Mistakes to Avoid When Moving in Japan
Moving in Japan, whether you’re relocating across Tokyo or to another city, can be a complex process — especially for foreigners unfamiliar with local customs and logistics. To make your relocation as smooth as possible, here are the most common mistakes we see… and how you can avoid them.
Mistakes to Avoid When Moving in Japan
1. Underestimating How Early You Need to Plan
In Japan, moving companies (especially affordable ones) get fully booked weeks in advance — especially during peak seasons like March and April.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Start planning and contacting movers as soon as you know your moving date.
2. Not Measuring Furniture or Checking Access Points
Many buildings in Japan have narrow staircases, small elevators, or tight hallways.
Before moving day, make sure your furniture will actually fit through the doors and into your new place.
➤ Bonus tip: Some apartment buildings restrict the use of elevators for moving during certain hours — always confirm in advance.
3. Assuming All Movers Speak English
While Tokyo is international, many local moving companies operate only in Japanese.
This can lead to misunderstandings about pricing, services, or logistics.
➤ Solution: Use a moving service like JapanMovin, designed specifically for foreigners, with clear English communication and support.
4. Skipping the City Office Address Change
In Japan, you must report your change of address to the local city office (市役所 shiyakusho) within 14 days of moving.
If you forget, it could affect things like your health insurance, taxes, or even visa-related paperwork.
➤ Tip: You’ll need to visit both your old and new ward offices (if moving across city lines), so plan accordingly.
5. Not Sorting and Disposing of Trash Correctly
Japan has strict rules for separating and disposing of waste.
Leaving behind unsorted garbage or oversized items (sodai gomi) without proper booking can result in fines.
➤ Plan ahead and check your local ward’s website for disposal schedules and booking procedures.
6. Trying to Move Everything Alone
Renting a van and doing it all yourself may sound cheap — but in a city like Tokyo, it can quickly become stressful.
From finding parking to navigating one-way streets and dealing with heavy lifting, it’s often not worth the hassle.
➤ Consider hiring professionals, especially for fragile or bulky items.
7. Forgetting to Notify Utilities and Internet Providers
Many foreigners forget to cancel or transfer services like gas, electricity, water, or Wi-Fi in time.
➤ Make sure to notify all providers of your moving date at least 1–2 weeks in advance.
For internet, some providers take 2–4 weeks to install service at your new address.
✅ Final Tip: Get Support You Can Rely On
Avoiding these mistakes can save you time, money, and stress.
At JapanMovin, we specialize in helping foreigners move smoothly across Tokyo and beyond.
From personalized quotes to moving day coordination — we speak your language, and we understand your needs.
👉 Request your free quote now and let’s make your move easy.