Complete Moving Day Checklist | Everything You Need to Do on Your Rental Lease Move-In Day
Moving day often brings multiple urgent tasks that, if postponed, can quickly escalate into irreversible problems. This is a complete, chronologically organized checklist covering utilities activation, move-in condition documentation, and neighbor introductions.
To approach moving day with peace of mind, complete the following tasks by the day before.
Key Pickup and Property Information Verification
Confirm in advance the date and time you'll receive the keys from the management company or real estate agency, and verify in writing the number and types of keys (dimple locks, number-plate locks, etc.). Always check that the number of keys provided matches the number listed in your lease contract. It's also reassuring to confirm whether spare keys are available.
Final Confirmation of Utility Arrangements
Ideally, complete service applications for electricity, gas, water, and internet 1–2 weeks before your move-in date. The day before, double-check your application confirmation emails and the scheduled activation date. For gas, which requires a technician visit, note down the time slot.
Floor Plan and Measurements
Print the floor plan in advance and note down the dimensions of large furniture you plan to bring (bed, refrigerator, washing machine, sofa). It's especially important to compare these against hallway widths, door widths, and elevator dimensions to confirm everything can be moved in.
Moving Day Morning | Essential Tasks Before Furniture Delivery
Prioritize Move-In Condition Inspection
Before the moving company brings in your belongings, first document the current condition of the room. This is the most critical task. To prevent disputes at move-out, record the following in both photographs and writing:
•Scratches, stains, and dirt on walls, ceilings, and floors
•Door and window frame opening and closing issues
•Functionality checks of equipment (air conditioner, water heater, ventilation fan)
•Condition of closets and storage interiors
Most rental properties provide a "move-in inspection checklist." If you haven't received one from your management company, create your own and send it to them via email along with photos—this can prevent disputes over restoration costs at move-out. Photograph everything with date stamps and save copies to cloud storage or email for best protection.
Test All Equipment
•Electricity: Switch on the breaker and verify that lights and outlets in each room have power
•Water: Check that water flows from all faucets and there are no leaks
•Toilet and drainage: Flush and confirm there are no blockages or unusual sounds
•Intercom and locks: Confirm everything operates normally
During Delivery | Key Points When Working with the Moving Company
Verify Delivery Route and Protective Coverings
Moving companies apply protective coverings (sheets) to hallways, walls, and floors—confirm the coverage area before delivery begins. In apartment buildings, shared areas (elevators and hallways) are often required by building regulations to be protected; verify that your moving company is handling this.
Check for Damage After Each Item is Delivered
As each piece of furniture is delivered to each room, check walls, floors, and doors for new damage. Damage during delivery is the moving company's responsibility, so it's crucial to spot and report it immediately. If you notice damage after delivery is complete, the company may claim it was there before.
Sign the Delivery Completion Form
After delivery is complete, the moving company will ask you to sign a completion form. Review it carefully and clarify any unclear points or additional charges before signing.
How to Confirm Utilities Are Activated
Electricity (Check First)
Simply switch the breaker to "on" to activate electricity. If you've already filed your application with the power company, it will work without a technician visit. If power doesn't come on, call the power company to check.
Water (Check Second)
Check that the shutoff valve and main valve are open. In apartments, the shutoff valve is usually under the sink or next to the toilet. Run water immediately in the bathroom sink, toilet, and kitchen to confirm everything works.
Gas (Requires Technician Visit)
Gas must always be activated by a technician from the gas company. Schedule an appointment in advance; during busy seasons (March–April), appointments fill up quickly, so book early. On activation day, confirm all gas appliances (stove, water heater) work properly with the technician.
Internet (Check Last)
If the building already has fiber optic service installed, activation may not require additional work; however, if you have an individual contract, you'll need to schedule installation separately. If you need internet right away, consider temporarily renting a mobile Wi-Fi router.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
•Forgetting to schedule gas activation and having no hot water (especially risky during busy seasons)
•Forgetting to switch on the breaker and mistakenly thinking there's no power
•Leaving the water shutoff valve closed and having no water
•Internet installation being weeks away and disrupting your work-from-home setup
Notifications to Management Company and Government After Move-In
Notify Management Company of Your Move-In
Contact your management company on move-in day or the next day to confirm your arrival. This is also a good time to clarify emergency contacts, how to report equipment problems, and garbage disposal rules.
Check Your Mailbox
Check if the mailbox has a lock, verify your name is displayed, and confirm the lock works properly. If mail for the previous resident arrives, mark it "address unknown—moved" and return it to the mailbox.
Resident Registration and Address Change
Within 14 days of moving, visit your municipal government office to update your resident registration. Submit either a transfer-in form (if moving from another municipality) or a change-of-address form (if moving within the same municipality). Also arrange to update your driver's license and My Number Card addresses.
Timing and Etiquette for Neighbor Introductions
When to Greet Your Neighbors
The ideal time is 1–3 days after your move. Moving day itself is hectic, and visiting in the evening is considered rude, so aim for the next day, around 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Who to Greet
Generally, greet neighbors in the units above and below you, and on both sides—about 4–6 households total. If you're on the ground floor, just greet upstairs neighbors and those beside you. For single-family rentals, the convention is "three houses in front and two houses to each side."
Choosing a Small Gift
A practical gift in the ¥500–¥1,000 range works well (plastic wrap, detergent, snacks, etc.). Since you don't know neighbors' preferences, everyday items tend to be safer than food. A greeting card with "御挨拶" (greeting) and your name is a nice touch.
What to Say
A simple introduction makes a big difference: "I'm [your name] and I've just moved into unit [number]. I apologize in advance if we cause any noise or inconvenience. Thank you for your understanding." If neighbors aren't home, leave a note.
Moving day brings many tasks, and it's easy to overlook things amid the rush and exhaustion. Simply review this checklist the day before and keep the priorities in mind (move-in inspection → utilities → notify management → neighbor introductions)—this alone will greatly reduce the day's chaos. Use this guide to start your new life on the right foot.
