Are you relocating from one apartment to another in Tokyo, but don’t have furniture or big appliances to move? Just a few large suitcases and personal belongings? If so, finding a moving company willing to help can be surprisingly difficult. So, how to move within tokyo with large suitcases?
At Japan Movin, we specialize in this exact type of move: low-volume, no-furniture relocations for residents living in Tokyo. Whether you’re moving from a sharehouse, guesthouse, temporary accommodation, or just upgrading apartments, we’ve got you covered.

Why Traditional Moving Companies in Tokyo May Not Help
Most major moving companies in Japan are set up for full-scale moves — including sofas, beds, refrigerators, and dozens of boxes. If you call them to move just a few suitcases, you’ll either be refused or quoted a disproportionately high price.
These companies often:
- Require minimum volume
- Expect packed cardboard boxes
- Won’t handle small “personal-only” moves
- Do not offer English-speaking support
The Solution: A Suitcase-Only Moving Service in Tokyo
Japan Movin fills this gap by offering tailored moving solutions for Tokyo residents who just need help with transporting large luggage and personal items.
We’re the ideal solution for:
- International students switching apartments
- Expats moving within Tokyo with no furniture
- People leaving/leasing temporary apartments
- Short-term residents without bulky items
What Does a “Suitcase Move” Typically Include?
A typical suitcase-only move with Japan Movin includes:
✅ Pickup from your current location (even without an elevator)
✅ Transportation within the 23 wards of Tokyo
✅ Carrying luggage up/down stairs to your new apartment
✅ Clear English communication throughout
✅ Transparent flat-rate pricing — no hidden fees
We’ve moved:
- 6+ large suitcases (23 kg each)
- Boxes of books and clothes
- Musical instruments
- Small personal electronics (TV, monitor, speakers)
- Office supplies
No packing service is required — just have your suitcases ready and we’ll handle the rest.
How Much Does It Cost?
Unlike large-scale movers, our pricing is based on the real effort involved — not volume or unrealistic minimums. While costs vary depending on distance and staircases, a typical suitcase move ranges between:
💴 ¥40,000 to ¥70,000 total, all-inclusive.
That covers:
- Two professional movers
- 1–2 hours of work
- Transportation
- Stair carry (even to the 4th or 5th floor)
- Fuel & tax
We always provide a fixed price quote before you confirm — no surprises.
What If There’s No Elevator?
No elevator? No problem.
Many older Tokyo apartments (especially in areas like Itabashi, Setagaya, Edogawa, or Nakano) are walk-up only. We’re used to tight staircases and multi-floor access. You won’t have to carry anything — our team will handle the entire load-in/load-out process with care.
Same-Day or Morning Moves? We’ve Got You Covered.
If you’re working full-time or only available on a specific day, we offer:
- Morning moves (from 7 AM)
- Weekend availability
- Same-day urgent services (subject to availability)
Our flexible scheduling is perfect for Tokyo residents juggling work and housing transitions.
How to Book a Suitcase-Only Move
Booking is simple:
- Send us a message through our website
- Include your pickup and delivery address, floor number, and whether there’s an elevator
- List how many large/small suitcases you have
- Let us know your preferred moving date and time
We’ll reply with a clear flat-rate quote and confirm your availability.
Final Tips Before Your Small Move
- Pack everything into sturdy suitcases or bags – No loose items
- Label fragile items clearly – We’ll handle with care
- Secure building access codes or keys in advance
- Inform your new landlord of your move-in time
Why Japan Movin Is the Best Choice for Small Moves in Tokyo
✅ English-speaking, local team
✅ Reliable, punctual, and professional
✅ Specialize in non-furniture moves
✅ Used by dozens of expats, students & solo movers
✅ Transparent, fair pricing
✅ No elevator? No problem!
Looking for the easiest way to move your suitcases across Tokyo?
Let Japan Movin handle the stairs, transportation, and stress — you just focus on settling in.