UPDATE | November 8, 2023
Going to higher education, moving, getting a job, etc...If you live in Japan for a long time, the time will come at some point to move. When I moved to Japan for the first time, I had no idea where to start or what to do. I think there are many people who have the same problem as me at this time. For those who have such concerns, we have prepared a guide that will help you easily understand the moving process! If you are planning to move, just reading this once will make your preparations go smoothly. Now, let's get into the content!
INDEX
It's often busy when it's decided to move, but there are some procedures you won't be able to complete in time if you don't do them as soon as the decision is made.
If you are moving out of your house or dormitory, it is often decided that you must give notice at least one month, or in some cases two months, before moving out. If you are late in contacting the property manager/management company, you may not be able to cancel your contract in time and may have to pay additional rent, so please contact us as soon as you plan to move.
The most common moving period in Japan is March to April, followed by August to September. One month before the moving season, such as February and July, it becomes difficult for all moving companies to make reservations, and prices may be higher during this time. When I was a student, I remember being surprised when the moving costs were higher than I expected.
In addition to renting a truck for moving, there are also cheap moving services exclusively for single people provided by delivery companies. Don't forget to research each service and price thoroughly and make a reservation!
Moving in one month! What you should do at this point is:
Oversized garbage refers to garbage that does not fit into garbage bags and must be collected separately for a fee. Application methods for bulky waste collection vary depending on the region you live in, and if reservations are required, it may be difficult to get reservations during moving season.
If you are generating large pieces of garbage such as furniture, check the local government's website for information on how to dispose of it in advance and prepare accordingly!
The internet may need some work done, and as the moving season approaches, you may not be able to make reservations. Therefore, make sure to reserve the procedure that suits you with at least one month in advance.
・Use the same company's internet connection even when you move
⇒ Moving procedure
・Free internet available at the new location
⇒ Cancellation procedure
・Using another company's line at the new location
⇒ Cancellation procedure & new membership procedure
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Moving day is finally approaching! Preparations during this period are very important from the perspective of the whole move, so don't forget to prepare well.
If you don't thoroughly clean your home before leaving, you may incur additional cleaning costs. Thoroughly remove dirt and aim for the condition to be close to when you moved in.
・Notification of change of address/notification of change of address
⇒ If you are moving within the same city, ward, town or village, submit a ``Move-in Notification'', or if you are moving to a different city, ward, town or village, submit a ``Move-out Notification'' at the office of the municipality where you currently live.
When you submit your move-out notification, you will receive a "move-out certificate" and submit it at the local government office after you move. If you have a My Number Card, you may not need a moving-out certificate, but you should complete the necessary procedures just in case.
·National Health Insurance
⇒ Follow the procedure for “loss of eligibility”.
National Health Insurance is tied to local governments, so when you move to a different city, ward, town or village, you must first go through the procedures to ``lose your qualifications'' and then apply for a new membership in the new local government. Street address change procedures are also required when moving within the same city, ward, town or village.
・Other procedures
⇒ In addition to the procedures listed above, if you are using a system tied to a local government, talk to the person at the local government office and check whether any other procedures are required.
Procedures related to daily life are also essential. You will need to complete the procedures for both your current Street address and your new Street address, so don't forget to complete both!
・Stop/start electricity use
⇒ You can also apply online or by phone.
・Stopping/starting gas use
⇒ You may need to be present, so be sure to make a reservation in advance.
・Stopping/starting water supply
⇒You need to contact the water bureau that has jurisdiction over Street address.
・ Street address change procedure at post office
⇒ You can have your mail sent to your old Street address forwarded. You can apply online, but it will take about a week to complete, so please apply early. The procedure requires identification documents such as a residence card, My Number card, or passport.
・Landline Street address change
⇒ If you use a landline phone, you will need to register for moving or cancellation.
Depending on the structure and conditions of your residence, you may need to be present to confirm that gas, water, and electricity have been shut off. Please check this at the time of the procedure.
Once you have removed your belongings and finished cleaning, ask the landlord or management company to check the room and hand over the key. If you clean it thoroughly, it will be finished in a short time!
In the case of electricity and water, you should be able to use it if you have done the necessary procedures in advance, but be sure to check. In addition, the gas is "opened" to begin using it. This requires your presence, so be sure to be at home at the time you make an appointment with the gas company.
・Notification of moving in/Notification of change of address
⇒ A "Move-in Notification" is submitted by a person who has moved from another city, ward, town or village, and a "Change of Address Notification" is submitted by a person who has moved within the same city, ward, town or village to the local government office after moving. If you have moved from another city, ward, town or village, don't forget to submit a "Certificate of Move-in"!
·National Health Insurance
⇒ Follow the procedures to enroll in National Health Insurance. If you do not enroll in National Health Insurance, your hospital and drug costs will be high, so be sure to enroll.
For mobile phones and financial institutions, emergency communications often arrive by mail. Be sure to change it.
This time, I have written a guide on how to prepare for moving in Japan. If you have a car, a parking lot, or registered a pet, you may need to take additional procedures that are not mentioned in the text, so you can ensure that your life will be the same in your new location. Let's proceed with preparations while assuming this.
Next time I will be posting an article about things to consider when choosing a home, so please look forward to it!
Born in Seongnam, South Korea. He came to Japan in 2019 and graduated from Nagoya University Faculty of Agriculture in 2023. He studied organic chemistry at university, and is currently involved in supporting international students in pursuing higher education and employment, something he has been interested in for some time. I like Japanese culture, history, transportation, and town planning, and traveled to all 47 prefectures when I was a student. Hokkaido is my favorite prefecture.
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