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MOVING WITHIN · TO · FROM JAPAN
Measure the load. Plan every handover.
Moving prices change with volume, distance, date, building access and the work you ask the company to do. Start with the timeline, then estimate the load and request written quotes using the same inventory.
Exact procedures differ by municipality, residence status, household and provider. Confirm the local checklist for every person in the household before the move.
01
4+ WEEKS BEFORE
Fix the date and exit conditions
Give rental notice in the required form and period
Reserve movers and both buildings’ loading access
Book oversized-waste collection early
Plan school, childcare, parking and pet arrangements
Decide what moves, sells, donates or is disposed of
02
2–3 WEEKS BEFORE
Start official and service changes
Submit the moving-out notification when changing municipality
Arrange electricity, gas, water and internet stop/start dates
Submit Japan Post’s mail-forwarding notice
Update employer, school, bank, card and insurance contacts
Confirm the gas-opening appointment and required attendance
03
FINAL WEEK
Prepare a first-night kit
Keep passports, residence cards, medicines and contracts with you
Label cartons by room and priority
Back up important records and photograph valuable items
Defrost and dry appliances when the mover instructs
Confirm keys, elevator booking, payment and arrival window
04
MOVING DAY
Record both properties
Check the inventory before the vehicle leaves
Photograph meters, rooms, equipment and existing damage
Keep keys and access cards until formal handover
Test water, electricity, gas, locks and urgent equipment
Learn the new building’s garbage point and emergency route
05
WITHIN 14 DAYS
Complete the address procedure
Visit the new municipality for the moving-in or local address notice
Eligible mid-to-long-term residents: bring the residence card
Update My Number, health insurance and pension as applicable
Check school, childcare, driver’s licence and vehicle procedures
Send the new address to every service that still uses the old one
06
AFTER SETTLING IN
Close the evidence trail
Report loss or damage within the contract process
Keep move-out inspection and key-return proof
Check final utility bills and deposit settlement
Confirm internet speed and any installation work
Store the lease, mover quote and receipts together
Moving to another municipality normally uses a moving-out notification followed by a moving-in notification. Moving within the same municipality uses its local address-change procedure. The online service can submit the moving-out notification and send a planned-visit notice, but it does not complete the moving-in procedure online.
HOUSEHOLD VOLUME
Count boxes and large items separately.
Box counts below are planning examples, not truck guarantees. List every item that cannot fit into a standard carton and add dimensions for anything bulky, fragile or unusually heavy.
VERY SMALL · DIY / DELIVERY
5–10 cartons
Suitcases, clothes, books and small household items, with no refrigerator, washing machine, bed or large table.
Compare parcel delivery, rental vehicle and a small-load service.SINGLE · LIGHTER LOAD
10–15 cartons
Futon or single bed, small refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, small table or desk, television and a few storage units.
Check a dedicated moving box or light truck.SINGLE LARGE / 2 PEOPLE
20–30 cartons
Two-person furniture, larger appliances, bed, sofa, table, chairs and several shelves or drawers.
A truck-based household move may fit better.FAMILY · 3–4 PEOPLE
30–50+ cartons
Full kitchen, dining and bedroom furniture, children’s items, several beds, larger refrigerator, washing machine and bicycles.
Request a visual or video survey if offered.
Make one shared inventory
Cartons by size · suitcases · beds and mattress sizes · refrigerator and washing machine · sofa · tables and desks · shelves · bicycles · air conditioner · piano or safe · plants · pets · items you will carry yourself.
DOMESTIC PRICE BENCHMARKS
Season changes the budget.
These are nationwide averages published by SUUMO from completed-move review data. “Normal season” is May–January and “busy season” is February–April. Distance and service level are mixed into the averages.
Planning reference only, reviewed 2 September 2026. The final price may be lower or much higher. International moves require route-specific quotes for freight, customs, storage and destination services.
WHY QUOTES CHANGE
Show every condition before you compare.
01
Route and date
Distance, ferry or remote-area transport, weekday, time window, month and how flexible the delivery date can be.
02
Building access
Floor, elevator size, stairs, corridor width, parking, narrow roads, distance from the truck and building reservation rules.
03
Work requested
Packing, unpacking, furniture assembly, protective materials, appliance connection, air-conditioner removal or installation and temporary storage.
04
Special handling
Piano, safe, artwork, motorcycle, large television, fragile items, hoisting, pets, plants and items that the company cannot transport.
UTILITY CONTRACT SAFETY
Verify the company before sharing a bill.
Electricity and gas sales approaches can arrive immediately after a move. Do not show meter-reading statements, customer numbers or supply-point identifiers to an unexpected caller or visitor. Confirm the provider name, plan, calculation method and cancellation terms through a known contact channel.
Use this list to start—not to stop—the comparison.
These providers are listed by use case, not ranked or endorsed. Coverage, language support, available dates and service conditions must be confirmed directly. This page does not currently use paid placement or affiliate ranking.
Single or family moves
Art Moving Center
Basic, packing-assisted and full packing/unpacking courses. Confirm the exact work split and options in the written quote.
Ask whether the quote includes export packing, pickup, documentation, customs-related support, sea or air freight, port or terminal charges, storage, destination delivery, unpacking and removal of packing materials.
Give each company the same inventory and conditions. A lower total is not cheaper if important work is excluded.
Addresses and access
Exact origin and destination
Floors, elevators and stairs
Truck parking and long carries
Building move-in reservation
Price and work
Transport, labor and materials
Packing and unpacking split
Appliance and air-conditioner work
Tax and possible extra charges
Protection
Damage and loss process
Coverage limits and exclusions
High-value or fragile-item declaration
Photos before collection
Dates and cancellation
Collection and delivery windows
Delay and storage handling
Cancellation or postponement charges
Payment date and method
Keep the estimate and transport terms.
Japan’s Standard Moving Terms require a written estimate containing the dates, addresses, total and breakdown, payment method, cancellation fee, company information and each side’s work. Confirm which terms your provider uses.