Decide what your ¥30,000 budget will not cover
A refrigerator, washing machine and microwave will usually put a ¥30,000 budget out of reach. Prices vary by shop and date, but each large appliance takes a substantial share of the budget.
This plan assumes that large appliances are already provided, handed down by someone you know, or bought after you have lived in the apartment for a while. Focus the initial budget on sleeping, lighting, getting ready and basic meals.
Check before buying
Use viewing photos and information from the property manager to check the air conditioner, lighting, curtain-rail width, hob type and washing-machine space. This helps avoid buying something the apartment already has.
First priority: what you need from the day you move in
Allocate the budget to the things you will need on your first night.
- Bedding: a futon set, or a mattress and duvet
- Curtains for privacy: measure the windows first
- Lighting, only if it is not supplied
- Toilet paper, tissues and rubbish bags
- An extension lead or power strip, and your phone charger
- Towels, hangers and toiletries
See the moving-day checklist for a closer look at what to keep within reach.
PRODUCT PR
3点・5点／シングル・セミダブルなど、内容とサイズは販売ページで選択
KFS-B3／KFS-B5
IRIS OHYAMA single futon set, 3 or 5 pieces (KFS-B3 / KFS-B5)
IRIS OHYAMA
A bedding set that groups items such as a duvet and pillow. The shop page describes the set as washable.
Before choosing
Contents vary with the number of pieces, including whether a floor mattress is included. Decide whether you will sleep on a bed or the floor before choosing.
PRODUCT PR
ブラック・6個口・2.5m
T-K6A-2625BK
ELECOM individually switched power strip, 6 sockets / 2.5 m
ELECOM / T-K6A-2625BK
Rental apartments can have limited sockets or awkward socket positions. A power strip can help connect devices after you decide the furniture layout.
Before choosing
The pictured T-K6A-2625BK is black, with six sockets and a 2.5 m cable. Check the cable length and total power demand. Do not exceed the product rating.
How to allocate the budget
Exact prices change. The table below explains where to give yourself more room and where to keep purchases minimal.
| Category | Examples | How to prioritise |
|---|---|---|
| Bedding | A futon set and pillow | Give this a high priority because you need somewhere to sleep. Washable options can make care easier. |
| Windows | Curtains | Match the window dimensions to reduce the risk of buying twice. |
| Electrical essentials | Power strip, charger and lighting | Lighting is essential if not supplied. Choose the cable length after checking socket positions. |
| Kitchen | Frying pan and kettle | Start with two or three tools, depending on how much cooking you plan to do. |
| Daily supplies | Detergent, toilet supplies and rubbish bags | Have daily essentials ready at the start. Local drugstores can also be useful. |
Start the kitchen with two or three tools
If you are unsure how much you will cook, start small. An electric kettle for hot water and one frying pan can cover instant food and simple stir-fries.
For more detail, see A 20 cm or 26 cm frying pan for one person? (Japanese) and Five cooking tools to start with (Japanese).
PRODUCT PR
ホワイト・0.8L
KO6401JP
T-fal Aprecia Lock 0.8 L electric kettle
T-fal / KO6401JP
An electric kettle for small amounts of hot water, such as coffee, instant noodles or instant miso soup. The 0.8 L capacity can suit one person and occasional guests.
Before choosing
This is the white KO6401JP, 0.8 L. Check the model, colour, capacity and space available rather than assuming another variant is the same.
Purchases that can wait
You can decide whether you really need these after settling in.
- Large storage furniture: choose dimensions once you know how much you need to store
- Rugs, cushions and other decorative items
- Specialised cooking appliances, such as a hotplate or blender
- Spare tableware and bedding for guests
Living alone: what to buy now and what can wait explains common buy-or-wait decisions. If your budget has more room, see Setting up your first home: a ¥50,000 essentials budget (Japanese).
Put sleeping, lighting and getting ready first
With a ¥30,000 initial budget, arrange large appliances separately and prioritise bedding, curtains, electrical essentials and daily supplies. Start with a minimal kitchen and add tools when a real need appears.
Product prices and stock change. Check the linked shop pages before buying.
Sources and product checks
Product specifications in the original Japanese guide were checked against manufacturer official shops or shop listings on 27 September 2026. Individual shop links appear with the products.