【Ultimate Guide】Moving in Japan Procedures: Checklist from Move-out to the First 14 Days

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"I've decided to move! But Japanese bureaucracy is so complicated, I don't know where to start..."

Are you feeling this anxiety? For foreign residents especially, moving in Japan is not just about transporting boxes. If you miss the strict administrative procedures—specifically the "within 14 days of moving in" rule (Move-in Notification and Residence Card address update)—you risk a fine of up to ¥200,000 and could potentially negatively affect your future visa renewals.

Furthermore, there are pitfalls everywhere, such as the mandatory presence required for gas activation or waiting over a month for internet installation. Stories of failures like "My gas wasn't turned on, so I had to take freezing cold showers in the middle of winter" are all too common.

In this article, we break down the Japanese moving process into three phases: "Pre-Move," "Just Before," and "Post-Move." We provide a complete checklist covering "When," "Where," and "What" you need to do. Read this to avoid unnecessary expenses (like double rent or cancellation fees) and start your new life smoothly.

【Phase 1】1-2 Months Before Moving: Move-out Notice and Booking Movers

The most critical part of a moving project is the "initial action." Mistakes here can lead to losses amounting to tens of thousands of yen. You don't need to start packing yet, but start the following two tasks immediately.

Confirm Move-out Notice and Cancellation Fees

First, check your current rental contract. The notice period for cancellation is typically set to "1 month before" or "2 months before."

• Notice Deadline: If your deadline is "1 month before" and you want to move out on March 31st, you must notify the landlord by February 28th. If you miss this, you will be charged rent for April (or pro-rated rent).
• Short-term Cancellation Penalty: Check if there is a special clause requiring a penalty fee (often equivalent to one month's rent) if you move out within less than one year or two years of moving in.

★Read also: 【2026 Edition】The Truth About "Initial Costs" in Japanese Rentals: Understanding Key Money, Deposits, and Guarantors

Selecting a Moving Company (How to Avoid the "Phone Attack")

Next is arranging a moving company, but caution is needed here. If you register with a standard Japanese "bulk estimate website," your phone will start ringing immediately with a "barrage of sales calls" from multiple companies. You definitely want to avoid getting calls late at night or early in the morning.

Therefore, we recommend a concierge-type estimate service.

Strategy for Disposing of Oversized Trash (Bulky Waste)

When disposing of furniture or appliances, the municipal "Sodai Gomi" (Oversized Trash) collection is the cheapest option (about ¥300 to ¥2,000 per item), but reservations often require a wait of "2 weeks to 1 month."

• Watch the Deadline: Many municipalities have rules like "deadline is the 23rd of the month." You won't make it if you try to book just before your move-out date.
• If You Can't Make It: You will have to use a private junk removal service, but be careful as there are some unscrupulous operators.

If you miss the municipal collection, the following service is effective as a "last resort" with clear pricing and same-day service availability.

★Read also: Is Renting Furniture & Appliances Better Than Buying? Full Comparison of 2-Year Costs and Disposal Fees 【2026】

【Phase 2】2 Weeks Before to the Day Before: Utilities and Administrative Prep

Missing procedures for essential utilities leads directly to a new life hell where you "can't take a bath" or "have no internet."

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Canceling and Starting Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water)

Contacting each company can often be done via the Web, but timing is crucial.

• Electricity: Smart meters are now common, so your presence is generally not required. Moving is also the best time to review your power company. Simply switching to a "New Power Company" (Shin-Denryoku) can often save you ¥5,000 to ¥10,000 per year.

• Gas (Most Important): By law, your presence is required to open the gas valve (start service). Reservations flood in during the busy season (March-April). If you don't book at least 2 weeks in advance, you may not be able to use hot water from day one and will be forced to go to a public bath (Sento).
• Water: Basically, apply via the Web or phone to the Waterworks Bureau in charge of your area.

Dealing with the Internet "Construction Wait"

The reality of optical fiber lines in Japan (especially NURO Hikari or au Hikari) is that it takes 1 to 2 months from application to installation. During this time, you risk becoming a "net refugee" without Wi-Fi at home.

If you cannot wait for construction or are staying for a short period, a home router that requires no construction is the best solution.

★Read also: 【2026 Edition】Japan Home Internet Comparison: Fiber Optics vs Home Router vs Pocket Wi-Fi

Submitting the Move-out Notification (Tenshutsu-todoke)

Previously, you had to go to the city hall, but now if you have a "My Number Card," you can submit the Move-out Notification online via "Myna Portal."

• If going to the counter: Go to the city hall of your old address with your ID (Residence Card, etc.). Receive the "Certificate of Move-out" (Tenshutsu Shomeisho) and absolutely do not lose it (you need it to move in).

【Phase 3】Move-in Day to Within 14 Days: City Hall & Address Changes

From here, this is the phase where you must comply with the "14-Day Rule" set by law to protect your residence status.

Move-in Notification (Tennyu-todoke) and Residence Card Endorsement

Once you move into your new home, you must submit a "Move-in Notification" at the municipal office of your new address within 14 days.

• The 14-Day Rule: If the notification is delayed without a valid reason, you may be subject to a fine of up to ¥50,000. It also risks being a negative factor during your visa renewal.
• Residence Card: Be sure to bring your Residence Card when submitting the Move-in Notification. The new address will be written on the back of the card at the counter, which counts as completing the notification of address change to the Immigration Bureau (you do not need to go to Immigration separately).

Mail Forwarding and Other Address Changes

• Mail Forwarding (e-Tenkyo): A service that forwards mail sent to your old address to your new one for free for one year. You can apply at a post office counter or via the Web (e-Tenkyo). However, for foreign names, web forms often return errors due to middle name formatting, so applying at the counter is more reliable.
• Address Change List:
  • Banks & Credit Cards
  • Mobile Phone
  • Employer / School

Conclusion

Moving in Japan involves a mountain of paperwork, but if you do it in the right order, there is nothing to fear. In particular, "Address Change on Residence Card (within 14 days)" and "Gas Activation Appointment (2 weeks prior)" are top priorities involving your daily life and visa.

First, start with "Arranging a Moving Company," which takes the most time and offers the highest potential for savings. Use the link below for a smart estimate without the phone attacks.