Moving to Japan
If you plan on relocating to Japan with voluminous goods like your car, furniture, and more, here are the essentials and practical information to move in with total peace of mind.
Choosing a moving company before going to Japan
The first thing to do before leaving is to choose the right moving company. Be sure to check that the company will deliver to Japan. You will then need to set up an appointment or fill out a detailed online form to receive a cost estimate.
The estimate takes into account several factors, including
- The origin and destination addresses, which determine how far the company has to travel
- The number of items/boxes to be shipped
- The volume and weight of the shipped items/boxes
- Type(s) of transportation (truck, train, plane, ship)
- The type of services (terms and conditions, insurance)
- Prices and payment plans (in some cases, discounts may be applied)
- The moving period: depending on the season, prices may be higher
- Options: boxes, packing materials, packing assistance, etc.
Declaration of value and damage insurance
You will need to fill out a declaration of value for each of your assets and inform the company of any delicate or fragile items to be dealt with. Without this declaration, it is impossible to estimate your assets.
The moving company will provide you with damage insurance. Its cost will depend on the overall value of your belongings.
Moving your goods to Japan
Once the quote is received and the date and time for the collection of your belongings have been agreed upon, time for the move.
The moving company may have to recalculate the costs. In this case, they will provide a slip to be signed before the move and the loading of your goods. This document guarantees that you agree to all terms and conditions. You pay either in full, at the time of loading your goods, or with a deposit (the rest will be paid after delivery at the destination). In any case, a payment plan must be established prior to moving your goods to Japan.
Once in Japan
How to plan a relocation to Japan once you are already settled? There may come a time when you will need to move your belongings to another location on Japanese soil. There may be several reasons for this. Let's say you got a job in another city/region of Japan, your 10 square meter apartment has become too big for you, and you want to rent something bigger, or your current home seems too big and expensive, and you are looking for a more affordable property. You may even have the opportunity to move closer to your place of study or work, or you simply want a change of scenery.
What type of accommodation to choose in Japan?
Sharehouse, short-term rental
- Almost no starting fee
It is very easy to move in and out of a sharehouse or short-term rental apartment in Japan. Usually, you would rent a single room or a bed in a dormitory. The rest is shared with the other tenants (bathroom, kitchen, living room, etc.).
Sharehouses do not require a starting fee. No need for a guarantor, a deposit (if not a very small one), or a long-term commitment. You can pay monthly or indicate your rental period. Make sure you check the terms of payment. Some rental agencies require that you give 1 month's notice before you move out (single room, apartment), 15 months if you are in a dormitory.
- A quick inspection
You won't have to check much when leaving your dorm or single room. The lessor should normally find the premises in good condition, as per the initial visit.
- Do not forget to inform your city hall
You cannot just relocate from your home to another place in Japan without informing the local municipality. First, go to the city hall of the area you are leaving, fill out a certificate of relocation (tenshutsu todoke), and the city hall will register your departure. You will need to return your health card to the city hall because the new municipality will issue you a new one. Then go to the city hall of your new area. They will register your arrival and write your new address on your zairyu card (resident card).
Long-term lease
A standard lease in Japan is valid on average 2 years. That's why it is forbidden for foreigners who are on a short-term stay.
- Inform your landlord
Make sure to respect the notice period. Usually, a one-month notice is required before the desired departure date, but your landlord may impose a longer notice. Check your contract carefully to make sure you take the right steps at the right time.
- Schedule an inspection appointment
Once your landlord has been notified, you should arrange for an inspection visit. You will be responsible for any cleaning costs. If the landlord finds any damage (floor, walls, furniture, bathroom...), he will charge you for it.
- Get your stuff sorted
What are you keeping? What are you selling? What should you throw away? Sort out your belongings. For things that will follow you to your new home in Japan, contact local moving companies and compare their offers. For things you are planning to sell, think about recycling stores, thrift shops, solidarity markets. You can also post classified ads on social media and sales websites.
- Set up a postmail follow-up
This is known as "tenkyo todoke". It is the Japanese notification of change of address system. When moving houses, your mail will be forwarded to the address of your choice (a friend's address, for example). However, this service only works if your new address is in Japan.
- Sort out waste
In Japan, disposal of waste is no joke. Make sure you respect the sorting instructions ( which are probably indicated in your building entrance). Do not throw away small appliances with the household waste. For large appliances (television, dining table...), you will have to make an appointment with the collection organization of your municipality. You will find its name on the website of your city hall, and in the documents you received when you registered.
- End your current contracts
Contact the companies that provide you with a service (gas, water, electricity, Internet...) so that they freeze your meter. They will provide you with the last bill. If you are leaving the country, remember to terminate your telephone subscription and all other subscriptions: magazines, newspapers, etc.
- Pay the last bills
Just as you pay the last gas, water and electricity bills, you will also have to pay pending taxes, especially the tourist and the property taxes.
- Inform your city hall
As for short-term stays, you must inform your municipality of your move. You fill out a certificate of relocation (tenshuku todoke) and the city hall will register your departure. You will have to return your health card, because your new city hall will give you a new one.
Moving expenses
Plan your budget well ahead of time before embarking on a relocation to Japan. Even if you're moving to the countryside, you will still need to pay for moving expenses, such as for cleaning the apartment you're leaving. Cleaning costs can amount to a month's rent, or more, depending on the outcome of the inspection. Not to mention the cost of a moving company.
In Japan, everything starts again in spring. April marks the beginning of the school and university year, the fiscal year, the recruitment campaigns, and the moving-in period. To optimize your search for accommodation in Japan, you should plan well in advance. In the winter, you'll find more available accommodation options.
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