when choosing a rental property for living alone.
Having a separate sink has the advantage of making your room more convenient and comfortable.
On the other hand, rental properties with separate sinks have the disadvantage that the average rent is higher.
We also introduced some effective storage ideas to help you make the most of the space even if you don't have a separate sink.
Use this information to improve your living environment.
