Moving Apartments Checklist

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You've finally landed that job you've been eyeing since last year! Now, it's time to pack up and move to the location of your new job. Moving apartments is never easy. No matter where you are in the world. It can even be difficult back home, but now that you're in Japan, well, it gets a little more complicated.
With everything else in life, when things get overwhelming, make a list. Lists help us see what's going on, what our options are, and sometimes, it can even help ease your mind by showing you that things are not as out of control as you imagine them to be.

Before you move...


If you are planning to move to a new city, you should start looking for a new apartment at least a couple of months before your desired move date. This is to give you enough time for site visits, plus time to decide. Most realtors will hold a property for you for about a month, which gives you ample time to get the other things in order.

Move Prep




Now that you've decided, and signed with your new apartment, move preparations can begin. It goes without saying that you should try and pack as much stuff as you can leading up to your move date, but, here are some of the other things you will need to do to prepare for your move.

  • Save the date

Even with weddings, the first thing to decide is the date. Try to pin down your move date so that you can plan the logistics that come with it. The peak season for moving in Japan tends to fall around April to June as most companies and schools start their year in April. So if you're looking to save some money on moving costs, you might want to either get ahead or put off your move date.

Once you've decided on your date, proceed to inform your old apartment, as well as the new one on when you plan to move out (old) and move in (new).

  • Get Quotes for Moving Companies


Moving will require manpower, trucks, time, and money. There are a lot of available options in Japan ranging from: "pack your stuff and bug your friend with a van to help you move" to "all in plan, movers pack and unpack your stuff, even clean your new place". I did some research on this from when I had to move, but I will write a separate post on that to give you in-depth information.

  • Cancel and Start (your utilities)


After you've booked your movers (or at least gotten a commitment from your friend), the next step is to cancel your utilities in your old apartment and have them started in your new apartment. Some utility companies allow for you to do everything online, but some (most of the time the water company) will need to be called directly. If you're lucky and the utility company handles both your old and new apartments' locations, you can just opt for a STOP-START service. You can have these things scheduled for your move date. 

Special note on Gas companies: For the gas utility, they will require you to be present to turn it on so they can make sure everything is working and that everything is safe. The other utilities can be handled with or without you on the property.

  • Inform your City Hall (old)


A quick trip to the city hall is required so that you can inform them that you will be moving out of their jurisdiction. This also makes sure that you will be paying your taxes, health insurance, pension to the correct city. Just go to city hall and tell them that you plan to move on this date.

  • Inform the Post Office


In the rush of all the things you need to do, this often gets forgotten. But this is very important for you to receive your mail properly (while you take care of all your subscriptions and other things to be transferred to your new address). Japan Post will forward mail sent to your old address with your name as the recipient for up to one year.

  • Sodai Gomi


When you move out of your old apartment, you can't leave anything there. You will have to throw your trash away, including the big ones that require special stickers for pick up. Other alternatives are, give them away (couches, TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, tables, etc) or sell them to your local recycle shop. You can also place listings on Mottainai Japan or similar groups and websites. But you have to remember that you need to leave the apartment, as empty and clean as you found it.

  • Packing lists


You guessed it, I love lists. When you pack your stuff into boxes, it's good practice to attach a list. Having a list attached to the box gives you an idea of what you have in them. Labeling boxes are okay, but if you have a box with a lot of knick-knacks, the list can be a big time-saver.

Moving Day



Moving is a very stressful endeavor, at any time, anywhere. So on the day of your move, just a few reminders:

Keep important documents with you


In the flurry of all the packing and boxes, make sure that essential documents are handy and secure. When I was younger, my mom always kept our important documents in a briefcase. This made moving these documents easy, as well as readily accessible for any situation. (This also works in case of emergencies and stuff.) When moving, don't put these documents in with all your other belongings, carry them with you when you travel to your new place.

Have an overnight bag ready with a change of clothes and toiletries


Chances are, your stuff will be all in boxes and suitcases. And if you had to move far from your old place, I can guarantee you will be tired. Having an overnight bag is convenient for a quick change of clothes so that you can rest before you dive into getting everything in order.

Prepare some ready-to-eat food


You will be busy with everything(packing, unpacking, organizing, etc), and preparing food will be the last thing on your mind. Having a boxed lunch, or at least something you can eat (without much preparation), is essential.

The Aftermath


Whew, otsukaresama desu! You have successfully moved from one apartment to another. Now, there is just one more thing you need to do.

Register with your new City Hall


Within two weeks of moving into your new apartment, you will need to inform your new city hall of your arrival. They will then stamp your new address on your residence card, give you your new health insurance card, and some maps and other reading materials (albeit in Japanese)to help you settle into your new place. You will also have your trash collection schedule there. Each city will differ with its trash rules, so try and check this one at the very least.

And there you have it! A simple checklist for moving apartments!!! 
If you are serious about adulting, why not check out: Tax Refunds - How to File Your Final Tax Return


I'd like to hear what you think! Feel free to comment below or message me on Facebook or Instagram.






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