A rental professional explains all procedures needed from moving day through one month later. With easily-overlooked tasks also organized chronologically, this guide ensures you can confidently start your new life.
Reviewed by: Nobuyuki MoriPresident, M-Assets Co., Ltd. / Licensed Real Estate Transaction Specialist (Miyagi #018212)
After receiving the keys, there is one task you absolutely must complete before moving your belongings in. That is "documenting the room's initial condition and taking photographs." Most move-out disputes arise because damage and stains present at move-in were not documented.
Moving to a rental apartment involves many procedures, and first-timers often struggle to know where to start. This article comprehensively covers everything you need to do in four stages: one month before, two weeks before, one week before, and just before moving day. We'll also explain the timing for address changes and utility setup in detail.
A comprehensive breakdown of 28 essential administrative procedures needed after moving, presented as a checklist. From resident registration transfers to driver's license, My Number Card, bank, credit card, insurance, and workplace notifications—clarifying the priority order and deadlines for each procedure.
A practical checklist organizing address updates for digital services like e-commerce sites, banks, insurance, social media, and food delivery—categorized by type. Includes prioritization to help prevent oversights.
Your move-in day is packed with critical tasks that help prevent future problems. From receiving keys to verifying appliances and documenting damage, we comprehensively explain what professionals recommend you do on move-in day. Use this article as a guide to start your new life smoothly and with confidence.
Things to Check When Receiving the Keys
How to Document Damage and Stains
Checking Meters
You are required by law (Basic Resident Registration Law) to submit your moving-in notification within 14 days. Failing to do so may result in a fine, so address this promptly.
Moving-Out and Moving-In Notifications (Municipal Office)
Driver's License Address Update (Police Box or Driver's License Center)
Bank and Credit Card Address Updates
Other Procedures to Complete Within One Week
National Health Insurance and National Pension registrations should be updated within 14 days as a rule, but in practice most people complete this within one month. Be sure not to overlook these.
National Health Insurance Address Update (Municipal Office)
National Pension Address Update
My Number Card Address Update (Municipal Office)
Getting your internet connected is often the task that takes the most unexpected time after moving.
Typical Lead Times for Activation
You Must Apply Before Moving In
Some people think moving-in greetings are no longer necessary, but in rental properties, neighborhood relations often become sources of conflict. We strongly recommend greeting your neighbors.
Who to Visit
Timing
Choosing a Gift
Here are points that are often missed and that professionals want you to know about.
Home/Fire Insurance Review and Updates
Auto Insurance Address Update
Passport Address Label Update
Additional Procedures if You Have Children
Moving involves many procedures, but by organizing them into three phases—"moving day," "within one week," and "within one month"—and setting priorities, you can complete everything without omissions. Since your moving-in notification has a deadline, we recommend handling it before unpacking.
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