Moving Day Timeline: A Foolproof Step-by-Step Guide
Moving day runs smoothly when you have a solid plan. This guide covers everything from the night before through utility setup at your new home in timeline checklist format. Practical tips to help you avoid common moving day mistakes.
What to Do the Night Before | Tonight Sets You Up for Success Tomorrow
Most of moving day's success depends on how well you prepare the night before. Rather than scrambling to handle things on moving day itself, get these tasks done the evening before.
Organize Your Valuables and Hand-Carried Items
Gather your bankbook, seal (inkan), health insurance card, driver's license, and moving-related documents (rental contract, key handover notice) into one bag. Never leave these with the moving company—carry them yourself. This prevents the chaos of wondering later which box a crucial document ended up in.
Switch off the refrigerator the evening before and consume or discard any food inside. Transporting a running refrigerator can cause the coolant to shift, potentially damaging it. If your model lacks a defrost cycle, prop the door open and wipe down moisture with a towel.
Final Checklist (Night-Before Check)
•Confirm moving company contact and arrival time
•Confirm the time for the final walkthrough at your old apartment
•Confirm the time and location for picking up keys to your new home (from your real estate agent or management company)
•Gather documents needed to set up electricity, gas, and water
•Confirm elevator protective covering and usage time, if applicable (for apartment buildings)
•Reserve parking space for the moving truck
Moving Day Walkthroughs | The Order: Old Home Exit → New Home Key Pickup
On moving day, you'll have two walkthroughs: one for your old apartment's final inspection and one to pick up keys for your new home. These often overlap, so it's critical to coordinate the order and timing in advance.
The Standard Order
Generally, proceed in this order: final walkthrough at old home → load out belongings → pick up keys to new home → move in belongings. If you pick up the new keys too early, the management company may not be available for the official handover, so coordinate this in advance.
What's Checked During the Old Home Walkthrough
The management company or property representative will inspect the space with you. Any damage, stains, or equipment malfunctions are noted on the spot, and you'll agree on the scope of restoration to original condition costs. Bringing photos taken at move-in helps distinguish normal wear and tear from tenant-caused damage.
Picking Up Keys to Your New Home
You'll receive keys from your real estate agent or management company. When collecting them, confirm the following:
•Number and type of keys received (main entrance, mailbox, etc.)
•Location and rules for the trash area
•Bicycle parking and parking spot numbers
•Emergency contact for the management company
How to Coordinate Smoothly with the Moving Company
Poor coordination with movers can lead to delays or friction with neighbors. Keep these points in mind.
Directing the Delivery of Belongings
When movers arrive, explain the layout or where each item should go. Label boxes beforehand with "Bedroom," "Kitchen," "Living Room," etc., so movers can sort them without needing constant directions. For large furniture (bed, refrigerator, washing machine), specify placement locations in advance.
Elevator Protection and Reservation
For apartment buildings, you must apply to the residents' association or management company in advance for elevator protection and access times. Finding out on moving day that the elevator is unavailable can cause major delays. Confirm arrangements by the day before and inform your movers of the approved time window.
Timing for Greeting Your Neighbors
Since moving is noisy, greet neighbors before work begins or early on moving day. The typical range includes the units directly above and below you, plus the one across the hall. A gift of everyday items (detergent, towels) in the ¥500–¥1,000 range is appropriate. Finishing introductions before movers start helps prevent friction during the work.
Must-Do Tasks at Your New Home the Same Day
After your belongings arrive, certain tasks must be completed that day. Some are essential for your daily life to begin.
Confirming Electricity, Gas, and Water Setup
•Electricity: Usually available immediately, but you must notify your power company. Switch on the breaker and test lights and outlets in each room.
•Gas: A technician must be present when turning on gas. Contact your gas company beforehand to schedule the activation time. Without a reservation, same-day service may not be available.
•Water: Usually available before you move in, but check the shut-off valve if water isn't running, and test all taps.
Confirming Internet Connection
Check if optical fiber or Wi-Fi is available from day one. For lines requiring installation, setup can take weeks, so apply before moving. If it's not ready immediately, use mobile hotspot as a temporary solution.
Priority Order for Setting Up Appliances
Refrigerator (plug in first—it takes hours to cool, so this is top priority)
Washing machine (set up and connect supply and drain hoses by day's end)
Air conditioner (if professional installation is needed, this is often done another day)
Microwave and rice cooker (needed for meal prep)
Task List to Complete by Evening
By evening on moving day, you'll be exhausted, but completing these tasks now will make your life comfortable starting tomorrow.
Must Complete Today
•[ ] Set up bedding (futon, pillows) – at minimum, ensure a place to sleep
•[ ] Confirm bathroom and toilet are functional (arrange towels, shampoo, etc.)
•[ ] Test the front door lock
•[ ] Confirm gas has been activated
•[ ] Turn on the refrigerator
•[ ] Set up washing machine and test it
•[ ] Learn tomorrow's trash collection day and sorting rules
Can Wait Until Later, But Handle Soon
•Update your resident registration (aim to do this within 14 days of moving)
•Update the address on your driver's license and My Number Card
•File a mail forwarding request at the post office
•Update your address with NHK and other services
Moving day drains you physically and mentally. That's why advance planning and understanding the timeline are so important. Use this guide to navigate the day with ease. With solid preparation, you'll start your new life on a comfortable note.
