Things You Need to Know When Moving House in Japan

Moving house in Japan isn't just about packing up your stuff and leaving; it involves a lot of administrative procedures and strict regulations. If you're not well-prepared, you could run into paperwork issues or unexpected costs. This article will help you understand the entire process and key points to note when moving in Japan.

First, check your rental contract to know the required notice period before leaving – usually 1 month. If you don't notify on time, you might lose the next month's rent. Contact your landlord or management company early to agree on the move-out date and house inspection.

For example, if you plan to move on April 26, according to the contract, you need to notify 1 month in advance. So around March 20, you should call the management company to inform them.

About 14 days before moving out, you must go to your current local ward office to declare your move. Once completed, you'll receive a moving-out certificate (転出証明書), which is required to register at your new address. Don't forget to bring your residence card, passport, and personal seal.

You should notify the utility companies one to two weeks before moving to avoid extra charges. Some services, like gas, require an in-person visit to shut off the valve. Don't forget to pay any outstanding bills and get a confirmation if needed for your new contract.

If you have large items like refrigerators, washing machines, furniture... that you no longer need, you must register for bulky waste disposal (粗大ごみ - sodai gomi) with the local authorities. This requires scheduling in advance and buying disposal stickers at a convenience store. Alternatively, you can sell or give them away on platforms like Mercari or Jimoty.

Before leaving, clean the old place thoroughly to leave a good impression. The landlord or real estate company will inspect the house before officially ending the contract.

To avoid missing important mail, register for mail forwarding service (郵便物の転送) at the post office. The process is simple; just fill out a form or do it online, and the post office will forward mail from your old address to the new one.

Within 14 days after moving to the new place, you need to go to the local ward office to register your residence. Remember to bring the moving-out certificate, residence card, and seal. If you're enrolled in national health insurance, update the address at the same time.

After moving, notify your new address to:

Updating promptly helps you avoid losing mail, bills, or disruptions to other personal services.

Whether you're moving yourself or hiring a service, plan ahead: pack neatly and label each box clearly for easy sorting. If hiring a service, book early for better rates and suitable time slots.

Absolutely do not leave without notifying and properly terminating the contract

One serious mistake that many foreigners – especially international students and trainees – often make when moving in Japan is leaving without notice or failing to complete the rental contract termination procedures. In many cases, even if there's a guarantor on the lease, they don't proactively contact the landlord or real estate company when wanting to move, or they haven't vacated by the contract end date.

A worse scenario is some people rent cheap places with low upfront costs, then disappear without paying the remaining rent. This not only causes losses to the real estate company but also seriously affects the guarantor's reputation and finances.

If breaching the contract causes significant damage, you could be blacklisted in the housing system. In more severe cases, you might even face prosecution for fraud. As a result, it will be very difficult – or impossible – to rent a place in Japan in the future.

Therefore, act responsibly: always notify in advance, follow the proper contract termination process, and fulfill financial obligations before moving. This is not only basic courtesy but also helps you maintain your reputation and avoid legal troubles later.

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Moving house in Japan can be stressful if you're inexperienced. However, with proper preparation and following the procedures, everything will go smoothly. Hope this article helps you save time, effort, and avoid unnecessary hassles!