Once your move is decided, packing is only part of the process. Many procedures also need to be handled in a planned manner. In this article, we explain what needs to be done from the moment your move is confirmed until moving day, using a chronological checklist.
What should you do as soon as your move is decided?
Get estimates from moving companies and choose one
March and April are peak moving months, so it can be difficult to secure a booking. Ideally, you should obtain quotes from multiple companies as soon as your new home is decided and make your choice no later than one month in advance. If you do not have many belongings, you may also consider moving on your own with parcel delivery services or a rental truck.
Cancel your rental housing and parking contract
Contact your real estate company or landlord one to two months before moving out. If the contract is under a company name, the notice period may be as long as two to three months, so be sure to review the contract carefully.
Create an overall schedule
Using the following flow as a guide and preparing a list of deadline-based tasks can help prevent missed steps.
- Set your moving date
- Dispose of unwanted items
- Complete electricity and gas moving procedures
- Handle administrative procedures at your local government office
- Finish detailed packing and room cleaning
- Move belongings out and in
- Greet neighbors at your new home and confirm required procedures
What should you do one month before moving?
Dispose of oversized trash and unwanted items
Large furniture and appliances cannot be disposed of as regular trash. If you ask a disposal company that also offers buyback services, the purchase amount can be deducted from the disposal fee, which can help reduce costs. Arranging this one month in advance gives you enough time.
Prepare packing materials
Prepare cardboard boxes, packing tape, and cushioning materials early, and start packing with items you do not use often. Materials provided by the moving company may incur additional fees, so it is important to confirm this in advance.
Change the address for internet and landline services
Transferring an internet connection can take time. If you start the procedure one month in advance, service activation at your new home is more likely to go smoothly.
Notify your employer or school
In addition to submitting an address change notice to your employer, households with children need to complete nursery or school transfer procedures. For public elementary and junior high schools, you will need to receive a certificate of enrollment and a textbook issuance certificate.
What should you do two weeks to one week before moving?
- Notify electricity, gas, and water providers of your move (stop service at your old address and start service at your new address)
- Submit a forwarding notice to the post office (mail sent to your old address will be forwarded to your new address for one year)
- Change your address with banks and credit card companies
- Complete the final disposal of unwanted items
What should you do immediately before moving and on moving day?
- Check the final electricity, gas, and water meter readings at your old home and attend the inspection if required
- Give instructions to the moving company for loading and unloading, and confirm the details
- Return the keys to your old home and confirm the final settlement
- Check that facilities and equipment are working properly at your new home
- Greet your neighbors (bringing a small gift such as sweets)
Related reading
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. By when should I book a moving company?
During the peak season (March to April), booking two to three months in advance is the safer approach. Even in the off-season (May to February), we recommend booking one to one and a half months ahead.
Q2. When should I complete move-out and move-in procedures at the local government office?
A move-out notice can be submitted from two weeks before your moving date. A move-in notice must be completed at the local government office for your new address within 14 days after the move. If you have a My Number Card, you may also be able to obtain certain certificates at convenience stores.
Q3. When should I start packing?
Ideally, you should start one month in advance with items you use less often, such as seasonal goods and books. Proceed in a planned way so that you are not rushed right before the move.
Q4. What is the typical cost of moving?
For a person living alone, a general guideline is 50,000 to 80,000 yen during the peak season and 30,000 to 50,000 yen during the off-season. The actual cost varies depending on the amount of belongings, the distance, and any optional services.
