Complete Guide to Moving in Japan
Detailed guide based on real experience
Moving in Japan is more than just moving belongings. You need to consider complex administrative procedures, cultural differences, and hidden costs. This article details practical tips and precautions learned from actually experiencing a move in Japan.
Moving Preparation Stage
Checklist
- • Decide moving date (at least 1-2 months in advance)
- • New house contract and move-in date confirmation
- • Get quotes from moving companies (at least 3 companies)
- • Prepare necessary documents (residence card, contract, etc.)
💡 Moving costs vary by season and day of week. Avoid March-April and September if possible.
💡 Weekday moves are cheaper than weekends. Choose Monday-Thursday if possible.
Choosing Moving Company
Checklist
- • Use online quote comparison sites
- • Check insurance and damage compensation coverage
- • Check hidden costs (stairs fee, parking fee, etc.)
- • Check reviews and ratings (customer reviews are important)
💡 Large companies (Art, Sakai, etc.) are expensive but safe, while small-medium companies are cheaper but need careful selection.
💡 You can save costs by packing yourself, but fragile items should be left to professionals.
Address Registration & Change
Checklist
- • Visit city/ward office within 14 days after moving
- • Fill out moving-out form (previous address)
- • Fill out moving-in form (new address)
- • Update residence card address and renew health insurance
💡 City/ward offices are least crowded on weekday mornings. Avoid lunchtime and Friday afternoons.
💡 Required documents: Residence card, passport, contract (or rental agreement), seal
Deposit Refund & Cleanup
Checklist
- • Check restoration obligation (reconfirm contract)
- • Check cleaning and repair costs
- • Check items deducted from deposit
- • Check refund schedule and method
💡 Japan has strict restoration obligations. Even nail holes in walls can incur repair costs.
💡 Conducting an inspection with the real estate agent before moving can prevent disputes. Take photos too.
⚠️ Important Precautions to Know
⚠️ Check Contract Carefully
Read and understand all contract terms. Especially check deposit refund conditions, restoration obligations, and cancellation terms clearly.
⚠️ Watch Out for Hidden Costs
In addition to moving costs, stairs fees, parking fees, night/weekend surcharges, and packing material costs may be added. Check if all costs are included in the quote.
⚠️ Address Registration is Mandatory
If you don't register your address within 14 days after moving, you may be fined. It can also cause problems with health insurance, taxes, and mail delivery, so be sure to process it within the deadline.
🏠 Recommended Useful Website
Nihon House
A really useful website when moving in Japan. You can compare moving companies, get quotes, and manage your moving schedule all in one place, making it very convenient. It especially supports English and Japanese so foreigners can easily use it, and you can compare real-time quotes from various moving companies to find the best price.
🎯 Conclusion
Moving in Japan requires thorough preparation and planning. From deciding the moving date to address registration, carefully preparing each step can minimize unexpected problems. Especially contract confirmation, identifying hidden costs, and address registration are important matters that must not be missed.
Using useful websites like Nihon House can make the moving process much smoother. You can compare quotes from multiple companies at once and choose the best price and service, saving time and money. Moving is stressful, but with sufficient preparation and information gathering, you can successfully complete it!