When moving, the process of setting up electricity, gas, water, and internet can save you enormous effort if you know the right sequence. From application methods for each utility to important tips during busy seasons, we've compiled the essential knowledge you need for a smooth start to your new life.
Reviewed by: Nobuyuki MoriPresident, M-Assets Co., Ltd. / Licensed Real Estate Transaction Specialist (Miyagi #018212)
When moving to a new home, you need to complete procedures for electricity, gas, water, and internet in advance so you can live comfortably from your move-in day. Since each utility has different application timings and opening days, it's important to manage them together.
To ensure electricity, gas, and water are ready on moving day, advance setup is essential. This practical checklist outlines the procedures, contact information, and important notes for activating each utility in chronological order.
Utility problems on moving day—no electricity, gas, or water—are surprisingly common. This guide by a rental expert walks you through every step of the process, even if it's your first time living alone, including how to choose energy providers and what to expect during gas line activation.
To avoid situations where electricity won't turn on or gas can't be used on moving day, this guide explains the practical procedures from application timing, whether inspections are required, identity verification specific to foreign residents, to choosing billing plans.
A chronological guide to opening utilities—electricity, gas, water, and internet—when moving. Learn how to handle disconnection at your old place and connection at your new place simultaneously, tips for scheduling a gas technician appointment, and information about English-language support.
Here's a general timeline guideline:
Managing these individually often leads to oversights, so we recommend creating a checklist to manage them all together.
For electricity, you need to cancel your current address and set up service at your new address.
Application Method
You can apply through each electric company's official website or by phone. Since the electricity market was deregulated in 2016, you can switch not just to the regional major power company but also to new power companies. It's a good idea to compare and choose a company that matches your lifestyle, considering rate plans and renewable energy ratios.
Information Needed for Application
Points to Note
After application, electricity can typically be activated without your presence. However, if a property has been vacant for a long time, the breaker may simply be turned off, and in most cases you can restore power by flipping the breaker yourself on the day before move-in or on move-in day.
Gas requires the most attention among all utilities. A technician must be present when the service is activated, and if you can't get an appointment, you may not be able to use gas on your first day.
Application Method
Contact the gas company (for city gas, contact your regional supplier; for propane, confirm with the property management company or landlord) by phone or website. Check the property's equipment specifications or contact the management company to determine if it's city gas or propane.
The Appointment Process
The process typically takes about 30 minutes. Since all gas appliances (stove, water heater, etc.) must be installed when the technician arrives, scheduling the appointment after furniture has been moved in is ideal.
Strategies for Busy Seasons
March and April are peak moving seasons, and gas company appointments fill up quickly. We strongly recommend booking 2-3 weeks in advance during this time. Weekday mornings tend to have more available slots.
Unlike electricity and gas, water service is managed by the water bureau or designated contractor in your new city or ward.
Application Method
Apply for service activation through the water bureau's website or by phone in your new city. Many municipalities allow online applications and don't require your presence for activation. However, some areas may require an appointment, so confirm in advance.
Canceling Service at Your Previous Address (Closing)
Apply to close water service at your current address on your move-out date. Aim to submit the closure request by one week before move-out. The management company may confirm this during the move-out inspection, but you need to contact the water bureau yourself.
Billing and Settlement
Water bills are typically read every two months, and you'll receive a prorated bill when you move out. You can confirm the settlement amount on the notice sent from the water bureau.
Internet service takes the longest to activate among all utilities. In particular, fiber-optic lines require both external building work and indoor installation, and it's not uncommon for activation to take 1-2 months from application.
Types of Service and Their Features
Important Notes When Changing Providers
If you're switching fiber-optic providers, you may face cancellation fees on your old contract. Check your contract renewal date (the end of your minimum commitment period) before canceling.
Also, in apartment buildings, the speed depends on whether the building uses VDSL or fiber-optic distribution methods, so it's best to confirm with your management company.
If your new place is in an apartment building and fiber-optic lines have already been brought into the building, you may be able to choose a "Mansion Plan" that requires no installation work and offers lower rates. Confirming this before moving will make the application process smoother.
During peak moving season (late February to early April), all procedures can be expected to be crowded. Use the following timeline as a guide and prepare with plenty of time in advance.
2 Months Before Move-in
1 Month Before Move-in
2 Weeks Before Move-in
Move-in Day
The key to successfully setting up utilities is acting early, even before your actual move. Gas and internet are particularly prone to issues like "couldn't get an appointment" or "installation didn't happen in time," so we recommend starting as soon as you've found your new home. With good planning and preparation, you can start your new life comfortably from day one. If you're looking for rental properties in Sendai, try searching on sumuie with your preferred criteria.
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