Smart Start to Your New Life: Guide to Buying Used Furniture & Appliances — Selection Tips, Cautions & Best Places to Buy
Want to set up your home while keeping move-in costs low? Used furniture and appliances are a smart solution. We'll explain how to evaluate condition, which appliances warrant extra caution, and where to buy safely—straight from a real estate professional.
Moving into a rental property involves not just initial costs (security deposit, key money, agency fee) but also significant expenses for furniture and appliances. When starting to live alone, furnishing an apartment entirely with new items can easily cost ¥500,000 to ¥1,000,000 or more. That's where used furniture and appliances come in. In this article, as a real estate professional, we'll thoroughly explain smart ways to use secondhand items, points to watch when selecting them, and trustworthy places to buy. For a complete breakdown of initial rental costs and money-saving tips, see our guide Initial Rental Costs Breakdown & How to Save — Security Deposits, Key Money, and Everything Else.
Benefits of Using Secondhand Furniture & Appliances
Compared to new items, quality secondhand pieces typically cost 30–70% of the original price, leading to significant savings on furniture and appliance expenses. For example, a refrigerator that costs ¥80,000 new might be found used for ¥20,000–30,000.
② Better for the Environment (Sustainable)
Reusing products that still work reduces waste and conserves resources. As environmental awareness grows, buying and selling used goods has become increasingly accepted.
③ Especially Useful for Short-Term Stays
For temporary stays—study abroad, short-term job transfers, or relocations of 1–2 years—it's more economical to buy used items, sell them when you leave, rather than invest in expensive new purchases. To see which furniture and appliances to prioritize when moving, check out [Essential Furniture & Appliances for Your New Life [2026 Edition] — Priorities, Budget Guide & How to Choose Wisely](/column/shinsei-katsu-kaden-furniture-list-2026).
④ Furniture Offers Wider Design Options
The secondhand market carries vintage pieces no longer in production and brand furniture that's expensive when new, all at reasonable prices. It's an appealing option for those with specific interior design tastes.
How to Choose Used Appliances — Products Requiring Extra Care
Different types of appliances require different cautions when shopping secondhand.
Refrigerators
Because refrigerators directly affect your electricity bill, older models consume more power and may have higher long-term operating costs. We recommend choosing a more recent model with improved energy efficiency. Ideally, test the cooling function in person before buying.
Washing Machines
Washing machines are relatively durable and widely available secondhand. However, it's important to inspect the drain hose, gaskets, and interior for mold in person. Vertical fully automatic washing machines have simpler designs and tend to be more durable.
Microwaves & Rice Cookers
These are easy to handle as consumables and widely available secondhand. For microwaves, check the interior for burns or discoloration, and choose models that have been tested to work.
Products Requiring Special Caution
The following appliances warrant extra caution when buying secondhand.
•Air Conditioners: If refrigerant leaks or the compressor has deteriorated, cooling/heating capacity drops significantly. Even when buying used units (with installation) at a recycle shop, verify the warranty period.
•Gas Cooktops: Verify that the safety device (Si sensor) functions properly. Older models may lack sensors and fail to meet current safety standards.
•Oil Heaters & Oil Fan Heaters: We don't recommend units over 10 years old due to increased risk from component deterioration.
How to Choose Used Furniture — What to Check
Surface Damage & Soiling
Check whether visible damage or stains will interfere with daily life. Minor scratches can sometimes be concealed with repair markers or filler.
Structural Stability (Wobbling & Warping)
For shelves, tables, and chairs, physically shake them to verify structural stability. Cracks in wood or loose joints pose a risk of damage during use.
Odors
Mold, cigarette, and pet odors can linger persistently once brought into your home. Be especially careful with upholstered sofas and mattresses, as odors soak in easily.
Mattress Hygiene
Used mattresses raise hygiene concerns. Due to risks of dust mites and mold, we recommend buying new. If you do buy used, use a mattress protector and regularly vacuum and air it out in the sun.
Trustworthy Places to Buy Used Items
① Recycle Shops (Brick-and-Mortar)
Major recycle shop chains like HARD OFF, 2nd STREET, and Treasure Factory inspect items and verify they work before selling. Many offer warranty periods (typically 1–3 months), giving you peace of mind. Being able to inspect items in person is also a major advantage.
② Marketplace Apps (Mercari, Rakuma, etc.)
In peer-to-peer marketplace apps, you rely only on photos and descriptions to assess condition. Before buying, ask the seller about manufacturing year, working condition, and any damage. Large appliances and furniture difficult to ship are often listed as local pickup only—search your area to find deals.
③ Jimoty (Community Free & Low-Cost Giveaway)
Jimoty is a community platform where locals exchange unwanted items for free or at low cost. Moving-related items are common, and you may find quality pieces for free. Since direct pickup is standard, you may need a small truck or rental car.
④ Appliance Store Outlets & Display Models
Major electronics retailers like Yamada Denki and Bic Camera often have sections selling display models, returns, and damaged-package items at discounts. These typically come with warranty coverage, offering more peace of mind than secondhand items.
•Power on appliances and verify they work properly
•Check that odors or stains won't interfere with daily life
•If under warranty, confirm the seller accepts returns or exchanges
Smart use of secondhand items is an effective way to reduce moving costs while starting a comfortable new life. Thanks to expanded marketplace apps and community platforms, finding quality used items is easier than ever. Use good judgment based on where you buy and what you're looking for, and make your new living space preparation a success.
