From Getting a Drum-Type Washer-Dryer with My Bonus to Returning It

Hello, this is yui.

I recently received a winter bonus of about 600,000 yen. I put 1/3 into savings, 1/3 toward hometown tax payments, celebrations, social expenses, and visiting home, and used the remaining 1/3 to buy a drum-type washing machine.
Actually, a designer bag has also been on my wishlist for a long time, but I chose an appliance that would clearly be a plus for me right now.

The TOSHIBA washing machine I'm using now was bought for me by my parents when I started living alone. It's already in its 8th year.
I believe the service life was just about that long, so it was about time to replace it. Also, after living alone for so long, I've been thinking more often, 'Why do I spend so much time and effort on laundry?' so I decided to make the purchase.

When I was a student, I didn't find washing dishes or hanging laundry to be much of a pain and just did them as a matter of course, but as I get older, I feel like my desire to reduce the time spent on manual labor and make things easier is getting stronger.

Decided on Panasonic

So, after doing some quick research on YouTube, it seems Panasonic is the way to go. It's more expensive than other manufacturers, but apparently, there are no downsides in terms of functionality.

And, there are two ways to dry clothes with a washer-dryer:

1. Heat pump type: Low electricity costs and less damage to clothes
2. Heater type: High electricity costs and more damage to clothes

Naturally, I went with 1, and since the manufacturer was already decided, my options were narrowed down to one or two. (This was about 210,000 to 250,000 yen)

I could have considered more and gone for a cheaper product, but there were too many options and it was tiring, plus I wanted it quickly, so I went to Shinjuku alone on a Sunday night and decided on the spot to buy the Panasonic washing machine at Yodobashi.
The clerk was also very experienced and quickly decided on a discount, so I was able to buy it quite cheaply.

This is what I bought. It's cool.

Apparently it arrives the next day

I was told, 'We can deliver it as early as tomorrow!' and since I usually work from home on Mondays, I replied, 'Yes, please!' I was super excited that it would arrive the next day and that I would finally be free from the hassle of laundry.

I requested delivery for first thing in the morning.

Then, the next day, when the delivery person finally arrived, hmm,the width of the kitchen is extremely tight, they said.

Apparently, there needs to be a clearance of the product width plus 4cm on both the left and right sides. (It was just a perfect fit plus about 1cm)
So, they refused to deliver it, saying it couldn't be brought in. 😭😭😭

I had requested the removal of my old washing machine and even bought the rubber mat to place underneath it, so I was fully prepared.
Above all, I feel bad for the Yodobashi clerk who was so polite and quick to help me...

I had carefully measured the space for the washing machine in advance and even showed the clerk photos to confirm, but the width of the hallway was unexpected.

I didn't think it was that narrow.

When I posted it on my story, I got reactions from a few people, and apparently, this is a common occurrence.

I guess I need to look for a house first after all.

So, I have to move first.
And, when viewing houses, I have to measure the width of the hallways too. 🥺

Thankfully, they said I could return it, so I'll go and request a return (refund) this weekend.
I thought about buying a bag with the money I saved, but for some reason, I ended up ordering stocks instead.

When the day comes that I can buy it again, I'll buy it at Yodobashi.
Everyone, please be careful too.