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You can keep track of your keys, wallet or even pet with the Magic Guardian, a device that warns you if you move too far from the things you don't want to lose. | PETER LANGMAN

By Yukari Mitsuhashi

Aug 19, 2013

Storage space that won't break the bank

In Japan, finding a house or apartment in the city can be difficult and expensive — not to mention finding a place that has enough storage space for all your stuff. If you're not entirely happy with what your home has in the way of closets and so on, one way to solve the problem is to rent storage space elsewhere.

A good option is Hiroie, which is different from other storage services in that all the handling of stored boxes can be done online. You can store your belongings for ¥500 per month (for up to five boxes) or sign up for a premium plan with monthly fees starting at ¥980. Premium plans can be used to store things such as golf bags or suitcases — items that can't fit in a box. There are some other minor additional costs, such as a ¥105 handling fee per box and ¥700 for shipment.