Hello ~ Without making too much of a fuss I'm making big life changes moving on my own to Kyoto following the unexpected death of a family member nearly one year ago, so my nerves are kind of 'on edge' at times (sometimes, not all the time).
Thankfully, my school advisors (Nihongo Center in Kyoto) + rental agency (E-Heya) are helpful BUT I still have some questions I feel clueless about concerning the unfurnished apartment I will be moving into that were newly brought to my attention with this whole mention of something called a 'rental pack'.
https://front.dk-portal.jp/property/detail/housing/customer/1Jd3R8pRn6JdwWGa5vOHQA==
The apartment unit itself (see above for photos if you're curious!) like all new Japanese apartments, is completely unfurnished, but the real estate company, E-Heya (not the school) is offering something called a 'rental pack' where necessary home appliances can be "rented" for one year (minimum) before I move in/but items must be paid for in advance in one lump sum payment & if I suddenly decide I can do without the items or don't want them for whatever reason there is no refund. : /
So basically, – I'm asking the question in r/Kyoto because I'm stressed ATM – wondering if the 'rental pack' is a waste of money when I could just buy each item used or new and only pay for it once. Does anyone (reading this) have previous experience being confronted with this choice, and what was more advantageous to you? I am trying to be money conscious.
If I suddenly tell the company (E-Heya) that I do not want the 'rental pack' included in my housing contract, the question then becomes […] where/how in Kyoto can I get home appliances at a reasonable price?
If it matters, I can speak some Japanese but can't read any, so I'm reaching out assuming someone might know! I'm considering basic home amenities like a bookshelf (huge reader), work desk & chair, refrigerator, bed…all the 'basic' stuff. Where can I go? Where should I go?
Can I pay for items in store & they ship it to your address, later? I've never had to furnish an empty apartment before. The last place I lived in was New Taipei City, Taiwan, but everything in my apartment: from the washing machine, TV, bed, sofa, work desk & table was already there and I didn't have to pay any additional cost for it. It was just part of the apartment.
According to Google Maps, my new apartment is located in Yamashina-Ku (Higashi-Kanegasaki-Cho) if that changes what I have access to when it comes to shopping. // Oh! I almost forgot – – – the 'rental pack' offers an internet option that is attached to the home appliances, so if you say no to the home appliances, no internet either. Is this weird? What do I do about internet service in my home? 💚
Please HELP! >u< Thank you to anyone non-student or student or ex-student who can answer my questions. ❤️🙇♀️
by OGUN1990