Move in Comfortably from Day One! Complete Timeline for New Apartment Setup [Single Living Edition]

Order Is Everything on Moving Day

Moving day to your new apartment brings countless tasks, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed about where to start. From furniture delivery to setting up electricity and gas, and unpacking—if each task isn't done in the right order, you might end up panicking later with "the electricity isn't on!" or "the gas wasn't connected!"

This guide walks you through the day from morning to bedtime on a timeline, with concrete steps so that those living alone can smoothly start their new life.

What to Complete Before Moving Day

To make moving day smoother, completing the following by the day before will make the day significantly easier.

• •Request to start service from your electricity, gas, and water companies (1 week to 3 days before moving)
• •Confirm the time with your moving company
• •Complete packing and organizing your old apartment (except large furniture)
• •Receive the key to your new apartment (if possible by the day before)
• •Reserve an air conditioner installation service (if separate arrangement is needed)

In particular, gas setup requires your presence, so if you have city gas, reserve a visit time with the gas company in advance.

Moving Day Morning (Before Delivery)

What to Do Immediately Upon Arriving at Your New Apartment

1. Check for damage and stains, and take photos and video

Before moving furniture in, check the condition of walls, floors, ceilings, fixtures for scratches and stains, and record everything in photos and video. If you don't document pre-existing damage, you could be held responsible for it when you move out, leading to disputes. This is absolutely essential.

2. Turn the breaker on

If you've submitted your electricity request, simply flip the breaker to get power. Plug something in to verify the electricity is working.

3. Check the water

Open the faucet and confirm water flows. Water is usually available without application, but some water authorities may require procedures.

4. Check windows and ventilation fans

Open windows since dust will be raised during furniture delivery. Also check the protective tape on elevators and hallway walls to prevent damage during delivery (the moving company usually handles this).

Furniture and Luggage Delivery (Morning to Afternoon)

Delivery Priority

When the moving company delivers your belongings, deciding placement in advance saves time.

It's most efficient to prioritize delivery in this order:

1. Set up large furniture (bed, sofa, shelving) first
2. Deliver and install refrigerator and washing machine
3. Connect TV and appliances
4. Stack boxes of clothing and small items in a corner temporarily

Since it's difficult to move large furniture alone later, having the movers place them in their final positions is important. Sketching the layout on a floor plan and giving it to the movers in advance will make things run smoothly.

Key Points When Instructing Movers

• •Have floor plans ready and clearly specify "bedroom gets bed and shelving, living room gets ○○"
• •Put prominent labels on boxes containing "fragile items" or "important items"
• •After all items are delivered, do a final inspection with the movers present to check for damage

Gas Setup Appointment (Morning to Evening)

For city gas, a gas company representative will attend to open your gas meter. You must be home during the reserved time.

What happens during gas setup:

• •Opening the gas meter
• •Safety check for gas leaks
• •Testing the stove, water heater, and bathroom dryer

You won't have hot water until gas is connected. To shower on moving day evening, try to schedule it for morning to early afternoon.

With propane gas, the gas company usually installs and opens the meter the day before or on moving day.

Unpacking Priorities (Evening to Night)

You won't finish unpacking everything on moving day—that's unrealistic. First, prioritize unpacking what you need tonight and tomorrow.

Top Priority to Unpack

1. Bedding (comforter, pillows): You'll use it tonight
2. Change of clothes, toiletries, towels: Needed tomorrow morning
3. Cooking utensils and dishes (minimum): If you'll cook
4. Chargers and smartphone: To stay connected
5. Medicine and first-aid kit: For emergencies

What Can Wait Until After Tomorrow

• •Books and magazines
• •Out-of-season clothing
• •Hobby items
• •Documents and file holders (if not urgent)

What to Confirm and Set Up on Move-in Day

While unpacking, also complete the following procedures on moving day or early the next day.

Set up Wi-Fi router: If fiber optic work is complete, just connect the router. If not yet installed, use a mobile hotspot or a free router until your service is activated.

NHK subscription contract: If you have a TV or a one-seg enabled smartphone, NHK may contact you (you have a legal obligation to contract).

Package delivery box key and password: If your building has a delivery box, learn how to use it.

Trash area location and collection days: Identify where your building's trash area is and when collection happens (including bulk waste) so you can dispose of moving boxes.

Greeting Your Neighbors

Introduce yourself to your neighbors above, below, and next to you within your first day or two. It's customary to bring a small gift, typically sweets or snacks in the 500–1,000 yen range.

A simple greeting like "I'm ○○, who just moved in today. I apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to being a good neighbor" is sufficient. A quick introduction can prevent future noise complaints and neighborly friction.

Summary: Moving Day Checklist

Here's how to organize your moving day:

Before Delivery

• •Document any room damage or stains with photos
• •Turn on the breaker, check water

During Delivery

• •Deliver large furniture, then appliances, then small items
• •Clearly specify layout to the movers

After Delivery to Evening

• •Attend gas setup
• •Unpack (prioritize what you need today and tomorrow)
• •Test Wi-Fi and verify appliances work

Night

• •Shower/bath (after gas is connected)
• •Greet neighbors (or do this tomorrow if time is tight)
• •Learn trash collection rules

Your comfort in your new life depends largely on how you set up initially. Take your time and stay mindful of priorities so you can start your new apartment life on a positive note from day one.