Moving apartments within Japan is common — many residents move every 2–3 years. For foreigners, the process involves both the standard administrative steps and some immigration-specific requirements.
Timeline Overview
| When | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1–2 months before | Give notice to current landlord |
| 1–3 weeks before | Book moving company |
| 1–2 weeks before | Notify utilities, internet provider |
| Moving day | Complete the move |
| Within 14 days after | Update address at city hall |
| Within 14 days after | Update immigration (residence card) |
| Within 14 days after | Notify employer, bank, etc. |
Step 1: Give Notice to Current Landlord
Check your lease — most Japanese leases require 1–2 months notice before moving out.
- Review your contract for the exact notice period (通知期間)
- Submit a written move-out notice (退去届) — ask your real estate agent for the form
- Schedule your final inspection (退去立ち合い)
Getting your deposit back: The landlord must itemize any deductions. Deposit disputes are common — know your rights under the 民法 (Civil Code) and the guidance from the Ministry of Land.
Step 2: Hire a Moving Company (引越し業者)
Japanese moving companies are professional, efficient, and widely available.
Major Companies
- サカイ引越センター (Sakai Hikkoshi Center) — nationwide, reliable
- アート引越センター (Art Hikkoshi Center) — large company, good service
- 日本通運 (Nippon Tsu) — established national company
- ハート引越センター — competitive pricing
Pricing
- Local move (same city): ¥30,000–80,000
- Intercity move: ¥80,000–250,000+
- Off-peak (avoid March/April — Japan’s moving peak season) saves 30–50%
Getting Quotes
Get quotes from at least 3 companies. Use:
- 引越し侍 (Hikkoshi Samurai) — comparison site; enter details once, receive multiple quotes
- SUUMO引越し — similar comparison service
What Moving Companies Do
Standard service includes:
- Pack and transport furniture and boxes
- Reassemble furniture at new location
- Some companies offer packing service (梱包サービス) for an additional fee
Step 3: Handle Utilities
Stopping at Old Address
Contact each provider at least 1 week before moving:
- Electricity (電気): Call or use the app of your provider (Tokyo Electric Power, Kansai Electric, etc.)
- Gas (ガス): Call to arrange disconnection; you must be present for gas shutoff
- Water (水道): Contact your ward/city water department
- Internet: Contact your ISP; transfer or cancel (cancellation fees may apply)
Setting Up at New Address
- Electricity: Fill out the enclosed card in the electricity meter box or call the local provider
- Gas: Call to schedule connection — someone must be home (usually same day or next day)
- Water: Usually automatic; check the meter runs
- Internet: Order new service or transfer — allow 2–4 weeks for fiber setup
Step 4: Update Your Address at City Hall (Required by Law)
This is legally required within 14 days of moving.
What to Bring
- Residence card (在留カード)
- New address information
- My Number card (if you have one)
What Happens
- 転出届 (Tenshutsu-todoke) — notify old municipality you’re leaving (if moving to a different city/ward)
- 転入届 (Tennyu-todoke) — register at new city hall
If moving within the same city or ward, it’s a simple address change (転居届).
Step 5: Update Your Residence Card (Foreign Nationals)
Required within 14 days of moving.
After updating your address at city hall, your new address is printed on the back of your residence card by city hall staff.
- Bring your residence card to city hall when filing your address change
- They update it on the spot with a stamp/print — no need to go to immigration
Step 6: Notify Other Organizations
After your city hall address is updated, notify:
| Organization | How |
|---|---|
| Employer/HR | Notify HR department; affects tax documents |
| Bank | Update via bank app, ATM, or branch |
| Credit cards | Update online or by phone |
| Health insurance | City hall or employer handles this |
| Pension (年金) | City hall can update |
| Japan Post (mail forwarding) | 転送届 (Tenso-todoke) — free 1-year mail forwarding from old address |
| Immigration employer notification | If you change address, employer must also notify immigration if required |
| Subscriptions | Amazon, Netflix, delivery services, etc. |
Japan Post Mail Forwarding
File at any post office or online at japanpost.jp. Mail is forwarded free for 1 year. Extremely useful — prevents missed bills and documents.
March/April: Japan’s Peak Moving Season
The Japanese school and fiscal year begins in April. This makes February–April the most expensive and busiest time for moving companies.
If you can, schedule your move:
- November to January — cheapest, most availability
- Weekday moves — 20–30% cheaper than weekends